Two cats have died after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Milk Farms LLC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated in a news release last Thursday. The two cats lived in the same household. After eating the product, they exhibited lack of appetite, fever and signs of neurological problems. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2024. Link. “I think this … [Read more...]
Cats may help spread bird flu, scientists warn
Jess Thomson shares research results that identify cats as a reservoir to infect humans with H5N1 from birds or cattle. The researchers identified several key mutations in the H5N1 sequence from infected cats that may suggest adaptation to cats is the potential to jump from cats to humans for the first time. The ability of the H5N1 virus to persist and adapt in mammalian hosts … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 12, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 5, 2024. Link. Most read posts from December 5, 2024 AHD Bulletin Mastering and winning at customer experience. Link. 10 signs a dog is depressed. Link. Face masks reduce human exposure to swine flu. Link. Microbiome-gut-brain axis; its importance in production animal agriculture. Link. … [Read more...]
First factory farm ban passes in Berkeley, California
Mostly symbolic, Measure DD’s passing in the city of Berkeley, California, may spur similar policies elsewhere in the United States. Advocates say large livestock facilities produce immense amounts of waste that can pollute water and spread disease, adding to human health risks. Source: Agricultural Dive, November 14, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: A review of the city of Berkeley … [Read more...]
Chicken feather and skin development
The development of the feathers and the feather follicles is extremely involved and a complex part of the bird, writes Doug Ottinger. Animal health pros may find his article worth reading if feather development is not a familiar topic. The feather is a complex epidermal organ.” Source: Backyard Poultry, October 5, 2022. Link. The follicles, feathers, and skin of the chicken, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 31, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 24, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 24th AHD Bulletin – Study: dead animal disposal practices can put swine farms at PRRS risk. Link. Pet industry adapts to economic challenges, new trends. Link. Cattle traceability rule set to take effect November 5th. Link. Image … [Read more...]
Pekin ducks, a turkey alternative
Rumors of turkey shortages due to flocks being euthanized because of HPAI may make the Pekin duck an option. A Pennsylvania family has developed a substantial commercial duck business featured in the article here. While the Pekin duck is a famous icon for AFLAC, it’s all-dark meat may become a favored alternate choice for the holidays. Source: American Agriculturist, … [Read more...]
The rise of the small animal pet market
Commentary The popularity of small pets continues to grow. In pet retail, this growth opens up many opportunities to cater to these feathered, furred and scaled animals, writes Lindsay Beaton. However, for veterinary and pet services businesses, specialty pets may prove challenging. Regardless, the metrics are worthy of review. They may generate some questions about … [Read more...]
Conservation advocacy soars in the 2024 Bird Photographer of the Year Competition
Bird Photographer of the Year has announced the winners of the 2024 competition, selected from a pool of more than 23,000 submissions. Soaring into the top spot is Canadian conversation photojournalist Patricia Homonylo’s powerful image of thousands of birds that died after flying into windows in Toronto. Source: COLLOSAL, September 24, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Survey: Only 1/3 of Americans have natural disaster plans for pets
Hurricane Helene is in the news <Link>. Floridians are prepping for her effects. Preparations for natural disasters should include pets, but as the August ’24 Talker survey reveals, many pet owners have no plans in place for their animals. This article outlines important elements of a comprehensive disaster plan for pets. It is suitable for sharing on social media, in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 12, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 5, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the September 5th AHD Bulletin – A priest, a drunk and a business leader meet and . . . Link. Wildlife decision tree helps clinic staff deal with wildlife properly. Link. New guidance for AMR gram-negative infections. Link. Swine producers, veterinarians … [Read more...]
Bird flu pushing egg prices higher
Reading this article, animal health pros might conclude the growth in backyard poultry production will continue. HPAI has reduced egg supplies that are now less robust than normal. Meanwhile, domestic sales and exports have jumped to levels not seen since the pandemic. Source: Agricultural Dive, September 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Are ducks the new chicken?
Erin Snyder addresses this oft-heard statement in backyard flock enthusiast groups beginning with ducks as waterfowl and chickens as pheasants. She says raising both makes for backyard fun and learning. Source: Hobby Farms. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article in social media posts, in newsletters and with youth groups raising animals for fairs and shows. … [Read more...]
Weese: Perspectives on H5N1 in Colorado cats
Scott Weese, DVM, shares thoughts on Colorado cats diagnosed with avian flu. He advises a focus on infection control, against symptom biases and acknowledges the need for increased surveillance. The risk posed by cats to people and other animals is completely unclear at this time.” Source: Worms and Germs, August 11, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted Weese didn’t mention … [Read more...]
The most expensive pets to own; annual and lifetime costs ranked
Insuranceopedia analyzed online sources and conducted independent research from large pet stores to compare the average costs for food, bedding, toys etc. for each animal segment and calculated an estimated annual cost for each. The cost graphic in the article is revealing, including: Parrots are the most expensive pets to own, largely due to their long lifespan … [Read more...]
SuperZoo preview
Flipping through Pet Business’ SUPERZOO preview gives animal health pros a look at consumer-facing marketing and product trends. Taking place in Las Vegas August 13th through 16th, the convention is where the retail pet industry comes together to discover the latest products, trends and innovations, along with well-rounded education sessions. Source: Pet Business, Link. … [Read more...]
Iowa State researchers find possible way dairy cattle are infected with HPAI
A study published this month by a team in ISU's College of Veterinary Medicine found that bovine mammary gland tissue held receptors for the avian influenza virus. This offers a potential “why” connection for how cattle are being infected with the virus, which is found in raw milk. Source: AgriMarketing, July 19, 2024. Link. Also see: Current H5N1 situation in dairy … [Read more...]
Avian flu updates
Staying abreast of the latest on high-path avian flu is time-consuming and often confusing. Multiple media sources share information along a rapidly progressing timeline of discovery, opinions and responses. We aggregated some of the more recent updates at these links. Sources: Detections of HPAI in livestock, USDA, July 9, 2024. Link. The most current information and … [Read more...]
Audubon’s 2024 Audubon Photography Awards
Animal health pros always enjoy great photos and video of the wildlife world around us. Audubon’s annual contest features stunning work from professionals, amateurs and young people that highlights the beauty of birds and the joy of capturing them through photographs and videos. Mathew Malwitz won the grand prize for his photo of Blackburnian Warblers, shared in this … [Read more...]
June heat wave enveloping the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
A hot day or two is normal, but the National Weather Service says a near-record strong heat dome will bring record-breaking high temperatures and sultry, uncomfortable nights during the next two weeks. The inherent risks to people are no surprise especially when temperatures remain high during the night. For animal health pros, reminding animal owners to keep their animals … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 13, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 6, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the June 6th AHD Bulletin – Attitude, value, and talent. Link. What stool color could say about a dog’s health. Link. Do hay preservatives matter to horses? Link. ===================================== Summer hours. A way for small business owners to boost … [Read more...]
Keeping cats safe from bird flu
Ann Hohenhaus DVM, DACVIM, says the high-path Asian influenza strain H5N1 is particularly virulent in cats and appears to have a high mortality rate. The solution to the feline bird flu problem is simple: keep your cat indoors away, from birds, cows and un-pasteurized milk.” Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, June 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 6, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 30, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 30th AHD Bulletin – Glyphosate in dog food. Link. Microbial metabolites in feline anal glands aid cat communication. Link. Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (2). Link. ===================================== She’s the … [Read more...]
Are pet dogs and cats the weak link in bird flu surveillance?
Some epidemiologists, food safety experts and veterinarians worry that pets could provide a potential springboard for H5N1 bird flu to evolve into a human threat. They are warning pet owners against feeding their animals raw food. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 2024. Link. When researchers talk about their biggest bird flu fears, one that typically comes up involves and … [Read more...]
Breeding ratios for chickens and ducks
Now that Easter chicks and ducklings are growing up, backyard poultry keepers need to know how many roosters or drakes to keep for their flocks to thrive. Doug Ottinger shares the most effective ratios in this article: For chickens use 1 to 2 roosters per 10 hens For ducks use 1 drake per 5 hens Source: Backyard Poultry, May 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Is H5N1 a threat to U.S. swine herds?
Influenza is constantly changing, shared Amy Baker, DVM, PhD, in a recent webinar for swine producers. Influenza from a native waterfowl host has the potential to infect swine. Those same viruses can also interact with humans and poultry. Baker emphasized awareness, precautions and surveillance. Several species, including pigs, birds, wild mammals and humans, have the … [Read more...]
New York City birds found carrying H5N1
Discovering a few wild birds carrying highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza highlights that the interface between animals and humans that may give rise to zoonotic infections or even pandemics is not limited to rural environments and commercial poultry operations. It extends into urban centers, according to the American Society of Microbiology. Source: Infectious Disease … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 25, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 18, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the April 18th AHD Bulletin – NAAVR launched to elevate, support veterinary client service pros. Link. Solitude. Link. Top beef cow counties in the U.S. Link. ===================================== Scientists say animal consciousness needs a … [Read more...]
Dangers in the coop (for humans)
Asian flu was a concern when this article was written in 2021. Janet Garman shares things about which human caretakers should be aware. In addition to possible respiratory risks, she names Salmonella sp., Campylobacteria, E. coli and avian flu. All people who handle birds, coops, and equipment are at risk . . . hand washing is still the best defense.” Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
H5N1 adapting, not stopping
Since the avian flu arrived in 2020, more than 90 million birds have been culled in the U.S. Unlike other avian flu viruses, H5N1 has infected a wide variety of birds and mammals, including seals, skunks, dolphins, polar bears and dairy cows. The virus continues to evolve and scientists are especially worried about pigs because they’re susceptible to human and avian flu … [Read more...]