In place of what have traditionally been called dentals is the new acronym, COHAT. It embraces the entire process to ensure that a pet’s mouth is healthy by diagnosing and fixing any issues that are present. “COHAT stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. The term helps convey the importance and value of having a pet’s entire mouth checked regularly,” … [Read more...]
Focus on fungi
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated this week as Fungal Disease Awareness Week < link > to boost the public’s understanding of how these microscopic organism can make humans sick. In animals, fungal infections are a patchwork of different situations. Fungal infections can be devastating, and they continue to emerge more rapidly than ever . . . they … [Read more...]
U.S. antibiotic council member shares perspectives
Mike Appley, DVM, has served four years on the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria, < link >. He believes one of the biggest behavioral problems is that the problem always seems to be what someone else is doing, and what we are doing without fault. Antibiotic resistance is a real and pressing problem, and everyone needs to pitch … [Read more...]
Opinion – Addressing push-back on cows, emissions, planet benefits (video)
Our September 3, 2019 post, Cows really do benefit the planet! < link > ruffled some readers’ feathers. Each day our industry understands more about the impact we have on animals, food resources, the planet and, of course, human beings. In those posts, we offered information that debunks the 2006 United Nations claim that cattle were the greatest contributors to … [Read more...]
Tick study: One single tick, multiple pathogens of tick-borne diseases
Ticks can carry several different pathogens capable of several different tick-borne diseases, sometimes in a single tick, according to a study in mBio < link >. Notably, the lone star tick is a very aggressive tick that can transmit a bacterium that causes a disease known as Ehrlichiosis. The lone star tick has also been implicated in cases of a novel form of meat … [Read more...]
Pheasants, horses, turkey in 3 Pennsylvania. counties infected with EEE
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)was found in pheasants, horses and a wild turkey in Pennsylvania's Erie, Carbon and Monroe counties, according to state health and agriculture officials. The mosquito-borne disease is carried by birds, can also infect people and equids, and can be fatal. Source: Associated Press, September 22, 2019. Link. So far this year, nine deaths in the … [Read more...]
SILO film highlights need for grain bin safety
As harvest gets into full swing, the dangers of grain entrapment in elevators and silos are ever-present. The independent film, SILO <Link>, is inspired by true events and portrays what happens when a teenage community member becomes entrapped in a 50-foot tall grain bin. Source: Progressive Farmer/DTN, September 5, 2019. Link. Let us not forget the guttural anguish of … [Read more...]
Opinion – Feral chicken populations growing
Domestic animals reproducing in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication, defines “feral.” When horses, pigs, cats, parrots and now chickens go wild, problems are not far behind. People in California, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Hawaii and some island countries are developing a love/hate relationship with the free-ranging birds. As bird … [Read more...]
Know the risks of mixing chickens, ducks, rabbits and goats
Animals have been kept in mixed flocks for centuries. Being aware of inherent risks or problems in mixed-animal operations is the best way to avoid problems before they occur. It is also the best way to fix problems if they happen. Source: Backyard Poultry, September 16, 2019. Link. Parasites and bacteria are easily transferred between barnyard species. Contaminated … [Read more...]
China’s pig herd continues rapid decline
Reuters reports China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is showing a 6.4 percent higher decline in the total Chinese swine herd due to the spread of African swine fever (ASF). September’s data shows a 38.7 percent decline, while July’s data indicated 32.3 percent. ASF is now endemic across every province in mainland China. Learn what this is doing to pork prices and … [Read more...]
Burdock plants and cows don’t mix
Eye problems in livestock can be caused by foreign material. One of the more challenging problems is burdock slivers, according to Heather Smith Thomas. A tenacious and invasive weed, burdock is readily spread to new areas by burrs stuck to animals or clothing. When ripe, the burrs release hundreds of microscopic barbed slivers that contain tiny seeds. If a sliver gets into an … [Read more...]
Feed tags offer nutritional information
Every bag of livestock feed and mineral sold has a tag attached that offers an analysis of the product, ingredients and feeding directions. This may seem like basic information. But, for youngsters or those starting out in the livestock business with no background, these labels are a good start to ensure their livestock get a sound nutrition regimen. Source: Noble Research … [Read more...]
Beef bulls + dairy cows can compromise milk production
Unable to return a surplus of female calves, dairies are assertively seeking to breed and sell surplus calves for meat production. However, many strongly antagonistic traits associated with calving performance and carcass merit can be detrimental to the cows’ ability to calve and re-establish pregnancy early postcalving without any compromise in milk production. Researchers … [Read more...]
New foot-and-mouth disease vaccine granted license by The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute has granted MSD Animal Health (known as Merck Animal Health in the U.S.) an exclusive commercial license for a new vaccine to protect livestock against several serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. Offering greater stability than current FMD vaccines, it’s less reliant on a cold chain during distribution which is hugely beneficial in regions … [Read more...]
Lead contamination risks in backyard poultry
Rearing backyard chickens carries some zoonotic concerns and potential risk for the birds being exposed to chemicals or heavy metals like lead. These can get passed on to consumers through eggs or meat. Birds may pick up lead from various sources, such as contaminated water and feed. But, the main source of lead exposure for backyard poultry is likely contaminated … [Read more...]
Three possible pathways for African swine fever to enter US
How easy is it for African swine fever (ASF) to enter the U.S.? Patrick Webb, DVM and National Pork Board director of swine health Programs, explains three ways it can enter. Dr. Scott Dee’s studies on feed ingredients coming in from China are discussed, as well as the important role diagnostics play in trying to rule in or rule out a foreign animal disease. Source: The Pig … [Read more...]
Cows really do benefit the planet!
People still think it’s cows that are causing climate change, writes Amanda Radke. She offers resources to help continue to offset the false 2006 claim made by the United Nations and marketing claims made by makers of of plant-food products. Source: BEEF, August 31, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: More ammunition for meat vs. meatless diet debates. … [Read more...]
Rumen soup, a jigsaw of cow gut microbes
Agricultural Research Service scientists and their cooperators are using high tech tools to better understand the microbial "soup" of the cow's rumen. The rumen is the first of four stomach chambers where tough plant fibers are turned into nutrients and energy. Derek Bickhart, a research microbiologist, estimates there are more than 30,000 species of rumen-dwelling organisms. … [Read more...]
Boosting immunity in cattle may mean more productivity
Barry Bradford with Kansas State University presented new information from his study of immunometabolism at the American Society of Animal Scientists in July. He researched inflammatory responses during times of stress, especially those that impact on liver health. The interactions between normal organ function and the immune system are becoming much tighter than we used to … [Read more...]
Climate change: Longer growing season bodes well for crops, feed supply
A researcher at the Institute of Water Security and Science at West Virginia University says one silver lining from climate change that he’s seen is a longer growing season which is more conducive to agricultural production. This could mean big changes. He explains why traditional crops are floundering while non-traditional crops could gain momentum. Source: The Cattle Site, … [Read more...]
Brace for a “polar coaster” this winter
According to the 2020 Farmers’ Almanac, this winter will be filled with so many ups and downs, it may be a “polar coaster.” Our extended forecast is calling for yet another freezing, frigid, and frosty winter for two-thirds of the country" – Philom Peter Geiger, Farmer’s Almanac Editor Source: Prevention, August 26, 2019. Link. People on the East Coast will endure the worst … [Read more...]
USDA wants nominations for areas short on vets
Veterinarians who commit to practicing in areas short of veterinary services can get help from USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. It is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA identifies the locations in greatest need for veterinarians through a nomination process. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, September 3, 2019.Link. The … [Read more...]
Humility in the workplace is not a sign of weakness
Humility tends to be overlooked in the workplace. It is frequently misconstrued as a weak attribute. That is actually a far cry from the true meaning of the word. And, it is a further cry from the way it should be applied in leadership. It's about showing respect and recognizing truth in all situations, including in the workplace. Source: Inc., August 23, 2019. Link. Humble … [Read more...]
Opinion – Pharmaceutical industry ranks poorly in Gallup poll
OUCH! . . . The pharmaceutical industry has hit a new low. It now ranks last of the 25 industry sectors Gallup tests annually. Source: Gallup, September 3, 2019. Link. Americans are more than twice as likely to rate the pharmaceutical industry negatively (58%) as positively (27%), giving pharma a net-positive score (-31). Joining it in the net-positive negative numbers are: … [Read more...]
35 tips to make email soar
Email communication with clients is as important to the small veterinary practice as it is to a corporation. It allows regular interaction, client education and promotion of services. Ann Gynn’s list of 35 email mistakes offers meaningful tips to get the most from your email marketing efforts. Source: Content Marketing Institute, August 13, 2019. Link. Taking advantage of … [Read more...]
Veterinary telemedicine is a sticky legal wicket
Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD, discusses the challenges of using non-face-to-face interactions in veterinary medicine. He calls the various segments of teledoctors a confusing jungle of legal fact, opinion and outright speculation. For each segment, primary concerns fall into three general categories: 1) malpractice liability, 2) licensing and 3) criminal … [Read more...]
Zoonotic diseases drive One Health approach
Seventy five percent of emerging infectious diseases of people are zoonotic, or originated with animals according to the CDC. John Maday reminds us that these diseases can pose a health risk to farm workers through animal contact, and potentially to the public overall, either through contact with animals or disease vectors such as mosquitos or ticks, or through contaminated … [Read more...]
Fall foliage toxic to some animals (includes video)
Autumn is nigh. While fall foliage is popular, the science behind the leaves changing color isn’t widely known and often misrepresented. For some animals, fall leaves can be toxic as they break down. Source: Smithsonian, August 14, 2019. Link. Owen Reiser’s time lapse video depicts the pigments within the plant matter as they break down and transform from green to color. . … [Read more...]
Alternative ways to reduce antibiotic use in the pig herd
Homeopathic approaches can help swine producers reach a long-term reduction in antimicrobial use. Irene Camerlink, a researcher at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, explains the first steps to reducing antimicrobials are to assess the quality of the environment and to mitigate stress. She then dives into specific homeopathic options that producers can … [Read more...]
Strategic deworming important to cattle management
“Controlling parasites is a proven practice to improve performance in all stages of cattle production while also giving a significant return on investment,” says Boehringer Ingelheim’s Joe Gillespie, DVM. He reinforces the importance of understanding parasite life cycles and strategic treatment to improve cattle performance in all stages of production. Source: Feedstuffs, … [Read more...]