Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares the differences between telemedicine and teletriage in her article for dog owners. The difference between the two and her explanation of VCPR is good information to share with pet owners on social media or in newsletters. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 29, 2024. Link. Telemedicine and teletriage can play an important role in your dog’s … [Read more...]
FDA finalizes guidance to provide further clarity on VFD
To assist stakeholders involved with veterinary feed directives – veterinarians, VFD feed distributors (medicated feed mills, feed retailers) and clients (owners or other caretakers of the animals) the FDA has finalized Guidance for Industry (GFI) #120: Veterinary Feed Directive Regulation Questions and Answers. While the core recommendations in final GFI #120 remain the same … [Read more...]
FTC bans noncompete agreements that restrict job switching
The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 banned employers from using noncompete contracts to prevent most workers from joining rival firms. The rule prohibits companies from enforcing existing noncompete agreements on anyone other than senior executives. Sales staff, engineers, doctors and salon workers are among the most common types of workers affected by companies’ … [Read more...]
USDA approves Pradalex (pradofloxacin injection) solution for certain respiratory diseases in cattle and swine
Pradalex (pradofloxacin injection) is a 3rd-generation fluoroquinolone ranked as a critically important antimicrobial. The labeling of the drug includes a statement that it should be used only after considering other, non-fluoroquinolone therapeutic options. Pradalex is approved in certain ages and classes of cattle for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease associated … [Read more...]
USDA: Test for bird flu before interstate transport of cattle
The USDA strongly recommends testing before cattle herds are moved between states, which should give more testing information and should mitigate further state-to-state spread between herds. Source: Successful Farming, April 15, 2024. Link. HPAI doesn’t affect dairy cows the same way as it does poultry. With proper veterinary care, cows are recovering.” - Nora Wineland, … [Read more...]
Title protection for vet techs, next week on The Bridge Club
For veterinary technicians and our industry, titles are confusing state by state. Join Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR; Beckie Mossor, RVT; Sam Geiling, RVT and Shannon Nowak, LVT, RVT, to discuss the state of title protection for veterinary technicians April 24th in a Bridge Club virtual discussion on Zoom. Registration is free. Source: The Bridge Club. Link. … [Read more...]
From mixed practice to swine specialist, Randy Jones, DVM (podcast)
Randy Jones, DVM, is an icon in swine practice and production. He shares his journey from a mixed veterinary practice to specializing in pigs, the pig industry’s evolution to specialization in farm management and veterinary roles. Source: Popular Pig Podcast, March 28, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Sedating horses for hoof care
Commercial Content Dr. Holly Helbig, a Zoetis veterinarian, detailed how to administer Dormosedan Gel orally for minor, non-painful procedures to be done on an anxious horse during the recent Zoetis Hoof-Care Product Knowledge Clinic. Some of the common uses of Dorm Gel besides shoeing are sheath cleaning, mane pulling, body clipping, hair trimming, bandage changes or … [Read more...]
Veterinarian discusses cannabinoid use in horses (audio recording)
Holistic veterinarian Joyce Harman, DVM, shares where hemp-derived cannabinoids may have benefits in horses. She indicates horse owners have found CBD products help to calm horses and show promise for treating chronic pain in them. Therapies incorporating CBD may be beneficial for treating a variety of equine conditions but Harmon says it is currently most often used to … [Read more...]
Navigating the new pet care landscape
Asserting that the modern pet owner demands a more engaged, transparent and responsive veterinary experience, Aaron Massecar MA, PhD, and Kelly O’Brien share perspectives about practicing veterinary medicine in this digital and advancing technology age. They cite a study indicating online searches can strengthen the veterinary-client relationship and share the importance of a … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 1, 2024
Millennials with pets finding challenges, Chewy opening physical spaces, industry experts seeking more oversight of pet food, FabFitFun acquires PetCo’s PupBox, Veterinary surgeon appeals to breeders of brachycephalic dogs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 1, 2024. Link. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 IBPSA Flow … [Read more...]
The anti-meat discussion returns to rapid emissions reduction
Commentary The next big climate deadline is for meat and dairy, writes Kenny Torella sharing information from the December 2023 United Nations Climate Change conference. He quotes Harvard’s Helen Harwatt who says, “We need to see major changes in livestock production and consumption . . . really deep and rapid changes over the next decade.” Beyond the obvious reduction in … [Read more...]
Upcoming industry conversations scheduled at The Bridge Club
Register to join The Bridge Club at no charge during these upcoming conversations: Understanding title protection for veterinary technicians, Zoom, April 24, 2024, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CDT. <Link to register> Revolutionizing veterinary education, May 02, 2024, 7:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. CDT. <Link to register> Source: The Bridge Club, LinkedIn. <Link> … [Read more...]
NASDA adopts policy in support of federal pet food label and opposes PURR Act
Opposing the PURR act, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture board of directors adopted a new policy supporting the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to establish a national rule for pet food and specialty pet food labeling. The policy advocates for consistency and transparency on pet food and pet food labels. Source: … [Read more...]
Employee discounts? Be sure to follow the rules.
Mira Johnson CPA, CVPM, MBA, and Jimmy Bell, CPA, share the rules of employee discounts. They say the practice is a misunderstood and an often abused on-the-job benefit in veterinary practice. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, February/March 2024. Link. Make sure your policy on employee discounts is clarified and well understood. Consider offering pet health insurance as … [Read more...]
USDA restricts use of ‘Product of USA’ label to U.S.-grown meat, poultry and eggs
Under a new rule, food processors will be able to put “Product of USA” on packages of meat, poultry and egg products only if the animals were born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. The new rule takes effect in 60 days. Compliance becomes mandatory on Jan. 1, 2026. Source: Successful Farming, March 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
FDA proposes new regulations for animal drug labeling
The FDA is proposing new regulations to provide animal drug sponsors with predictable requirements for the labeling of prescription and over-the-counter new animal drugs, as well as new animal drugs for use in animal feeds. This would provide a more consistent presentation of information on the safe and effective use of these new animal drugs. Source: Feedstuffs, March 8, … [Read more...]
Random drug testing not recommended to curtail drug abuse and misuse
Jon Geller, DVM, DABVP, summarizes a survey study of United Kingdom veterinarian perceptions of the potential for veterinary prescription medication misuse or abuse in this article. Strict pharmacy controls, monitoring repeat prescription requests and pre-employment drug testing testing were the key takeaways to manage drug abuse and misuse. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
Veterinarians launch pet treats and chews certification program
In an industry where pet owners seek the best for their furry companions, VetEvaluated aims to be a trusted authority, offering a rigorous certification process that involves expert evaluation by experienced veterinarians. Current certification is available for consumable pet treats and chews at this time. VetEvaluated Certification assessments cover: Digestibility … [Read more...]
Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Assistant Scribe programs launched to enhance pet care
The American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group introduces the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Assistant Scribe online training programs. They are designed prepare learners for careers in veterinary medicine. Participants will gain insights about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease in a variety of animals from common pets … [Read more...]
Traceability divides U.S. cattle producers
Traceability conversations continue to dominate livestock policy. Electronic identification is being promoted by the USDA currently in the middle of a rulemaking process. The battle over data ownership, disease preparedness, technology, cattle inventories, big-brother oversight and more has been present for more than two decades. Betty Haynes shares excerpts of discussions from … [Read more...]
Tax benefits of hiring your children, plus IRS rules to follow
Family members are often seen in the Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows performing work for their veterinarian parents. Adding children to veterinary clinic staff can help build skills and ensure veterinarians get home at a decent time. These articles explain the tax benefits of hiring family members. Sources: Kiplinger, October 16, 2023. Link. Missouri Ruralist, … [Read more...]
Unique Bridge Club Veterinary Virtual Care events slated for February 28th
Listen as a group of industry insiders shares data from more than two million data points gathered from more than half a million virtual care interactions. The virtual conversations will cover country specific data and address: The need for virtual veterinary care: Tackling access concerns Global insights: Virtual veterinary care data from the US, Canada, Europe … [Read more...]
New WHO medically important antimicrobial list
Sharing what he considers a foundational document for considering how we use and monitor antimicrobial use in animals. Scott Weese, DVM, shares the who, what and why of the latest version of the WHO’s Medically Important Antimicrobial List. Source: Worms and Germs, February 13, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Biosecurity methods update, learning across segments
Driven by African swine fever, avian influenza, PRRS, the realistic risk of hoof and mouth disease, more livestock producers are paying more attention to how to protect our domestic food production animals and in the process protect human populations from zoonoses. We’re sharing two articles as animal health pros interact and work with animal owners. The devil remains in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 18, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 11, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 11th AHD Bulletin – Understanding active listening and distractions. Link. The pros and cons of servant leadership. Link. 22 team-building activities and games for 2024. Link. ============================================ Study: Antibiotics … [Read more...]
How the No-Kill movement betrays its name
A neighborhood overrun with cats is a spectacle of contradictions, writes Jonathan Franzen. He shares the pros, cons, controversy and politics surrounding feral and outdoor cats. By keeping cats outdoors, trap-neuter-release policies have troubling consequences for city residents, local wildlife—and even the cats themselves.” Source: The New Yorker, December 25, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
New livestock drug rules collide with rural vet shortages
The medical importance of GFI 263 is clear, despite large animal veterinary shortages, the required VCPRs and producer expectations. <GFI 263> puts pressure on both sides . . . to do things differently. The driving factor is that by working through GFI 263 together, both producers and veterinarians are doing their best for animals and humans in preventing antimicrobial … [Read more...]
2024 Pork Industry outlook: Finding opportunity through challenges
Commentary Animal health pros aware of producer challenges make better partners and advocates when dealing with swine producers and systems. Articles like this offer a wider look at swine production and all the factors in play beyond what solutions we have available through animal health channels. Optimizing individual animals within various production stages remains the … [Read more...]
Cannabis product use in cats and dogs in the U.S.
Sharing the results from a pet owner survey, Trina Hazzah, DVM, DACVIM, CVCH, offers a view of how pet owners are using cannabidiols, their perceptions of its efficacy and attitudes about trying cannabis or cannabidiols. The results underscore the need for veterinary education and the legal ability to discuss administering cannabis in companion animals. . . . only 21 percent … [Read more...]