May you have a meaningful weekend and Memorial Day! Source: Readers Digest, April 1, 2025. Link. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began as a way to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. The first celebration was on May 30, 1868. In 1971, Decoration Day became officially known as Memorial Day, and Congress passed an act declaring it a national holiday … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo® 2025 to open June 4th in Des Moines, Iowa
World Pork Expo remains a premier event for swine producers and the swine industry. The two day event draws more than 10,000 pork producers and ag professionals across the world each year. Nearly 400 companies from North America and around the world will be on-site, displaying products and services at booths, outdoor exhibits and hospitality tents at the 2025 WPX. Promoted by … [Read more...]
Public comments sought on acupuncture, embryo transfer as veterinary specialties
The American Board of Veterinary Acupuncture and the American Embryo Transfer Association are seeking recognition as veterinary specialty organizations. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties has put out a call for public comment on these two proposed specialties. The AVMA is seeking comments on the proposals through August 12th <Link>. Source: AVMA, May 16, … [Read more...]
Top 10 wild animals most likely to attack pet cats
Commentary A recent comment in an AHD post drew feedback. The post said that “community trap-neuter-return programs do a fair job of curtailing cat population growth where man becomes a sort of predator against future kittens.” <Link>. The reader offered the article here to expand on animals considered predators of cats in the U.S. Predator denotes any animal that … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 19, 2025
Free grooming services webinar slated for June 4th, helping teams embrace new technology, forward-flow funding, small business tax priorities, growing demand for pet funerals, report on trends in pet sitting market and more . . . Note the announcement about The Forum conference scheduled for September 22nd and 23rd. IBPSA is bringing together a dynamic lineup of respected … [Read more...]
Veterinary students are in high demand despite huge school debt and alarming suicide rates
It’s a story heard across the U.S. - the veterinary shortage, the challenges our industry professionals face and the consequences of demand that exceeds capacity. We’re sharing this article by intern Anthony Solorzano who presents a balanced story on the needs for more veterinarians. References to veterinary technicians were absent, but he nicely captured the necessity of … [Read more...]
Spay/neuter: It’s time for a discussion
Spaying and neutering dogs has long been promoted as a responsible and humane method of controlling pet overpopulation with benefits to the health of individual animals, writes Bruce L. Truman. In this article, he interviews some of the experts on emerging topics that challenge what we’ve always done. Given the spay/neuter age debates, Truman asserts that veterinary … [Read more...]
Anthony Pease, DVM, talks about Viticus Group’ Nashville expansion
The Viticus Group is expanding to offer a NEW national conference (WVC Nashville) and more hands-on training in Nashville. Tony Pease, DVM, shares the who, what, when, where and why of this new expansion effort. Source: Viticus Group Insider, May, 2025. Link. [13:02] … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health expands operations, investing $895 million in De Soto, Kansas
Merck Animal Health announced plans to invest $895 million in the expansion of its biologics facility in De Soto, Kansas. It is one of the most significant economic development projects in Kansas history and the largest to date for Merck Animal Health. The project reinforces the Kansas City region’s position as the center of the global animal health industry, building on its … [Read more...]
K-State researchers update African Swine Fever virus stability to cold, heat
A new study from Kansas State University found that the ASF virus was still detectable in samples that were repeatedly frozen and stored at 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit), thawed and then frozen again. ASF is known to be a particularly tough virus to destroy. Still, the viability may allow for samples of the virus could be frozen and stored or transported over … [Read more...]
USDA closes southern border, NCBA supports decision to halt the New World screwworm
Despite the United States' work to control the New World screwworm, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama. This has been coupled with a lack of timely action by officials in Mexico and now the U.S. cattle herd, other livestock, wildlife, pets and humans are at risk again. Consequently, the USDA has closed the U.S. … [Read more...]
Top U.S. States where cats can safely explore the outdoors (video)
The folks at FelineFam share insightful information in this video about where U.S. cats can safely roam. Well-narrated and filled with images of cats in the wild, it’s worth the time to view and consider for an industry integral to One Health, animal health, and wellness. Source: Feline Fam, April 2025. Link. [8:42] Commentary Shown on January 30, 2000, during Super … [Read more...]
NASCAR goes to the dogs; Why many drivers bring their dogs to every race
When Shane van Gisbergen was offered the chance to move from Australian Supercars to NASCAR two years ago, he had one question: Can I bring my dog? And when we say dog, we really mean horse because Ronald is much closer to a small pony than he is to a large dog. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 12, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
There’s no place for shock and prong in dog training
Contains commercial links Two professional organizations recently updated their policies. Only one made a commitment to reward-based training, writes Zazie Todd. She reviews evidence against aversive training and stances of various organizations noting these most recently: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants decided to rule out the use of … [Read more...]
NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report
Commentary There is a lot to digest in this 2025 report from NAPHIA for those interested in numbers*. In 2024, the overall penetration rate for pet insurance in the U.S. marketplace reached 3.92 percent (based on the population of 163.5 million pets). The top claims paid by dog or cat breed and the most common medical conditions are interesting. Source: NAPHIA, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
How to better utilize vet techs
Commentary Yes, it’s another article on using veterinary technicians at the top of their license. We have found each iteration of this topic is helpful for animal health pros at all levels as we gain more understanding of opportunities and barriers in practices and various regions. Adrienne Kruzer, BBA, RVT, LVT, tackles this topic covering pros, cons, economics and more. … [Read more...]
Is the future of veterinary medicine feline?
For veterinary teams, product developers, investors and strategists, the message is clear: cats are here to stay and they're driving measurable industry growth, writes Jill Lopez, DVM. One of those sharing insights on the new 2025 CATalyst Feline Market Insights Report (Volume 1), she notes cats are gaining a growing share of pet ownership and that feline visits are up in the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 8, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 1, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 1, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Chewy Health president shares 3 trends revolutionizing pet healthcare. Link. Extended colostrum feeding adds $500 per heifer, slashes treatment costs, boosts lifetime milk. Link. New lifestage infographics-pet owner education, identify … [Read more...]
Sovereignty comes from behind to win muddy Kentucky Derby
Sovereignty charged past race favorite Journalism down the stretch to win a muddy 151st Kentucky Derby by 1 1/2 lengths in front of 147,406 onlookers at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The victory was a first for all of Sovereignty’s connections <Link>. All 19 of those horses are descended from Secretariat <Link>. Source: NBC Sports, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Hay, forage outlook for 2025
Marian Viney provides a timely look at hay prices in different areas and how drought can affect availability and prices. Forage availability and costs play into producer confidence and their relationships with animal health pros. Source: Progressive Forage, May 1, 2025. Link. Related: Tips to manage cow-calf pairs through a drought, UNL Beef, April 1, 2025. … [Read more...]
Where are the horses in the U.S.?
The map from the 2022 USDA Agricultural Census can help animal health pros visualize where the majority of horses live in the U.S. Wild and feral horses are likely not captured in this population depiction. The American Horse Council estimates that there are about 6.6 million horses currently in the U.S. <Link>. Source: Brandiwyne Tack & Feed, Facebook, April 19, … [Read more...]
FDA approves PRRS-resistant pig
After years testing a rainbow of pigs, Genus has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the gene-edited PRRS-resistant pig in the U.S. food supply chain. Source: National Hog Farmer, April 28, 2025. Link. Addressing PRRS can allow us to improve animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact of raising pigs. Recent research indicates that PRRS … [Read more...]
ScribbleVet achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance, validating data security in veterinary care
With cyber threats on the rise, SOC 2 Type 2 compliance ensures ScribbleVet's infrastructure meets enterprise-grade security requirements. Veterinary practices using ScribbleVet can confidently safeguard patient records and client data, mitigate risks associated with digital transformation, and meet regulatory and insurance obligations for data protection, the company … [Read more...]
PBI-Gordon Companies acquires TriviumVet
The acquisition of TriviumVet brings the addition of an innovative new product, Felycin®-CA1, to the PRN® Pharmacal portfolio of products. Felycin is the only FDA conditionally approved drug for the management of ventricular hypertrophy in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), one of the most common and life-threatening diseases in cats. TriviumVet adds … [Read more...]
Large animal internship guidelines emphasize mentorship, supervision, outcomes
It’s a first! AVMA’s Large Animal Hospital Internship Guidelines and Veterinary Large Animal Ambulatory Internship Guidelines outline the structure of a successful large animal internship for both scenarios, accounting for issues specific to working in such practices. Source: AVMA, April 28, 2025. Link. The internship guidelines say that such programs should be a one-year … [Read more...]
Better feed, fewer burps: Scientists target dairy gas emissions
University of Florida research provides a different perspective on methane gas which is consistently under fire in the greenhouse gas dialogue. When cows’ stomachs make methane, they lose valuable energy that could otherwise be used to make milk or meat. Keeping methane in is better than having it come out. The researchers investigated a potential dairy cattle … [Read more...]
Lowering unit cost of production in cow-calf herds
Although the beef market remains strong, there is a limit to how much an animal will bring in the marketplace. At some point, cow-calf producers must consider managing input costs to yield higher profits. Aaron Berger shares ways to address the costs of production in this article. Source: The Stockman, April 2025. Link. Commentary Historically, producers often reduced … [Read more...]
Tick control may be possible from exposed animals’ immune systems
Could it be? New Washington State University research reveals that animals like deer mice, rabbits and cattle can develop resistance to tick bites. And once they do, tick populations start to plummet. Ticks feeding on previously exposed animals were 23 percent less likely to reach adulthood, and female ticks that did survive produced 32 percent fewer larvae. Simulations … [Read more...]
Is it time to legalize horse slaughter in the U.S.?
Commentary Kudos to Sarah McNaughton-Peterson for addressing a volatile topic. As a horse owner, she is grounded in doing the best for her animals. Still she asserts, “there comes a time . . .” Her comment about culling practices is notable. With welfare issues top of mind, she reminds us that the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 classifies horses as livestock, of … [Read more...]
New survey shows horse owners underestimate disease risks
Content provided by Merck Animal Health A new survey of AAEP members builds on a 2023 survey of horse owners, where researchers sought to better understand of owners’ knowledge and awareness of biosecurity practices for preventing infectious disease in the United States. The results of both surveys reveal many horse owners underestimate infectious disease risks and only take … [Read more...]