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...]
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...]
High school science students introduced to Fear Free
From everyday interactions with classroom animals to exploring future careers in animal care, a high school animal science teacher uses Fear Free education to help bring a more thoughtful approach to animal wellbeing into the classroom. Note how Ms. Carberry integrated the Fear Free Pet Sitter Certification into her curriculum. Source: Fear Free LLC., LinkedIn, September … [Read more...]
Milking goats in Alaska
The need and desire for local dairy products (milk, cheese, kefir, etc.) is present across the U.S., even in Alaska. Dairy goats provide a viable option for small-scale farms in all 50 states. Having resources to share, compare and contrast helps producers make decisions for their herds, regardless of size. Raising livestock looks different in Alaska than it does anywhere … [Read more...]
Reminder: Livestock vaccine care and management critical to fall run success
A successful vaccination program begins long before a needle ever enters a calf and yet every year we learn of situations where vaccines have not been handled correctly. Paige Madison shares the importance of vaccine selection, handling, storage, equipment readiness and recordkeeping as the fall run gets going. Source: BEEF, September 15, 2026. Link. Storage, transport and … [Read more...]
Pasture, rangeland, forage insurance: Trends, takeaways, and sign-up
Buying precipitation insurance for hay production on sub-irrigated meadows and irrigated perennial forages often doesn’t come to mind for many producers. Still, producers will value veterinary teams, nutritionists and suppliers who can share a basic understanding of how Pasture, Rangeland and Forage insurance works. PRF insurance offers the option to help offset the risk of … [Read more...]
Pyrograzing turns ordinary livestock into fire prevention heroes
Livestock being used intentionally used for wildfire control is gaining federal attention as severe wildfire seasons push firefighters and public land budgets to the brink. Rangeland scientists who study how to effectively use livestock grazing to manage wildfire fuels and invasive plants see the potential and explain some limitations. The content here focuses on the USDA … [Read more...]
59th World Dairy Expo taking shape in Madison, Wisconsin
More than 50,000 people are expected to attend this year’s World Dairy Expo. The theme is “Opening New Doors for Dairy.” Youth contests begin on September 26th, followed by the Dairy Cattle Show running from September 27th through October 2nd. More than 450 exhibitors and 225 sponsors anchor the trade show and education sessions September 29th through October 2nd. Source: … [Read more...]
Stem cell advances bring lab-grown steaks a bite closer
Researchers have developed a new technique to create meat-like tissue using cow embryonic stem cells, which can differentiate into a wide range of tissue types indefinitely, and have shown that these cells can be directed to form complex tissues. These contained nerve, blood vessel, and muscle cells. The discovery, the authors write, is a “milestone toward self-organizing beef … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 17, 2026
Most read posts from September 10th AHD Bulletin – Vertical integration is driving up patient costs, study finds. Link. Minimize costs by maximizing value. Link. The obedience fallacy. Link. We’re all talking less. That’s not good. Link. The late-game respiratory disease that’s costing feedlots big money. Also see: Good Rx saves on pet prescriptions, … [Read more...]
The late-game respiratory disease that’s costing feedlots big money
With no vaccine or silver bullet to cure it, acute (or atypical) interstitial pneumonia is one of the most frustrating respiratory problems feedlots face. It usually strikes late in the feeding period in high-performing cattle and can carry a case fatality rate of 70 to 100 percent. Angie Stump Denton shares seven facts beef producers should know about AIP: AIP comes on … [Read more...]
“The worm ate our time.” Inside Mexico’s efforts to outbreed a flesh-eating fly.
Mexico is battling its worst New World screwworm outbreak in decades. Cases have topped 34,000 head across nearly all Mexican states and halted cattle imports to the U.S. until a phased reopening began last month. Even as authorities bring re-eradication efforts to full speed, ranchers must check all their animals daily. This article offers an in-country snapshot of the … [Read more...]
4 applications of manuka honey in canine medicine
Unlike regular honey, manuka honey contains a uniquely high concentration of methylglyoxal which is largely responsible for its potent antimicrobial activity. The authors explore the properties that make manuka honey a distinctive therapeutic option and explain how it fits in the veterinary toolkit. Source: IVC Journal, September 8, 2026. Link. Manuka honey is derived from … [Read more...]
Preparing beef-on-dairy calves for transport
Management decisions made before transport had a far greater influence on calf health and survival than transport duration itself, according to a retrospective study. The message wasn’t that transport doesn’t matter. Rather, it showed that successful transport begins long before loading day. Transport success can be improved by viewing the journey as the final step in a much … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 10, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 3, 2026. Link. Most read posts from September 3rd, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Lost credibility can take time. Link. New CATalyst Council resource for Happy, Healthy Cat Month. Link. Horse owners need to rethink bug season this year. Link. Traditional expertise valued despite AI changing pet … [Read more...]
Small ruminant education, networking opportunity
The American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners and the American Dairy Goat Association invite veterinarians and veterinary students to attend the AASRP Continuing Education Program during the 2026 ADGA Annual Convention, October 10 and 11 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Source: American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, Facebook, August 31, 2026. Link. Expand … [Read more...]
Neospora didn’t disappear. Our discussions about it did.
Neospora caninum is the parasite that causes neosporosis in cattle and dogs. It is also the leading cause of abortion in cattle. It’s generational, persisting in a herd across generations through congenital transmission. Infected cows continually transfer the parasite to their daughters. It’s a thieving, never-ending gift that costs the U.S. beef and dairy industries $1.3 … [Read more...]
Updated publication helps beef producers develop growth implant strategy
Few technologies offer a greater return on investment for beef cattle than growth implants, and a newly updated publication from Iowa Beef Center can help producers with these management decisions. The new publication focuses on implant brand names, active ingredients, intended use and whether a re-implant option exists for cattle in the "growing beef cattle in a drylot" and … [Read more...]
Monitoring cow and bull body condition throughout the year
Because of year-to-year variation in forage quality and weather stress, body condition can have important year-to-year variation even when fed what appears to be the same diet, writes Bob Larson, DVM. His assertions for evaluating body condition at various times of the year can help producers evaluate the genetic base of their herd. It supplies evidence as to how well the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 3, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 27, 2026. Link. Most read posts from August 27th, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Gen Z is rewiring the pet health experience through technology. Link. Malone: It’s all about trust. Link. Demonstration in the exam room can improve adherence. Link. Your humanity is your greatest exposure. Link. When … [Read more...]
When ‘good enough’ starts costing you
In this article, Brianne Skien establishes when to challenge the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. While the topic is swine production, the lessons apply to all animal health businesses. Skien writes there are good reasons we build systems around doing things the same way every day, BUT there is a difference between consistency and complacency. Consistency means we … [Read more...]
Split your barn or kennel network from your office network
Automatic feeders, cameras and climate controllers in the barn, kennels or other secondary locations often share the same network as the accounting software and email running in the office. One hacked device is all it takes to reach the operation's financial records. Splitting the secondary locations and office onto separate Wi-Fi networks, with a firewall between them, … [Read more...]
A separate water tank costs far less than losing cattle
Tanks and equipment that have been used to haul urea- or nitrate-based fertilizers should not be used to transport drinking water for cattle even if they have been thoroughly washed. Not a new problem, but it is one worth repeating. Veterinary toxicologists are again seeing cases of cattle deaths associated with water hauled in tanks or equipment previously used for … [Read more...]
Heifers: Keep some or not?
It’s weaning and shipping time in cattle country. With markets wavering slightly, Mexico opening up and a U.S. herd to rebuild, there has been considerable discussion of how to handle heifers*. Whether to retain or sell them is a long-term decision that depends on market conditions and the resources available on an operation. From the perspective of an animal health pro … [Read more...]
“Ask a Cowboy” panels set for Husker Harvest Days and Sunbelt Ag Expo
Stockmanship & Stewardship sessions give producers and veterinarians opportunities to interact with a panel of experts and ask questions about best management practices. Everyone can benefit from learning about cattle movement habits, top-notch facility design, and tips for training others who handle your cattle.” Source: NCBA. Link. Husker Harvest Days, September … [Read more...]
Manure identified as hotspot for antibiotic resistance genes
A 14-year analysis across 26 countries finds livestock manure is a major harbor of antibiotic resistance genes that could threaten human health. The research team examined more than 4,000 manure samples from pigs, chickens and cattle and found signs that efforts to reduce farm antibiotic use are paying off. Source: The Dairy Site, August 17, 2026. Link. What happens on … [Read more...]
Busy August for animal health pros ends in Kansas City
Complimentary By all reports from AVMA, Groomer Expo, SUPERZOO and the new WVC Nashville, animal health pros have renewed old contacts, made new ones, shared meals and beverages, and viewed the latest topics and products. Fetch KC takes place August 28 to 30 and the month is bookended by the KC Corridor’s 2026 Animal Health Summit August 31 to September 1. There’s still … [Read more...]
U.S. home to all top 10 North American pet food companies by 2025 revenue
All of the top 10 North American pet food companies in Petfood Industry’s Top Companies database are headquartered in the United States. Measured by 2025 revenue, the U.S. dominance reflects more than the size of the U.S. pet market, writes Tim Wall. U.S. manufacturers operate within an economy that combines large supplies of grains and animal proteins with extensive … [Read more...]
South Dakota cattle producers cope with ‘gut-wrenching’ losses from July heat wave
South Dakota cattle producers lost at least 2,000 head to heat stress last month. What made it lethal wasn't the daytime peak; it was consecutive days of heat and humidity with no wind and nights that never dropped. Griffin Cherry describes the effect on producers. Source: Griffin Cherry, LinkedIn, August 12, 2026. Link. Cattle don't die from the hottest hour of the day. … [Read more...]