Cattle feeders often focus on the cost of inputs from preventatives and nutrition, but poor pen conditions can quietly erode feed efficiency, increase maintenance requirements and drive up cost of gain throughout the feeding period. Source: BEEF, October 2, 2026. Link. Feedyards that prioritize drainage and maintain functional pen mounds are often better equipped to … [Read more...]
Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research invests to reduce swine mortality
Reducing pig mortality is influenced by animal health, management, environment and other factors throughout production. FFAR, the Pork Checkoff and industry stakeholders are investing $1,643,357 in the Pig Livability Project. Led by Iowa State University in collaboration with Kansas State University, the project seeks practical ways to reduce pig deaths and pig welfare in the … [Read more...]
Cockroach milk proteins churn out an Ig Nobel win
Researchers found that cockroach milk proteins boast more than triple the energy content of dairy milk, winning the 2026 Ig Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Milk proteins from Diploptera punctata, the Pacific beetle cockroach, have more than three times as much energy as milk proteins from cows Source: Scientist Digest, September 3, 2026. Link. D. punctata, in particular, is one of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 8, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 1, 2026. Link. Most read posts from October 1st AHD Bulletin – New research reveals barriers to pet adoption. Link. Malone: Integrity in your hospital. Link. No avocado toast for your rabbit, bird, horse, sheep, goat or cow. Link. Dogs use a surprising method to understand human language. … [Read more...]
Vaccination scenarios: 1) Overdue pets, 2) Minimum interval for giving different vaccines
Vaccine label instructions have traditionally described ideal, textbook scenarios, but they are getting much less specific. While it provides room for flexibility and gets away from rigorous, dogmatic approaches, it doesn’t necessarily help someone know what to do instead, writes Scott Weese, DVM, DACIVM. Veterinary vaccination guidelines can be useful and have helped … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites, September 28, 2026
In this edition: IBPSA offices will close from October 7th – 9th for staff to attend the CANIS Conference Save your records before the migration to GZLearn; learning management system Cybersecurity awareness: a quick refresher on what email scams are currently circulating and how to protect yourself Thank you to the sponsors who are generously underwriting this … [Read more...]
Scientists want your photos of wildlife eating lunch
Feedback tells us you enjoy the photos of the year contest results we post <Link>. Here is a chance to contribute your own photos.weerwe A citizen science project called Who Eats Whom is using crowdsourcing to grow a repository of wildlife photos. Ideally, they will inform conservation efforts in species interactions and adaptation. With a platform like Who Eats Whom, … [Read more...]
Dogs use a surprising method to understand human language, new study suggests
Humans have sophisticated language abilities that could be unique to our species — but dogs, it turns out, may have learned some of our tricks. In new research out of Hungary published this week in the journal Science, scientists found that dogs use the same strategy to pick out words in streams of speech that human infants do: They listen for consonants to figure out when one … [Read more...]
Laser play for cats: fun or hidden danger?
Laser pointers aren’t inherently bad, but they require careful use. They tap into a cat’s natural hunting instincts but there are some safety concerns to consider: physical and psychological. The key is moderation and proper technique. The authors recommend interactive toys to provide similar exercise and mental stimulation while allowing cats to complete their hunting … [Read more...]
Plants toxic to dogs: 19 dangerous plants to avoid
Autumn activities often include cleaning flower beds and planting new perennials to bloom next spring. Many gardeners are surprised to discover how many of their favorites are potentially toxic to dogs. Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares toxicity information and a list of dangerous plants in this article. Source: PetMD, April 2, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this article with pet … [Read more...]
Don’t trust your nose around manure gases
Research in deep-pit swine and beef facilities has documented rapid increases in hydrogen sulfide during agitation, especially when ventilation is inadequate. Sharing this article may save the life of a client, neighbor or someone in your community. Remind farmers and manure applicators that manure storage can create one of the most dangerous storage atmospheres on a farm, … [Read more...]
Planning for the inevitables. Review swine farm risk management plans now.
The question is not, “What will the market do?” It is, “Are we prepared for what the market could do?” Doug Groth, DVM, and Kim King from Carthage Systems discuss the importance of preparing for myriad variables in the pork business beyond a producer’s reach with the elements of a risk management plan. Source: Carthage Veterinary Service, Link. Risk management is not … [Read more...]
Fetch pet insurance launches Fetch Online Vet powered by Vetster with no out-of-pocket costs or claims to file
Complimentary Fetch Pet Insurance announced the launch of Fetch Online Vet powered by Vetster on September 29th. The service gives Fetch Pet members a first-of-its-kind virtual veterinary care experience. Available exclusively for Fetch Pet members directly through the app, this new vet experience is included at no additional cost, allowing members to connect with veterinary … [Read more...]
Enter the Trends Teams@Work Photo Contest by October 15th
The Trends annual Teams@Work Photo Contest celebrates veterinary teams in honor of National Veterinary Technician Week. Send your best photos of veterinary teams working in the practice by October 15, 2026. Note the updated rules for 2026. Source: AAHA Trends, September 25, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
CareCredit and Vetspire modernize veterinary payments with AI-enabled practice solutions
CareCredit’s embedded financing, combined with Vetspire’s AI-enabled practice technology, helps veterinary teams streamline operations, improve client engagement and support timely pet care. Source: Synchrony, September 30, 2026. Link. Key Highlights: Embedded financing from CareCredit: Real-time financing offers now integrated directly into the Vetspire workflow. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 1, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 24, 2026. Link. Most read posts from September 24th AHD Bulletin – Why job hopping is surging among Gen Zers. Link. Community outreach “stuffy style” Link. Malone: Role reversal. Link. BioSphere Essentials: Enzymes in animal nutrition. Link. FFA: Growing the future. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
New Age Pet partners with Dr. Jan Pol on collection of dog, cat, bird products
Complimentary New Age Pet has partnered with the Dr. Pol brand to develop and launch new innovative pet products that combine the trusted veterinary expertise with thoughtful, pet-centric design. Five new products were developed with Dr. Jan Pol’s practical, no-nonsense approach to animal care and New Age Pet’s commitment to safe, durable and stylish products for … [Read more...]
Roark: Candid. Revealing. Reflecting and unabashed (as usual)
This post departs from our normal neutral format. Commercial references aside, Andy Roark, DVM, lifts his scrubs as he reflects on engaging the veterinary community, conference objectives, post-conference intentions and learning what it takes to keep pace in today’s veterinary medicine and animal-owning society. His statements that follow are to encourage you to read his … [Read more...]
Why job hopping is surging among Gen Zers
A new survey from consulting firm Robert Half found that 55 percent of Gen Z workers plan to look for a new job before the end of 2026, up 23 percent from a year ago. More than half want better perks, benefits, higher compensation and more advancement opportunities. Source: HR Executive, September 21, 2026. Link. When it comes to the benefits and perks Gen Z job hoppers are … [Read more...]
USDA announces actions marking new era of companion animal welfare
Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture, held a Strikeforce roundtable with federal agency partners on September 21, where she announced actions to usher in a new era of companion animal oversight under the leadership of the current administration. Strikeforce meeting objectives will continue to build and develop policies to protect our nation’s animals, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Pet Care Pro – September 2026
Highlights in this edition: How to weather disruptions in pet care services. Link. Survey request: Essential Oils in Pet Care: Survey deadline is October 5th Resource: Glossary of health care and health insurance terms <Link> Series continues: The Pet Industry Leaderboard: Benchmarks and Actionable Business Strategies. FREE for IBPSA Members, PocketSuite … [Read more...]
Free webinar: The Emotional Side of Behavior
Complimentary Join PACCC on Tuesday, September 29th, for The Emotional Side of Behavior with Jamie Engerdahl, CPACP, FFCP, owner of Kinder Canine Coaching and former PACCC board member. She will explore how understanding a dog's emotions can help pet care professionals respond with care and build trust. Get a practical look at recognizing fear, stress and anxiety, and how we … [Read more...]
FFA: Growing the future
Modern FFA programs are framing agriculture in familiar urban and suburban environments, writes Kristy Meyer. Students learn that agricultural careers can exist in stadiums, parks, school districts, golf courses, universities and professional sports facilities, in addition to traditional farm and ranch settings. Source: AgriLife, October 2026. Link. Leadership in FFA does … [Read more...]
BioSphere Essentials: Enzymes in animal nutrition. From mode of action to impact.
Discover how enzymes interact with specific substrates, how conditions within the digestive system influence their activity, and how differences between animals, diets and production systems can shape their impact during this Novonesis webinar at 4:00 p.m. CDT on September 30th. (Check your time zone against Copenhagen time.) How enzymes work and why substrate specificity … [Read more...]
Cat owners asked to complete hairball survey
This survey request is an opportunity to communicate with cat owners without promoting in-clinic visits or preventative health topics. Simply share it with your cat owner contacts. Source: Worms and Germs, September 23, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Reminder: Late season pasture fly control
As fall work progresses, animal health pros can help producers manage horn flies and face flies while reducing resistance development in the overwintering fly population. Many fly control products used in spring and early summer are at the end of their useful life, allowing fly populations to rapidly increase. Insecticide resistance in fly populations tends to develop in late … [Read more...]
Low-cost swine trailer wash and disinfection produced positive results
Commentary It is important to see the study results here in their context. Some abbreviated wash and disinfection is better than nothing The study focused on winter freezing conditions Only PEDv and Delta Co-V were detected; not PRRS or TGE The gold standard is to wash and disinfect a trailer, then dry it at 160°F and maintain that temperature for 10 … [Read more...]
How genetics and management are redefining modern sow productivity
If we manage today’s sow genetics with yesterday’s habits, we should not be surprised when born-alive numbers look strong but weaned-pig numbers do not keep pace, writes Rachel Johnson. Despite advanced genetics, facilities, nutrition and management, producers know far too much margin opportunity is still leaving the farrowing house in a dead bucket instead of on the … [Read more...]
Names in the news
IDEXX Laboratories has acquired veterinary AI software company CoVet. Link. Patterson Veterinary launches Atlas AI assistant for practices. Link. Girl Scouts of the USA adds Patch Pals™ for dogs to cookie lineup. Link. The Farmer's Dog® becomes the NFL’s first Official Pet Food Partner. Link. Instinct Science announces Attending, a first-of-its-kind clinical AI … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 24, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 17, 2026. Link.a Most read posts from September 17th AHD Bulletin – Malone: Leadership’s dark side. Link. Stop saying SORRY for who you are. Link. High school science students introduced to Fear Free. Link. Cat health care and deworming barn cats. Link. Credentials got you into the … [Read more...]