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...]
Analgesia trends in exotics
Discussing analgesia in rabbits and rodents, Olivia A. Petritz, DVM, DACZM, provides an overview of recent studies. She also refers to the development of grimace scales for rabbits, rats and mice. Source: Veterinary Practice News, September 20, 2024. Link. Clinical signs of pain in rodents are similar to rabbits and include a hunched posture, lack of or increased grooming, … [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...]
Parasitic ‘horror’ wasp bursts from a fly’s abdomen like an alien
Scientists accidentally discovered a new species of wasp, Syntretus perlmani, that lays eggs inside living, adult fruit flies, which then burst from the hosts' abdomens while they're still alive. Finding the wasp surprised the researchers because Drosophila flies are so common and well-studied. Source: Live Science, September 13, 2024. Link. Image credit: Matthew … [Read more...]
Top 3 retail trends driving industry transformation in 2024
Commentary Retailers are facing fundamental shifts in the rules and relationships that define the consumers’ purchase paths. At its core, retail is about delivering the right product at the right price to the right customer. The same goes for services businesses. Like it or not, digitalization empowers business models like marketplaces, direct-to-consumer and social … [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...]
Rats don’t care about property lines
Chickens are messy eaters. This creates a tempting smorgasbord for rodents, explains Maureen Mackey. She shares ways to reduce rat problems around chickens, tips from experts, coop construction advice and reminds us that they can carry serious diseases, including salmonella and leptospirosis. Source: Backyard Poultry, September 2021. Link. Rats rarely go beyond 300 feet of … [Read more...]
Finding a good place for pollinators
Farmers, as well as suburban property owners, can effectively install pollinator habitats. Ben Powell, MS, shared the importance and opportunity farmers have to plant a wide variety of native crops to provide pollinator habitat at a recent field day. His focus is on crop farmers in this article, but the content applies to suburbia, acreages, along roads and green spaces in more … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 5, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 29, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 29th AHD Bulletin – The 5 levers of compliance. Link. Character and integrity. Link. Highlights from the 2024 KCAHC Animal Health Summit. Link. What did we miss at the VIS? Link. 5 silent revenue drains and ways to plug them. Link. … [Read more...]
Detecting and mitigating stray voltage
The need to stay grounded takes on a different meaning in the two articles shared here. Stray voltage is a hidden risk to production and safety in production settings. Testing for stray voltage is crucial to protecting the herd and livelihoods: Stray voltage can severely affect livestock, resulting in stress, reduced milk production, and higher illness incidents. Causes … [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...]
Allergy season, real or not?
Many things cause dogs to be pruritic that may not be a true allergy. Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds us that a pet can be allergic to anything, even hypoallergenic products. He suggests groomers can play a major role in minimizing or preventing conditions often considered allergies by focusing on repairing the skin barrier. A strong skin barrier is an amazing thing and often the … [Read more...]
Wildlife decision tree helps clinic staff deal with wildlife properly
As humans encroach on wildlife habitats, the likelihood of human and wild animal interactions, planned or not, continues to increase. The AVMA resources shared here provide veterinary clinic teams with a unified approach, including the importance of safety. Be sure to view the decision tree algorithm and fill in local contact information as shown <Link>. The form is … [Read more...]
Revisiting Old Yeller ahead of World Rabies Day 2024
The news story of at least one puppy in a litter of unvaccinated puppies transported from North Texas to a Denver-area dog rescue that was found to have rabies prompted Dan Solomon to write the article shared here. Fred Gipson’s 1956 novel, “Old Yeller” and subsequent movie depictions of it may not be familiar to Millennials or Gen Z and likely won’t be on reading lists for Gen … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 22, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 15, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 15th AHD Bulletin – Immunity, more than just giving a shot, let’s review. Link. Personal transformation through leadership. Link. The most expensive pets to own; annual and lifetime costs ranked. Link. TikTok 2024 Shopping Trends: “Bending … [Read more...]
Tap water. Safe or not for pets?
Water quality and safety is a growing concern for people and their pets. In areas where flooding and storms breach water processing plants and manure containment systems concerns are amplified. Angela Beal, DVM, FFCP, discusses the potential risks and benefits of tap water and other sources. Consider the article for social media and newsletters and include the importance of … [Read more...]
54 pet product manufacturers, service providers earn 2024 Pet Innovation Awards
The Pet Innovation Awards Program highlights the most innovative companies, services and products in the highly competitive pet care industry. The awards encompass a range of pet care industry categories, including apparel, grooming and cleaning, food and treats, health, housing, toys, training, retailers and services. Source: Pet Product News, August 2024. Link. The 2024 … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the vet to provide canine leptospirosis updates, recommendations
Complimentary Content A new, blended PACCC educational series webinar series is designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, petcare and pet services professionals. The series supports the Professional Animal Care Certification Council’s objectives to bring independent testing and certification to the pet care services industry. Source: Dr. Jen the vet, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 15, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 8, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 8th AHD Bulletin – Adjusting to your customer. Link. Inflation pinching pet owners, forcing pet spending decisions. Link. Communicating value for technician appointment fees. Link. Study: Two, 200mg doses of iron dextran better than 1 dose of … [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...]
Diagonal transmission of West Nile virus
In what amounts to another reason for mosquito population control, a recent study by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development showed mosquitoes might also transmit WNV to other mosquitoes diagonally through their feces*. Thinking more broadly, the study authors suggest a “potential for diagonal transmission to act as a transmission bridge for … [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...]
Worth a Glance – August 8, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 1, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 1st AHD Bulletin – The state of allyship in animal health. Link. Stop chasing vanity metrics. Link. Some change is necessary, some inevitable, stability is critical. Link. The chemistry behind the smell of wet dogs. … [Read more...]
Tangible tick tactics with Dr. Dryden (podcast)
Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM, often known as Dr. Flea, discusses strategic methods for avoiding ticks, shares tips for preventing secondary disease and offers insights into why tick strategies have changed. He speaks about tick range expansion that impacts how veterinary teams can help animal owners reduce the risks in different regions. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [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...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 5, 2024
Pet spending growing despite inflation, growing brands through partnerships, employee well-being program benefits, three qualities of a mindful leader and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 5, 2024. Link. NOTE: The IBPSA Master Business Academy starts October 14th. The intensive 10-week program covers three core areas essential for business success: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 1, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 26, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the July 26th AHD Bulletin Smart ways to handle too much business. Link. Sharing cases can create confusion. Link. Beware of these toxic flowers in gardens, yards, building sites. Link. Toxic leadership. 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...]
What’s your diagnosis?
This deformed giraffe was spotted at an unnamed private game reserve in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Sara Ferguson, DVM, shared, “Without radiographs to prove the bone has been broken, we would refer to the giraffe as having severe torticollis or wryneck." Source: Live Science, July 23, 2024. Link. Photo by Lynn Scott … [Read more...]