Commercial product referenced A recent survey of European horse owners revealed that even during trailering lasting less than two hours, injury, illness and acute stress occur frequently, affecting up to 42 percent of horses. Behavior problems were observed in a third of all horses and included fear, flight reactions, aggressiveness, rearing and reluctance to load. … [Read more...]
Electrolytes and muscle function in horses: Essentially linked
Commercial product referenced As the summer heat intensifies, keeping a close eye on macrominerals is vital. Because electrolytes facilitate normal muscle contraction and relaxation, even a minor disruption in balance can completely derail athletic performance. Takeaways noted from studies at Kentucky Equine Research in this article: The dose of electrolytes must be … [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...]
Hill’s Pet Nutrition launches Science Diet Single-Protein refrigerated dog food
Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced the debut of Hill’s Science Diet Single Protein Dog Food Rolls in the refrigerated section. The launch signifies Hill’s entry into the fresh dog food category. The new format will be available at pet specialty retailers beginning July 2026. Science Diet Single Protein Dog Food Rolls can be fed as the sole source of nutrition or used as a mix-in … [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...]
SSDD does not produce different results
Commentary Same strategy different decade does not remove the barriers that undermine purpose <Link>. This theme supports the recent assertions from Gershon Alaluf DVM, MBA, DBA, about challenges in veterinary medicine <Link>, who says, “Veterinary medicine takes the most fit among us and makes them feel like the misfits.” Over the next few weeks, Alaluf … [Read more...]
Questioning single-use and reuse of medical supplies
The reuse of single-use medical supplies is not unheard of in veterinary medicine. Whether an established practice, cost-driven or to support environmental waste reductions, reusing single-use medical supplies is an accident or patient death, waiting to happen. Emily Singler, VMD, and Kristen Green Seymour discuss the issues, cross-contamination, infection transmission and … [Read more...]
Killing innovation
Most leaders assume that a quiet room means everyone agrees. It often means people have decided it's safer not to disagree. But, quiet ≠ agreement. Source: LinkedIn, May 31, 2026. Link. What answer does the boss want?" Once that shift occurs, innovation slows down because people are no longer optimizing for outcomes. They're optimizing for approval.” INSIGHTS: Leaders need … [Read more...]
Knowing when to disengage
Excellent advice and responses when it’s time to diffuse tense situations. Protect your energy, not your ego. Choose response over revenge. Walk away with confidence. Source: Lawyer Vince, LinkedIn, May 2026. Link. [0:36] Emotionally intelligent people don’t react when they’re annoyed. They protect their energy, stay focused, and know when to walk away.” … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 22, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites find member webinars, future market predictions, a different way to provide health insurance, getting ready for the upcoming holidays and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 22, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 18th. Link. Seasonal drift, ineffective accountability, "rust out", keeping dogs calm, and more! … [Read more...]
Pet wellness market tops $5 billion, growing faster than predicted
The U.S. pet wellness market is larger and growing faster than many industry estimates suggest. According to Lauren DeVestern, long-term demand, channel success, high customer retention and clear brand differentiation support the pet wellness category's value. Source: PETFOOD Industry, June 18, 2026. Link. Pet wellness products remain heavily online, but expanding into … [Read more...]
It may be time to consider leptospirosis in cats
In this 2023 literature review, George E. Moore, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVPM, opines cats may have an underrecognized role in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. His review’s tenets continue to be supported in more recent pieces despite cats rarely showing clinical signs. Notable takeaways include: Cats, particularly free-roaming or stray cats, may have serologic evidence of … [Read more...]
The horse industry’s social license to operate
Breakdowns in racing. Questionable training practices. Medication and tack use in competition horses. Welfare of horses with minimal access to pasture. Well-being of horses asked to do a “job.” The list goes on, frequently shaping how society views horse sports. “Every horse person plays a part in shaping the future of the sport,” says Naomi Hurdle. “One of the most … [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...]
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...]
Elanco to launch Elanco Ventures with $25 million multi-year commitment to accelerate innovation in animal health
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced plans to establish Elanco Ventures, a dedicated corporate venture capital platform designed to support, invest and advance innovation in animal health. Backed by a $25 million multi-year commitment, Elanco Ventures will initially focus on strategic investments in therapeutic advancements and supportive technologies across the animal … [Read more...]
Free CE opportunities for veterinary professionals with Chewy Health
Complimentary Chewy Health’s 2026 Continuing Education calendar offers free educational opportunities for veterinary professionals throughout 2026. The program features 14 virtual on-demand sessions spanning both clinical and professional development topics. Sessions are led by veterinary professionals, pharmacists and industry experts from within Chewy Health, alongside … [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...]
Puppocalypse, Kitten Craze, and an industry expectations reset
A new CATalyst Council white paper, “Puppocalypse, Kitten Craze, and the Expectations Reset,” uses the age demographics of dogs and cats that visit full-service practices to forecast combined U.S. clinical visit growth of -2 percent to 0 percent through 2030. Those numbers are well below the 2 percent to 3 percent the industry expects. The report’s central, empirically … [Read more...]
Why the future of veterinary medicine depends on its people
“Veterinary medicine is about more than clinical care. It is about the people who deliver it and the conditions that enable them to thrive,” writes Jeannette Ferran Astorga. Commentary Astorga’s closing words* prompt sharing this article. Not a veterinarian, she articulates the responsibility those of us in industry and support roles share in ADVOCATING for the … [Read more...]
Seasonal drift
Most organizational momentum doesn’t disappear all at once. It fades gradually. Priorities become less clear. Communication becomes less intentional. Source: LinkedIn, May 28, 2026. Link. The organizations that navigate summer well … are the ones whose leaders continue creating connection, reinforcing purpose, and keeping teams focused even as the pace and rhythm of work … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 15, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Webinar opportunities The Pet Industry Leaderboard <Link> MoeGo Live: The Summer Survival Guide for Boarding and Daycare Businesses Vetting pet care providers Treating screwworm in dogs and cats Source: IBPSA, June 15, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 11th. Link. Digital overload, choose the … [Read more...]
Keeping dogs calm: it’s a process
Commercial links included Two articles address various elements of mental health and well-being for dog owners. In today’s world, where pets often live in urban environments with limited outdoor activities, ensuring their mental well-being becomes paramount, writes Anderson Cox. Fear, separation and aging are identified as catalysts for anxiety. Fireworks are troubling … [Read more...]
Plants that may help repel ticks naturally
We need all the help we can get to reduce exposure to ticks in yards, green spaces, wood lots and acreages. Gemma Johnstone shares 15 plants to consider growing that can help keep ticks at bay. Consider sharing this article on social media, in newsletters and with local flower and vegetable garden groups to let pet owners know what plants help keep ticks away. Source: The … [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...]
$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...]
Animal Health Pulse survey – WILMAH wants your help!
If you have worked in animal health at any point in your career, your perspective is valuable. This survey is open to anyone with industry experience, and the more voices included, the stronger the results will be. It will take about 15 minutes to complete and includes 38 questions. Source: WILMAH, June 15, 2026. Link. Animal health is an industry built on relationships, … [Read more...]