Scientists hope to use genetic engineering to reduce the transmission of Lyme disease. The scientists' target is not the deer and ticks associated with the disease, but wild, White-footed mice, the main carriers of Lyme. The teams of scientists are engineering changes in the genetic makeup of the mice by adding a gene for an antibody that prevents Lyme infection to a mouse … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire SmartEquine from Covetrus, Inc.
Chewy, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SmartPak Equine, LLC, from Covetrus, Inc. This acquisition strengthens Chewy’s position as a leader in the equine category and accelerates its expansion into higher-margin health and wellness verticals. Source: Chewy, October 30, 2025. Link. The all-cash transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other … [Read more...]
98th FFA Convention posts record attendance
The 98th National FFA Convention & Expo has closed after welcoming a record-breaking 73,000-plus attendees from across the country to downtown Indianapolis. On-site attendees in the Expo Hall braided more than 70,000 feet of paracord to make 1,541 dog leashes for Indy Humane as part of their Living to Serve initiative. Source: AgriMarketing, November 3, 2025. Link. 5,161 … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 6, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 30, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 30, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Convenience, connection matter just as much as price. Link. Canine sports medicine has a promising future. Link. It is time to communicate about pet holiday safety. Link. The power of your brain. Link. The empathy … [Read more...]
Convenience, connection matter just as much as price
In this article, My Vet Candy reviews survey results from a paper titled, “U.S. Residents' Self-Reported Access to Veterinary Care and Implications for Care-Seeking Decisions.” The survey of more than 1,100 adults asked what “access to veterinary care” meant. In summary, the results show most people value and respect veterinary professionals, but they often feel shut out and … [Read more...]
Canine sports medicine has a promising future
The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation’s new Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency program is generating excitement about specialty training that will benefit any pet with mobility challenges. The program kicked off in July 2025 with residents and mentors at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Colorado State University College … [Read more...]
It is time to communicate about pet holiday safety
Halloween ranks third for holiday candy-related pet claims, behind Christmas and Thanksgiving, according to data from Independence Pet Group. Independence Pet Holdings’ Jennifer Sperry, DVM, shares tips and an informative infographic about pet safety during this spooky season here <Link>. Thanksgiving kicks off the official winter holiday season, which is now under … [Read more...]
The empathy problem: Balancing emotion in decision-making
Commentary Nearly all of us have moments where emotions influence our choices or cloud our judgments. We were intrigued by the subject line of an email that read, “Your brain is tricking you - here’s how to fight back.” Reading further, we found the discussion of heuristics and current decision-making practices among managers relevant for animal health pros. Researchers … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 27, 2025
From the IBPSA blog: Termageddon is offering IBPSA members a 10 percent discount on website compliance service to manage risk from a growing list of privacy laws <Link>. Gallagher offers IBPSA members affordable, comprehensive health insurance and pharmacy solutions designed specifically for individuals, families, and business owners with options available … [Read more...]
First open-source dairy farm ‘digital twin’ unveiled
Amazing new technology lets dairy producers get closer to cows from farther away and it is open-source. Scotland’s Rural College Dairy Research Centre, has unveiled farm-twin, the world’s first open-source Digital Twin platform designed specifically to transform dairy farming. By replicating the physical environment in a digital space, it enables farmers to monitor … [Read more...]
FDA grants emergency use authorization for Elanco’s Credelio against New World screwworms in dogs
The FDA's emergency use of Credelio is temporary and only valid while the threat of screwworm remains. This is the first time the FDA has granted such an authorization for treating New World screwworm. Elanco warned that Credelio, part of a drug class called isoxazolines, has been linked to side effects such as tremors and seizures in some dogs. Source: Reuters, October 24, … [Read more...]
BiomEdit awarded $2 million to develop AI model reducing cattle methane emissions
BiomEdit, an animal health biotechnology company, has received nearly $2 million from the Bezos Earth Fund’s AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge to develop the Rumen Digital Twin, an artificial intelligence model aimed at reducing methane emissions in cattle while enhancing productivity and welfare. Source: Feed & Grain, October 24, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Chewy Vet Care opens first Miami location
Chewy Vet Care Aventura opened its doors on Friday, October 24th, as the 14th Chewy Vet Care location. Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, shared this about the opening, “We are thrilled to bring Chewy Vet Care to Miami. It is an exciting moment for pet healthcare as more pet parents are embracing a lifestyle where their pets’ well-being is at the center of everything … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 30, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 23, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 23, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Temple Grandin: Get yourself in through the back door. Link. AAHA resources complement vet tech support, development. Link. Free book; guidance to help navigate behavioral euthanasia decisions. Link. What do they value? … [Read more...]
Temple Grandin: Get yourself in through the back door.
Temple Grandin is synonymous with livestock handling practices and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals. In this fascinating article, Pam Caraway shares a discussion with her about overcoming barriers as a woman in agriculture and her mission to support students' education and careers at her life stage. In the Women in Field video linked in the article, she asserts these … [Read more...]
AAHA resources complement veterinary technician support, development
While National Veterinary Technician Week has ended, the opportunity to involve, develop and use veterinary technicians in practice teams remains every day. Connor Dunwoodie pulled together resources in this article, beginning with the 2023 AAHA Technician Utilization Guidelines and Veterinary Technician Utilization Toolkit. Source: AAHA Trends, October 14, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Pigs, purpose and PTO: Managing Gen Z
Commentary This article is helpful for anyone managing or working with Gen Z individuals. Amanda Reever, DVM, asserts reasons to challenge long-standing leadership norms when it comes to Gen Z. Reever says Gen Z isn’t afraid of hard work, but they expect it to mean something. They bring curiosity, adaptability and digital fluency to <their jobs>, but they also … [Read more...]
Free book offers guidance to help navigate behavioral euthanasia decisions
Complimentary Content There is no question that animal health pros in all settings are challenged when a pet owner struggles with an aggressive dog or a serious behavior issue that impacts human and animal safety or quality of life. When deciding to euthanize a dangerous animal, pet owners turn to veterinary professionals. It can be hard to find resources or the right words … [Read more...]
Menopause, mindset and medicine: The conversation vet med needed.
Discussing how menopause affects women across veterinary medicine, this Bridge Club TableTalk is an open, revealing, honest, sometimes humorous and compassionate discussion about an often hushed topic. Sharing how it affects veterinary medicine professionals Liz Barton, MA VetMB, MCIPR, FRCVS, brings her experiences, research and helpful resources <Link> to the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 20, 2025
Attention: IBPSA has received several strange email “bounce” notices that indicate there may be some sort of spam being sent out under our name. IBPSA has NOT sent any communications with the subject line: “Chase” or “Chase Bank.” Notices for pet services businesses and IBPSA members: Webinar reminder: Tofu litter; A clean, green kennel solution <Link> In the … [Read more...]
11th annual Ohio Breeder Symposium focused on ethics and responsibility
Negative reports on the dog breeding industry are not uncommon. To learn how to improve this market segment, more than 200 breeders attended the 11th Annual Ohio Breeder Symposium, “Making Responsible and Ethical Breeding Choices.” It was sponsored by Petland and the AKC. Source: Petland, October 20, 2025. Link. There was a huge emphasis <at the Symposium> on … [Read more...]
CDC warns of rabies risks from feral cat colonies
A recent rabies outbreak in an urban, unmanaged cat colony in Maryland potentially exposed more than 300 persons to rabies. The incident is a stark reminder of the need to manage rabies risks in feral colonies. It should also be a reminder of risks in free-range barnyard cats as well. More than 90 percent of animal rabies cases occur among wild animals, such as raccoons, … [Read more...]
What it takes to be America’s top house cat
Jason Bittel and photographer Dina Litovsky share a behind-the-scenes look from 2025 Cat Fancier's Association International Cat Show and Expo, which took place October 11th and 12th in Cleveland, Ohio. Organized by the Cat Fancier's Association, the show drew nearly 10,000 people and 550 cats. Source: National Geographic, October 20, 2025. Link. The CFA allows owners to … [Read more...]
Farmer’s Dog, Cornell, find minimally processed food can enhance metabolic function and overall health.
Complimentary Commercial Content The results of a first-of-its-kind, year-long metabolomic study led by Cornell’s Heather Huson, along with Farmer’s Dog veterinary nutritionists, found that feeding dogs food from the company can meaningfully impact metabolic health and support healthier aging in dogs. The results are a milestone for understanding canine metabolic health and … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club names Harold Davis as 2026 ICON Honoree
Harold Davis, BA, RVT, VTS (Emergency & Critical Care) (Anesthesia & Analgesia), has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Bridge Club ICON Award. He will be formally honored during The Bridge Club ICON event on January 17, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida, where attendees will have the opportunity to hear Davis’ reflections on his career and the … [Read more...]
Oligoimidazolium carbon acids found to prevent udder infections with no adverse effects
A team of international scientists has unveiled an alternative class of potent antimicrobial compounds that could be used to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria that cause bovine mastitis in a recent study. Not yet commercialized, this approach to mastitis will be one to watch. Source: Feedstuffs, October 14, 2025. Link. Novel compounds called oligoimidazolium carbon acids … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 23, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 16, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Make the call and Just ASK. Link. Bad advice. Link. Cats can get dementia, too. Link. What’s covered and what’s not in veterinary clinic cyber insurance. Link. Pork, ultimate muscle-building protein/National Pork … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 16, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 9, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 9, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ways to help cats and their caregivers prepare for veterinary visits. Link. Understanding the rise of career dysmorphia; what to do about it. Link. Competitive rivalries. Link. 4 giants dominate consumer pet food market … [Read more...]
Pork is the ultimate muscle-building protein per National Pork Board-funded study
Ongoing human nutrition research continues to complement the Taste What Pork Can Do campaign, positioning pork as a nutrient-dense and versatile protein. Source: The Farmer, October 14, 2025. Link. Taste What Pork Can Do!” … [Read more...]
Make the call and Just ASK
Commentary The call from a local but unrecognized number seemed random. Still, I answered it. It was from my dog’s veterinary clinic. Sharing her name and the clinic’s, the vet tech was calling to check on my dog, noting I hadn’t responded to two wellness visit emails. Yes, I remembered one of the emails but did not act on it at the moment, nor did I act on one text message … [Read more...]