This evolution of the veterinary profession is a good read to accompany the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration this year. Julie A. Jacob shares resources from the American Veterinary Medical History Society that show great support for the profession from our country’s founding to current times. Source: AVMA, June 1, 2026. Link. Our country's founding fathers … [Read more...]
Separating common myths from the reality of bovine viral diarrhea
Fiction: The most common symptom of BVD is diarrhea. From vaccinations to diagnostics, misconceptions about BVD can leave costly gaps in herd health programs. Veterinarians Dr. Robert Larson and Dr. Christopher Chase help separate fact from fiction on one of the cattle industry’s most economically important diseases. Because many infected animals appear healthy, … [Read more...]
A new hay net wrap that disappears
Commercial content A new compostable net wrap is reducing tons of farm waste and saving cattle lives in the process. Nature’s Net Wrap is made from plant-based biopolymers that break down through microbial activity. Producers say the compostable wrap helps reduce plastic waste while eliminating the risk of cattle consuming traditional net wrap left on bales. The … [Read more...]
Mexico and U.S. inaugurate new sterile fly facility in Chiapas
The U.S. and Mexico began construction of a 22,000-square foot New World screwworm sterile fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, just 11 months ago and officially opened the facility on June 27, 2026. The plant will produce 28 million flies per week initially and 100 million by year-end to fight New World screwworm incursion. Source: BEEF, June 29, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 2, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 25, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 25, 2026 AHD Bulletin – SSDD does not produce different results. Link. Killing innovation. Link. It may be time to consider leptospirosis in cats. Link. The truth about MSG and dog food. Link. The horse industry’s social license to operate. Link. … [Read more...]
Only a third of summer milk loss comes from the bunk
Cooling is necessary; it’s just not sufficient, writes Andrew Hunt. His article is one to study and share with dairy producers. Just one heat event starts a cascade resulting in milk losses. Only about a third of summer milk loss traces back to reduced intake. The rest comes from a gut–immune cascade cooling fans can’t touch. When a cow shunts blood from her gut to dump … [Read more...]
Liver abscesses not just a harvest-day finding
It is now believed the true impact of liver abscesses may begin long before harvest. Shifting energy use from maintenance to production and growth is central to the discussion of liver abscess. Recent research provides evidence that liver abscesses may begin earlier in life. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, June 17, 2026. Link. Veterinarians may need to view liver abscesses not … [Read more...]
25 heifer candidates are better than 10 replacement heifers
Stop only picking replacement heifers one time at weaning. Evaluate heifer candidates at five critical phases and let selection pressure identify your herd's future, writes Wesley Tucker. He asserts that producers continue sacrificing their younger, better-genetic heifers by selecting replacements too early and limiting a more natural selection process over the heifer … [Read more...]
Review: Why bird flu targets cows’ udders instead of lungs
In cows, the bird flu looks completely different. Instead of affecting the lungs, as H5N1 does in other mammalian species, it causes severe infection in the cows' udders and largely spares the lungs. Researchers revealed the biology of why the disease looked so different when it leaped to cows, and offer a framework for spotting its next guise more quickly in this … [Read more...]
One extra pound per consumer would change the pork industry
The opportunity to grow pork demand has never been greater, writes Jennifer Shike in her article supporting the ‘Pursuing One More Pound’ Pork Podcast episode. Her podcast guests discuss the National Pork Board’s efforts to use a pull versus push strategy with the Taste What Pork Can Do campaign <Link>. The NPB seeks to redefine where pork fits into the modern meals … [Read more...]
Fear of rabies spreading in Upper Midwest cattle herds via skunks
Health officials across four Upper Midwest states are warning livestock owners about an uptick in rabies cases tied to infected skunks. Since 2024, 10 cattle have tested positive for rabies in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota, according to a joint notification from state agriculture and health departments. The infections have been linked to exposures from rabid skunks … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 25, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 18, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 18, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Puppocalypse, Kitten Craze, resetting industry expectations. Link. ‘Rust-out’ is the new burnout. It requires a different fix. Link. 7 stories to help your customers come home at night. Link. Why the future of veterinary … [Read more...]
Adding cattle can improve soil health
Bringing livestock, especially ruminants, back to the farm is one of the underlying principles of improving soil health. The urine, manure and slobber from a ruminant all contain biological organisms that can benefit the health of your soil and start the process of improving soil health, according to Indiana Conservation Partnership personnel. Source: Farm Progress, June 16, … [Read more...]
7 stories to help your customers come home at night
If you work with customers who use grain bins, Holly Spangler, Farm Progress executive editor, and her team have compiled an amazingly powerful series of stories with a simple, critical message: grain bin safety procedures matter. Read the stories. Share them. Just one share may ensure your customer goes home tonight. Source: Farm Progress, May 22, 2026. Link. “What I know … [Read more...]
Post-weaning diseases and how to prepare
Understanding how stress impacts cattle health and how to intervene to decrease stressors before weaning, at weaning and after weaning is fundamental in preventing post-weaning disease, writes Taylor Engle, DVM. He discusses low-stress weaning, vaccination, timing, handling and more. Source: BEEF, May/June 2026. Link. The prevention magic we are looking for, is the work we … [Read more...]
$15,000 a mile: The brutal math of wildfire recovery, drought in Nebraska cattle country
Joe McGinley, a rancher and volunteer fire chief, says the Morrill Fire blaze that swept through western Nebraska in March was a “perfect storm” of abundant fuel and violent winds. He warns the industry is facing a sobering reality: with an aging rancher population and astronomical recovery costs, the decisions made in the wake of the smoke will determine who stays in the … [Read more...]
NAVC announces theme for VMX 2027
VMX kicks off January 16, 2027, with a new theme: Off the Grid. Attendees, in person and virtually, are invited to Disconnect to Reconnect and plan time for learning with more than 1,000 hours of continuing education, skill-specific tracks and brand-new electives. Source: NAVC, June 4, 2026. Link. We live in a busy, noisy world where finding time to disconnect is almost … [Read more...]
Florida’s new veterinary prescription law takes effect July 1st. Here’s what you need to do.
A new Florida state law requires veterinarians to formally inform clients of their right to fill prescriptions at a pharmacy of their choosing rather than purchasing medication directly from the clinic. The law creates specific disclosure, documentation and signage requirements that every Florida practice must have in place before the effective date. Source: Vet Candy, June … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 18, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 11, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 11, 2026 AHD Bulletin – The missing piece in most pet physical exams. Link. Hard or easy, it’s your choice. Link. Employee engagement sinks, workers struggle with digital distractions. Link. Dog daycare lepto outbreak in L.A. reveals broader public … [Read more...]
Two cases of New World Screwworm confirmed in South Texas
The ongoing NWS story is going to occupy current news for a time. “A case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in South Texas near La Pryor, according to USDA.” NWS is back in the U.S. for the first time in 60 years. Animal health pros who share updates and actionable information can help animal owners monitor and identify infestations. This situation is evolving, and … [Read more...]
Hot messaging helps keep livestock and pets cool
AHD’s editor Rick Purnell continues his “Seen, Heard, Trusted” series here focusing on keeping animals cool as the summer heats up. The article shares the temperatures when heat begins causing issues for cows, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens. Purnell advocates routine heat stress reminders because heat-related problems can begin at temperatures as low as … [Read more...]
Those #@$^&! flies
University studies routinely show that heavy fly pressure changes cow behavior and lowers production. Good fly control starts with sanitation and manure management. Clean facilities, dry bedding, strong airflow and regular monitoring all reduce fly pressure. As dairy farms focus more on cow comfort, animal welfare and disease prevention, fly control will remain an important … [Read more...]
Review: Effective biosecurity remains critical to the ongoing battle against PRRS
Commercial references included Nick Wagner, DVM, reminds us of how challenging and devastating PRRSV* is and has been to the swine industry. He reviews the details involved in the development and implementation of a comprehensive biosecurity program. In this article, he advocates for a multi-hurdle approach to effectively mitigate risk and establish a culture of compliance … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 11, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 4, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 4, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Kill the middle manager role? The data says don’t do it. Link. AVMA president breaks down pet insurance gaps. Link. The retirement wave is coming. Link. The impact of BCS on systolic blood pressure and glucose levels in cats. … [Read more...]
The next frontier in farm, facility and plant security is above your head
Hannah Thompson-Weeman, president and CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, poses a simple question: “If someone viewed your facility from above today, what would they see?” In this article, she covers the growing use of drones while considering animal activist activities, biosecurity, stress on animals and premise security. Source: MeatingPlace, June 2, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Body condition score at calving a key predictor of reproductive success
New information? No, but a timely reminder for producers who may have shifted their focus to other summer activities at turnout. Consider sharing this article with producers in newsletters, social media and leave a few copies at the coffee stop. With most spring calving done, assessing cows now is important to the next generation of calves. BCS at calving is one of the best … [Read more...]
Quality over quantity driving milk revenue in U.S. dairies
Karen Bohnert says the U.S. dairy industry is evolving from a fluid milk nation into the world’s premier nutrient-dense global powerhouse. She shares analytics from Farm Journal’s 2026 State of the Dairy Industry Report that shows a staggering 89 percent of producers are now actively and surgically adjusting their rations to target specific milk components (fat and protein) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 4, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 28, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 28, 2026 AHD Bulletin – New insights on the hidden impact of veterinary care: global survey. Link. Malone: Bad and good pain. Link. Just trying to save lives and survive! (video). Link. Role ambiguity is the top workplace stressor, not workload. … [Read more...]
There’s still time to protect cattle from pinkeye
Commentary Drought, slow pasture growth, moving cattle to new grass and cattle grouping around hay feeding areas increase exposure to the pinkeye bacteria flies readily transfer. Even if cattle are already turned out, consider pinkeye vaccination during movements to new pasture. Pinkeye in cattle most often involves both Moraxella bovis and Moraxella bovoculi. Vaccination … [Read more...]
What’s wrong with this picture?
May 24, 2026. Southeast Central Nebraska. Feeding hay while drought-affected grass tries to recover. The lack of moisture is putting significant pressure on producers in this state. Around 62 percent of the U.S. cattle inventory is in an area experiencing drought. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly three-quarters of the U.S. cattle herd is being affected by … [Read more...]