Chris Carpenter, DVM, talks about the value of CAPC data and forecasts in this Fountain Report Conversation. It’s <now> proven that when veterinarians share a forecast for what’s gonna happen in that county and send that forecast in an alert-type format to the owner, they come in and they purchase.” - Chris Carpenter, DVM Source: Antelligence, Fountain Report … [Read more...]
USDA seeks public input on updating dog welfare regulations; Comment period extended to April 20, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comments, scientific dat, and stakeholder input to help determine whether updates are needed to federal regulations governing the humane care of dogs. These standards, which apply to licensed breeders and other regulated entities under the Animal Welfare Act, have not had a major … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 6, 2026
This week’s Fast Bites welcomes 22 new provider members. Congratulations! Welcome aboard! Source: IBPSA, April 6, 2026. Link. Related: The PACCC Insider, Spring 2026 Edition. Link. Updates from the pet care industry, highlights of certified professionals, and tools to advance your career. Is boarding still worth it for veterinary practices? AAHA Trends, … [Read more...]
Second skunk rabies case confirmed in Missouri
Rabies cases are always a good reason to communicate with clients about wild animal safety and basic pet vaccination. Wild animals are often found under sheds, farm buildings and junk piles. Pet owners who play with or exercise their pets in parks and forests can encounter rabies-spreading animals near brush and rock piles. Working with local media can be an effective way to … [Read more...]
Universal ethogram created to help standardize equine social behavior
A relatively new universal ethogram represents a significant step forward in equine behavior science. By standardizing definitions and supplementing them with video clarity*, it enables consistent cross-study comparisons and deeper insights into equine welfare. For veterinary professionals, it offers a practical framework to better assess, interpret and optimize management … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire Modern Animal accelerating a fully integrated pet healthcare strategy
Chewy, Inc., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Modern Animal, Inc., a technology-forward veterinary platform with 29 owned clinics, 24/7 virtual care and a high-retention membership model. This acquisition represents an important strategic step in Chewy’s evolution into a fully integrated pet healthcare ecosystem, combining care, commerce and … [Read more...]
New World Screwworm: Regulations, readiness and response
The first Cattlemen's Webinar of 2026 will be led by Julia Herman, DVM, NCBA beef cattle specialist veterinarian, and Sigrid Johannes, senior executive director of government affairs. They will review NWS, provide a regulatory update and outline what changes may impact producers in the months ahead. This webinar promises to equip producers with the knowledge and action … [Read more...]
April’s national wildfire forecast. SCARY!
Every state in the West is expected to face an above-normal threat of wildfire this summer, according to the latest projections, released last week by the National Interagency Coordination Center. Citing an ongoing snow drought, rapid snowmelt and a recent unprecedented heat wave, the latest maps feature the red-colored risk areas spilling across the Southwest and into the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 9, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 2, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 2, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Local leadership, not logo on door, makes a vet clinics shine. Link. Defining the decision. Link. When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued? Link. ========================== Research on heartworm reveals older, complex … [Read more...]
Global veterinary groups unite behind parasite prevention as risks expand worldwide
More than 40 veterinary and animal health organizations have signed a global “Prevention Pledge” emphasizing the importance of year-round parasite control as fleas, ticks and worms expand into new geographic regions. Organizers cited growing concern over shifting parasite distributions driven by climate change, increased pet travel and evolving wildlife populations. In the … [Read more...]
Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus within their populations
Researchers from France and Thailand uncovered a route of transmission for mosquito-borne arboviruses that showed West Nile virus transmission occurs within mosquito populations through their excreta. It is critical for horse owners to keep mosquito breeding areas under control to help prevent the mosquito to mosquito spread of the West Nile virus.” Source: My Senior Horse, … [Read more...]
Road to the Horse 2026 recap (includes videos)
The 2026 Road to the Horse competition took place in Lexington, Kentucky, last month. Nick Dowers took the title, winning the Road to the Horse for the third time. The format of the competition is simple: the first two days, four Wild Card competitors compete for a spot in the Championship Competition. These competitors choose a colt from the Remuda provided by the Pitchfork … [Read more...]
PetPax Co. wins 2026 Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize
PetPax Co., a startup working to redefine everyday pet wellness for modern pet parents, was selected as the grand prize winner following the live pitch competition at Global Pet Expo. PetPax Co.’s patent-pending delivery method is designed to improve absorption of calming and oral health products by bypassing the stomach acid while reducing stress for both pets and their … [Read more...]
Axiota Animal Health names Wamego, Kansas, as global headquarters
Axiota Animal Health will name its facility in Wamego, Kansas, as the company’s global headquarters. The announcement formalizes the longstanding presence of Axiota Animal Health there, where the company operates manufacturing, research and development, and scientific operations for its products used by cattle producers in more than 30 countries worldwide. Source: Axiota® … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply surpasses $1 Million to expand hands-on learning for future ag leaders
Tractor Supply Company announced that its 11th annual Grants for Growing fundraiser raised more than $1 million. During the four-week event, Tractor Supply customers supported the effort by purchasing paper FFA emblems at checkout, which will in turn provide thousands of FFA members across the country with the resources to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare … [Read more...]
Neurologist innovates diagnostic tools for canine epilepsy
A neurologist from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph is using a backpack with brainwave-reading sensors to detect epilepsy in dogs without the need to sedate them. Source: ENC, March 19, 2026. Link. Canine epilepsy is the most common neurological condition for dogs and yet, one that still retains its mystery. Through clinical studies, James is researching multiple … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance April 2, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26, 2026. Link. Most read posts from the March 26th AHD Bulletin – Before PRDC takes control: Bordetella bronchiseptica’s early role. Link. The Farmer’s Dog to be in Walmart. Link. Customer hesitation. Link. CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: vectors, hotspots, year-round risk. Link. From … [Read more...]
New CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: expanding vectors, emerging hotspots, year-round risk
Released this week, the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast includes models that predict what veterinary teams will see in 2026. At 94% percent accuracy, they are an early warning system for both veterinary and public health. The Forecast projects continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and heartworm risk across the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 23, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Sneak peek at IBPSA website’s new look The shift in U.S. pet stores <Link>. The experience-driven operating model. Sparkle Grooming continues expansion <Link>. India's booming pet economy <Link>. Source: IBPSA, March 23, 2026. Link. Upcoming webinar: Marketing Strategies for Pet Care Businesses, Wednesday, … [Read more...]
New Trupanion data reveals rise in pet toxicity claims
Data pulled from over 71,000 Trupanion claims provides a granular look at the evolving landscape of household hazards, including regional variances and the specific toxins most frequently presenting for emergency intervention. While grapes and raisins are the most frequently identified toxicants across almost every U.S. state, drugs and medications are consistently the most … [Read more...]
The Dog Aging Project featured on 60 Minutes (video)
The Dog Aging Project was featured on 60 Minutes on March 22nd. Anderson Cooper interviewed principals from the project, revealing the ongoing efforts to a) improve dog lives as they age and b) how the project may increase our understanding of aging in humans and other animals. Source: CBS, 60 Minutes, March 22, 2026. Link. [13:13] Dogs that live with other dogs appear to … [Read more...]
The Farmer’s Dog to be in Walmart
Walmart is partnering with The Farmer's Dog to offer human-grade dog meals across its nationwide retail network. The products are set to be available for the first time in Walmart stores and online in April. The move puts Walmart directly into the premium pet food conversation. Source: Yahoo, March 24, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Chronic conditions dominate Nationwide’s most common pet health problems
More than one million Nationwide-insured dogs and cats generated 3.3 million pet insurance claims in 2025, revealing that pets’ health is shaped by ongoing, chronic conditions. Canine trends: Allergies top the list again and chronic issues dominate the top 10 Feline trends: Digestive issues lead again with chronic conditions climbing Source: Nationwide, March 5, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 26, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 19, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 19, 2026 AHD Bulletin – All work and no play? Link. Active listening: 6 strategies so others feel seen, heard, understood. Link. Understanding your window of tolerance. Link. ========================== Study: Humans preferred for empathy, but AI … [Read more...]
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties seeks public comments on specialty certification for veterinary pharmacists
Participation from animal health pros at all levels is important. Please participate. Simply skimming the petition is educational. The Board of Pharmacy Specialties received a petition to recognize Veterinary Pharmacy as a BPS specialty certification. The public comment period is at this link <Link> and will close at 5:00 p.m. EDT on April 1, 2026. Source: Board of … [Read more...]
Pet daycare and lodging market analysis 2026
The market for pet daycare and lodging has an active and diverse competitive environment. Industry leaders differentiate themselves by offering various amenities, including grooming, training and specialized care services. This landscape is dynamic, characterized by innovation, convenience and a growing focus on pet well-being and safety. Source: Cognitive Market Research, … [Read more...]
Review: AAHA’s Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dog Guidelines
March 13th recognizes National K9 Veterans Day and the dedicated K9 units who have served since World War II. In recognition of these canine heroes, AAHA created a quick starter guide to fielding calls from working dog handlers, straight out of the Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dogs Guidelines Toolkit. Source: AAHA Trends, March 13, 2026. Link. PDF of quick starter guide … [Read more...]
Marigold delivers 17 Irish Doodle puppies in a single day
Large litters are common if you’re raising pigs, but Marigold’s 17 Irish Setter/Poodle puppies were quite a surprise. Possibly a record for the particular crossbreed, the largest litter on record still belongs to Tia, a Neopolitan Mastiff that delivered 24 puppies. All of Marigold’s puppies survived. Source: Dogster, March 12, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Grand champion lamb sells for $1M
The grand champion market lamb sold for a record $1 million March 13th at the Junior Market Lamb Auction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 13-year old Reagan Miller of Seagraves, Texas, exhibited the lamb. Paizlee Akins of Whitesboro, Texas, raised the grand champion market goat, which sold for $450,000, setting another Rodeo record. Miller will earn a guaranteed … [Read more...]
Avian flu strikes more Indiana poultry facilities
In the past 30 days, APHIS has confirmed 77 avian flu outbreaks that affected 41 commercial farms and 36 backyard flocks, with 13.98 million birds affected. Indiana had eight outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu in the past week in three counties: including 20,600 birds on a commercial turkey meat farm and 3 outbreaks on duck meat farms Wisconsin reported two major … [Read more...]