There’s more to owning a horse than feed, water and housing. Horse care administration and documentation is also important. By having accurate and available emergency information, by having appropriate vaccination and health policies, by confirming insurance coverage, and by keeping a medication logbook, horse owners, barn owners, and trainers can protect themselves and their … [Read more...]
Vilsack parallels Covid-19 and animal disease vigilance
USDA Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack said there are three lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic that can help the country better prepare for future human and animal infectious disease outbreaks: the sooner you can detect a problem, the better incredible coordination is required the country must be able to create, distribute and manufacture … [Read more...]
Most common dairy farm inspection debits
From behind the scenes, a Minnesota, dairy farm inspector shares violations that occur over and over. The list reveals how much observational diligence is required on dairies. . . . to market Grade A milk, farms are required to undergo routine state and milk buyer inspections and pass federal milk inspection requirements. Source: Farm Progress, December 21, 2020. Link. Repeat … [Read more...]
Role of veterinarians, nutritionists changing on dairies
University of Kentucky Extension professionals say the role of veterinarians in the dairy industry is everchanging. The size and sophistication of dairies has reduced the hands-on need for exams and treatments. Now veterinarians play an intrinsic role in establishing protocols, especially as they relate to treatments with antibiotics, pain management and training farm employees … [Read more...]
VVCA Mark Five series compares telemedicine policies: AVMA, AAVSB, and VIC
Continuing his series about the dynamics of telemedicine in the veterinary space, Mark Cushing, JD, compares the policies of three organizations that set guidance for veterinarians. He first reminds us that the VCPR rules were established to create a legal basis for state boards to take disciplinary actions against a practitioner, NOT to protect animals under the care of … [Read more...]
University of Georgia program teaching vet students about bees
One of the more uncomfortable side challenges with VFD rules remains the required interaction of veterinarians with apiarists when prescription drugs are needed. Dr. Jörg Mayer at the University of Georgia is leading the implementation of a first-of-its-kind program on bee medicine. Mayer recognizes many veterinary students have no relevant experience with some animals and that … [Read more...]
VVCA in virtual care driver’s seat
Complimentary content The Mark Five: Policy Off Leash series continues with the third and fourth editions. In the third edition, Mark Cushing, JD, shares critical information about how the FDA views telemedicine. The discussion focuses on off-label prescriptions and traditional VCPR in the FDA regulations. The FDA rule is limited to extra-label drug prescriptions and was … [Read more...]
VVCA Mark Five series: VCPR Changes Since COVID-19
Complimentary Content In this second Mark Five video, Mark Cushing, J.D. covers the complex subject of how Covid affected telemedicine VCPR policies. Fortunately, veterinary medicine was declared essential across all of the United States. Three different types of took actions that affected they did something about telemedicine VCPR policy: 17 states suspended their … [Read more...]
Virox® webinar: Recommended operational changes for veterinary practices
Sponsored Content TODAY, Thursday, 22 Oct, 2:00 p.m. EDT: Register here: LINK. Join Virox® Animal Health for a free webinar featuring a panel of four business operations advisors. They will outline human resources, OSHA safety, infectious disease and management changes for the veterinary practice 2020-2021 during Covid. Source: Virox® Animal Health. Link. Topics will … [Read more...]
An update on U.S. feral swine disease surveillance
Like a storm cloud on the horizon, 6 million feral hogs create ongoing challenges and disease threats to rural and ruralpolitan areas. Jennifer Shike shares an update from the collaborative feral swine multi-disciplined team’s progress reports. . . . feral swine pose a threat to our domestic herd in several ways, and we are committed to working with our government and industry … [Read more...]
Metronidazole is not FDA-approved for dogs
Opinion Regardless of accuracy, it concerns me when articles and videos* like this one are published in consumer publications. Regardless of how frequently metronidazole is prescribed by veterinarians, it is not yet approved by the FDA for veterinary use. * The video features Jerry Klein, DVM, AKC’s chief veterinary officer Source: AKC, September 21, 2020. … [Read more...]
Disinfecting or just cleaning? Contact time MATTERS!
Commentary With news media reporting a resurgence of Covid-19 infections this fall, it is time to revisit contact time. Best practices say to remove dirt then disinfect. But if the disinfectant used does not remain wet for the duration of its contact time, we are essentially just cleaning. Considerations in your community Conversations this week with the head nurse of … [Read more...]
Renew the discussion of standardizing veterinary technician credentials
Covid-19 has quieted the discussion of veterinary technicians versus veterinary nurses. But, the need for standardized credentials is more apparent now than a year ago. As practices expand staffing to accommodate more flexible schedules and increasing pet owner numbers, the need for veterinary technicians has increased exponentially. Kenichiro Yagi MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), … [Read more...]
The endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids
Beyond obvious regulatory challenges, there is a definite need to ensure the safety and effectiveness of cannabis use in animals. The challenge for pet owners and veterinarians is to become educated with about the endocannaboid system and cannabis administration. Gary Richter, DVM, MS, provides an introduction to understanding how the endocannabinoid system functions and how … [Read more...]
Welcome Lucca Veterinary Data Services as Supporting Sponsor
Sponsorship Announcement Please welcome Lucca Veterinary Data Services as a Supporting Sponsor of Animal Health Digest. Lucca’s founder, Clint Latham, JD, helps uncover the mystery of data security for DVM’s across the country. His efforts support independent IT professionals while simultaneously providing security and data insights to veterinary practices and … [Read more...]
Rabies response
We received a compliment about a recent post about rabies in cattle < link >. Rabies is a focus for this person’s company as part of their wildlife removal services. We’veve included rabies information from their website. It is worthy of sharing with animal owners via social media and newsletters. . . . even in 2020, there are some states that only require rabies … [Read more...]
LuccaVet helps understand the importance of securing data
Commentary Every communication with Clint Latham, JD, seems filled with new information about his perspectives about the legal side of data security. In a blog post, he outlined items practice owners should consider, including jurisprudence considerations. The law calls for companies to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures” – Clint Latham, JD Source: … [Read more...]
VFD forced beekeepers and veterinarians together
Since the 2017 implementation of the veterinary feed directive, beekeepers and veterinarians are learning from one another. It was a surprise to the bee community. They did not anticipate the rule, which restricts beekeepers from using certain antimicrobials in honeybees without a veterinary feed directive or prescription from a veterinarian. It won’t take many years to get us … [Read more...]
Noisy children get WFH parent fired
Whizy Kid’s article sparks memories of a 15th century saying, “Children should be seen not heard.” Fueled by the story of a California woman whose employer fired her because her children were allegedly too noisy, Kid discusses employment at will, just cause, gender discrimination and wrongful termination. Source: Refinery 29, July 10. Link. The pandemic has burst the dam on … [Read more...]
VVCA to clarify virtual care, telemedicine, executive director
Mark Cushing, JD, explains how the Veterinary Virtual Care Association came to be and how it plans to bring clarity, definition and structure to the growing segments telehealth, telemedicine and virtual care. . . . what was a side feature. . . is now an expectation” Source: Todays’ Veterinary Business, June/July 2020. Link. Virtual care is a tool alongside in-person care and … [Read more...]
Properly prepare pets for travel
Whether cross-country, by air or locally, it is critical to ensure pets are prepared for a trip for their health and to prevent potential zoonoses. This brings an increased need for animal health certificates, especially certificates of veterinary inspection that show pets are healthy and free of transmissible diseases. Digital health certificates make it easy to keep patients … [Read more...]
Advice for businesses in the next normal
As pandemic guidance is relaxed, there are considerations for personnel at all levels. Three articles offer guidance as people return to workplaces: Source: The legal dos and don’ts of returning to workplaces, Human Resource Executive, May 7, 2020. Link. Many employers are wading into uncharted legal territory as they aim to keep the workplace and their employees safe, all … [Read more...]
How HR is writing the book on coronavirus
One of the most fascinating things about the pandemic and its global impact is that there is no book written about this situation” – Jason Averbook Averbook discusses three normal personnel processes and explores how they’re changing: Onboarding Performance Governance SOURCE: Human Resource Executive, May 8, 2020. Link. It’s scary when there’s no book. But, at … [Read more...]
VCPR limits vet care during pandemic
The Veterinary Innovation Podcast hosted a frank discussion May 5th about difficulties vets face when navigating unclear, inconsistent, and rapidly changing VCPR regulations in the face of a global pandemic. Covid-19 has been the impetus for a temporary relaxation of current VCPR laws in some states. Those changes have been the catalyst for some heated conversations about … [Read more...]
Good guidance on equine supplements
Supplements are designed to help support the normal structure and function of a horse’s body rather than correct an abnormal condition or disease. Today’s horse owners find they benefit from taking supplements personally and want their equine companions to experience these benefits, too. But, they need a careful eye to identify supplements from suppliers that disregard … [Read more...]
BQA training specific to dairies is now online 24/7
Some packers now require BQA (or equivalent, FARM 4.0 or higher version) certification as a condition of their purchase of beef animals, including cull dairy cows and dairy beef steers. The Beef Quality Assurance program’s Dairy Animal Care and Quality Assurance (DACQA) and Dairy Cattle Care modules now are available online. The training units provide an excellent, virtual … [Read more...]
How employers can manage employees during the coronavirus crisis
HRE provides a snapshot discussion of the impact of COVID-19 from an employer perspective. Privacy and nondiscrimination should be chief priorities as organizations grapple with the growing crisis. Source: Human Resource Executive, March 4, 2020. Link. Employers must be mindful of all legal obligations and cannot prioritize employee health and safety over providing a … [Read more...]
Veterinary Feed Directives improving use of medically important products
VFDs imposed by the Food and Drug Administration in January 2017 are required for livestock feed products that contain medically important ingredients, such as tetracyclines. David Williams, owner-operator of Burkmann Nutrition, explains how feed retailers can play a leading role helping livestock operators and their veterinarians operate well with VFDs. His and other … [Read more...]
BCS: low cost, big impact
VFD regulations are driving more productive interactions between livestock producers and their veterinarians. Routine site visits including face-to-face meetings are important to the success of this initiative and improve VCPR. <link> Matt Hersom is an advocate for body condition scoring (BCS). It has a low cost and high value that can help any cattle producer make good … [Read more...]
Veterinarian excited about future of CBD, but concerned today
Lara A. Sypniewski, DVM, DABVP, CVA, CCRP, shares her thoughts about CBD use in pets. She is optimistic that potential treatment options for CBD will be explored and tested more fully in the near future but, unfortunately, she doesn’t believe we are there just yet. . . . it is essential that pet owners understand product concerns, marketing hype and the limitations of current … [Read more...]