Although teams of over 25 are growing, most managers still lead relatively small ones, according to Gallup Workplace. Jim Harter shares that finding an optimal team size depends on how organizations answer these four key questions: How engaged is the team? How much time do managers spend on individual contributor work? Do managers have the right talent for the … [Read more...]
College women far outnumber men in law, medical, vet schools and it matters
Commentary This article adds depth to the ongoing discussion of how many DVMs to educate and how many institutions we need to do it. Woven into our industry’s discussions are gender pay variances, work-life balance, the expectations recent graduates have for daily work hours, full empowerment of veterinary technicians and the rural vet shortage. For those interested in … [Read more...]
PetSmart rolls out omnichannel veterinary support program
PetSmart is partnering with pet health platform Vetster to offer virtual veterinary support services at select stores in the U.S. The company says that through Vetster's secure medical platform, PetSmart associates can gain real-time access to licensed veterinarians where regulations allow. The services are meant to complement, rather than replace, in-clinic visits. Source: … [Read more...]
USDA announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge
The New World Screwworm Grand Challenge funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread. As part of the commitment USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and … [Read more...]
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Fever confirmed in North Carolina
The first case of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 in North Carolina has been confirmed in a domestic rabbit in Dare County. RHDV2 is typically a fatal disease affecting both domestic and wild rabbit populations. It is highly contagious, with mortality occurring within nine days after infection. While there have been isolated cases of RHDV2 in domestic rabbits in the … [Read more...]
Vets Choice Radiology leadership expansion signals next phase of growth, investment
VCR was founded to deliver timely, high-quality radiology expertise for veterinarians. As diagnostic demand continues to grow across the profession, the company is focused on strengthening the infrastructure, tools and teams that help veterinary practices access timely, consistent radiology interpretations to guide patient care 24/7, 365 days a year. Georgia Wraight has … [Read more...]
Live from VMX
With VMX 2026 in full swing, this news release captures real-time highlights, announcements, and trends shaping this year’s event. The ideas and innovations shared at VMX help shape new trends, influence how veterinarians champion care for animals, and ultimately help them provide smarter, faster and more effective care. Source: VMX, NAVC, January 20, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
AVMF News is now AVMF Updates
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation has merged AVMF News and its program impact updates into one streamlined publication: AVMF Updates. Published in six bimonthly issues a year, it will feature stories of compassion in action; from disaster relief and lifesaving charitable care, to education and research grant opportunities. Source: American Veterinary Medical … [Read more...]
Beyond the SEO algorithms, AI is changing “search”
Includes Commercial Content* This isn’t just an update to an algorithm; it’s a fundamental shift in how pet owners find and choose veterinary care, writes Rachel Null. She explains the two types of pet owner search and preparing for AI citation to ensure your practice is not only visible, but actively quoted and positioned. Source: AAHA Trends, January 9, 2026. Link. The … [Read more...]
Feline veterinary care at a pivotal point to drive future practice growth, feline medicine
Findings from the CATalyst Council’s 2025 Key Feline Market Insights report point to a market at an inflection point. Shifting demographics, economics and innovation are converging to elevate feline care. The report identifies this period as one of sustained growth and rising strategic importance, even as overall U.S. veterinary visits declined. Source: businesswire, January … [Read more...]
NAVC’s 2025 VETTY Award winners
The 2025 VETTY Awards® Grand Prize winners include: BEST IN SHOW (FOR PROFIT) AWARD: “Galliprant - Playing with Fire” by Elanco Animal Health and BarkleyOKRP. Category: Campaign - B2B/Trade. BEST IN SHOW (NONPROFIT) AWARD: “KC Animal Health Corridor WORKFORCE Campaign” by Animal Health Corridor and JNA Advertising. Category: Campaign - New Product, Program or Service … [Read more...]
VMX: Stop, look, listen but rest
The first big industry convention and trade expo is vibrating at the starting gate for an estimated 30,000 animal health professionals. The adrenaline is palpable as attendees try to take it all in. I’m unable to join you, so here’s my perspective from nearly 20 years of attending NAVC’s premier expo: Manage your personal biosecurity. Every year, some people return with … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 12, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: IBPSA Canine and Feline Certification courses now available to Community Colleges Legislative news from New Hampshire and New York January 21st “Reading the Room” webinar reminder And the January 8th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, January 12, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Defining exercise that is satisfying for dogs
Includes Commercial Content Discussing the importance of exercise quality, Stephanie Vichinsky shares how the right kinds of exercise can help manage behavior issues and promote happiness in dogs. She references the hormonal benefits of quality exercise, which should resonate with dog owners. Consider borrowing some of her dialogue for those uncomfortable discussions with … [Read more...]
FIP study finds coronaviruses may hide and persist in immune cells
The prevailing belief has been that the feline infectious peritonitis virus infected just one type of immune cell. New research published in Veterinary Microbiology found FIP infects a broader range of immune cells, including those critical for fighting infection. Scientists also found evidence that the virus was actively replicating itself inside these immune cells, rather … [Read more...]
New research identifies direct cause of porcine ear necrosis
By focusing on managing bacterial exposure and preventing ear trauma, swine farms may finally be able to reduce the incidence and severity of porcine ear necrosis, a global welfare‑related condition. A new controlled study provides evidence that Fusobacterium necrophorum can directly induce PEN‑like lesions in pigs. Source: National Hog Farmer, January/February 2026. … [Read more...]
New AI tool can take a cow’s temperature with only a photo
With potential to help cattlemen detect temperatures before visible signs of illness, a new tool from the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Lab at the University of Arkansas uses artificial intelligence and thermal cameras to estimate the body temperature of cattle. Source: University of Arkansas, January 2, 2026. Link. The system, called CattleFever, is the first … [Read more...]
Looking ahead to CattleCon26, Nashville, February 3rd – 5th
As animal health pros wrap up VMX and head to IPPE, Nashville is prepping for cowboy hats, boots and all things beef. Check out five new things to enjoy at CattleCon26 <Link.>. AHD Sponsor Novonesis is on the program Tuesday, February 3, to discuss the “Effects of a direct-fed microbial in finishing cattle.” Experts on applied microbiome science will also be available … [Read more...]
The FelineVMA, EveryCat Health Foundation, announce scholarships for future leaders in feline medicine
The FelineVMA and the EveryCat Health Foundation are now accepting scholarship applications from veterinary students enrolled in AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges or schools in the United States or Canada. Third- or fourth-year veterinarian students are eligible to become candidates for two scholarships of $5,000 each. Source: FelineVMA, January 13, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 15, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 8, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 8, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Uncertainty. Link. Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention. AAHA issues NEW guidelines for treating pets with cancer. Link. ============================= More than 1,200 feral, rescue cats … [Read more...]
Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention
Commentary This new year is not a fresh start. It’s the next chapter of continually improving the health and welfare of our animals and those who care for them. For many animal health pros, the horizon may be foggy as new annual plans are implemented, territories realigned, new management introduced and teams face staffing and goal changes. As we begin this year, we can … [Read more...]
AAHA issues NEW guidelines for treating pets with cancer
Understanding the common types of cancer in dogs and cats is essential for early detection, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The American Animal Hospital Association’s new 2026 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats for general practice veterinarians treating dogs and cats with cancer cover diagnosing, staging, treating and providing supportive care for pets with … [Read more...]
Avian influenza outbreaks confirmed in 5 states
Confirmed avian flu outbreaks have hit another five U.S. states, affecting more than 128,000 birds, according to APHIS. The recent outbreaks occurred at commercial poultry farms and in backyard flocks in Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska and New York. The virus is also suspected in the deaths of wild birds in Florida and Iowa. Source: CIDRAP, December 30, 2025. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 5, 2026
CONGRATULATIONS to the IBPSA professionals who earned 139 Species Care Certifications last year! These individuals represent 40 facilities/independents. 18 new members and 3 vendor partners were added in 4-Q-2025. Also, 239 IBPSA Species Certification exams were completed by learners in correctional facilities through rehabilitation and reentry programs. Don’t forget to … [Read more...]
LifeLearn’s updated 2026 Pet Owner Communications Inspiration Guide
Complimentary Commercial Content To simplify things, LifeLearn’s freshly groomed 2026 Pet Owner Communications Inspiration Guide is filled with timely, engaging and fun ideas (with examples) to use through 2026. It shares ideas each month to engage and attract clients through social media, email and other channels, making communications feel less challenging or … [Read more...]
Promoting regular vet visits for cats, even the healthy-looking ones
Commentary Few would argue this statement, “No matter their age or lifestyle, regular vet care matters and it can help cats thrive.” But getting owners of ostensibly happy cats to establish routine veterinary visits is a challenge our industry faces in 2026 and beyond. Communicating with cat owners is an important element of moving toward routine veterinary visits and … [Read more...]
Preparing for dental month promotional efforts
Commentary While promoting oral care at home should be an everyday objective during every exam, it is difficult for practices to get that done. VMX* is an excellent time to define your strategies for dental month and choose products to support them. Consider opportunities during dental month to feature oral care products and have them on hand. Addison Biological … [Read more...]
Veterinarians encouraged to participate in 2025 heartworm survey
The American Heartworm Society is calling on veterinarians nationwide to participate in the 2025 AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey, now open and accepting submissions. The survey provides critical data used to track heartworm disease trends across the United States and support effective client education and prevention strategies. Source: AAHA, January 5, 2025. … [Read more...]
CATalyst Council appoints Gina Fortunato as Executive Director
The CATalyst Council announces the appointment of Gina Fortunato as executive director. Fortunato succeeds Dr. Jane Brunt, a key partner in the origin of the organization and who will continue as a senior advisor to ensure a seamless transition. The organization is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats and their caregivers. Dr. Brunt will remain … [Read more...]
AAHA Names Dr. Brady Beale as Chief Executive Officer
The American Animal Hospital Association today announced the appointment of Brady Beale, VMD, DACVO, as its new chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2026. Dr. Beale will succeed Guylaine Charette, DVM, who has served as interim CEO. Source: AAHA, January 7, 2026. Link. Dr. Beale is joining us at a pivotal moment, and her unique blend of clinical expertise and … [Read more...]