Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 18th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from May 18th AHD Bulletin – Make it clear! Link. The most dog-loving states in America. Link. The Bridge Club to discuss affect of new VCPR legislative efforts. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Instacart delivery data reveals pet-related purchase data
We found this to be a unique look at pet food and pet treats brands sold via Instacart’s home delivery service. They also share other pet items they deliver, including hay for small animals and bird food. Source: Instacart, May 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Lab-grown meat could be 25 times worse for the climate than beef
Lab-grown or “cultivated” meat produced from cultured cells could be 25 times worse for the climate than regular beef unless scientists find ways to overhaul energy-intensive steps in its production. Source: New Scientist, May 9, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Communal wound licking documented in a hoofed mammal for the first time
American bison have been observed licking each other’s wounds, a stress-reducing behavior not documented in a hoofed mammal until now. While female bison have been observed grooming unrelated calves, reports of animals licking the wounds of others have largely been limited to captive rats and wild primates, such as chimpanzees. Source: New Scientist, May 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
And the green grass grows all around . . . but wait!
Spring! Pastures and hayfields are greening up. Lush stands of grass push skyward after a nice rain. A few seed heads start to develop and our noses get ready for that smell of the first cutting of hay. But wait . . . upon closer inspection, “oh no, ergot [ur-guht]!” Ergot is a fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that contaminates rye and wheat and produces substances called … [Read more...]
5 pet food brands being talked about
Includes Commercial Content Surveys of independent pet store owners revealed the top pet food brands they say are doing well in their stores: Fromm Family Foods Stella & Chewy’s Primal Pet Foods Zignature Northwest Naturals Goat milk received an honorable mention. Source: Pet Product News, May 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Pet food questions are … [Read more...]
Winners of the British Veterinary Association Veterinary Photographer of the Year 2023
The eighth annual contest was open to BVA members. Its intent is to inject some fun into the BVA programs. The photos a expose a bit of the lives of veterinarian professionals across the United Kingdom, as well as their own adorable pets. Entries were judged in three categories: Vets at Work, All Creatures Great and Small, and Happy Pets That Make Us Smile. Source: British … [Read more...]
Brazil detects HPAI in wild sea shore birds. USDA okays vaccination for endangered condors.
Commentary Southern Brazil seems miles away but the discovery of H5N1 avian flu in terns and a brown booby punctuates the imminent risk of managing biosecurity where wildlife, domestic animals and humans intersect. A review of the migratory bird flyways underscores the potential for the viral spread we’ve witnessed in recent months. Lisa Schnirring shares the situation … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 11, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 4th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from May 4th AHD Bulletin – Establishing rapport. Link. Shaping the onboarding experience. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. 3 ways VMG is different from other veterinary membership organizations Source: … [Read more...]
APHIS, USDA issue new regulations affecting pet birds
Commentary MyRightBird compiled an overview to help shed light on the new USDA/APHIS regulations that has ruffled feathers in the pet bird industry. They cite vague descriptions as one of the problems. The new rules seek to apply the standards of the Animal Welfare Act to ensure birds will be raised and cared for in conditions that protect their health and … [Read more...]
Limited seats left for NAVC Institute, May 21 – 26 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando
Complimentary Content Open to veterinarians and veterinary nurses/technicians, this continuing education event provides side-by-side experiences with world-renowned veterinary leaders yielding focused learning and practice in one specific area of veterinary medicine they can use immediately in their everyday practice. Source: NAVC. Link. Space is still available for the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 3, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 27th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 27th AHD Bulletin – Trust lost. Link. Preparing for behavioral interview questions. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Compliance is a 5 letter word Source: Vetsource, Link. PRAP is an … [Read more...]
All about emus
Fans of The Incredible Jan Pol on National Geographic TV, may have seen him, Charles and staff treating emus and sometimes wrestling with them <Link>. Kenny Coogan shares why emus have gained popularity and some guidance for their care in the article below. Today in the U.S., emus are a popular choice for alternative agriculture due to their minimal husbandry needs, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 27, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 20th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 20th AHD Bulletin – Enhancing your customers’ experiences. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Study says U.S. unprepared for dangers posed by zoonotic diseases Source: Vet Candy, February 13, 2023. … [Read more...]
Armadillo invasion: Why the creatures are rapidly moving north
Nine-banded armadillos Dasypus novemcinctus are the only species of the animal found in the U.S. They have mostly lived in the southeastern part of the country but over the last century have steadily migrated northward. They are omnivores whose diets are mostly insects, invertebrates, small reptiles, eggs and small mammals. Some southern armadillos are naturally infected with … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 20, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 13th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from April 13th AHD Bulletin – Don’t assume that old refrigerator is okay for vaccines, antimicrobials. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Are influencers ready for a world without follower counts? Source: … [Read more...]
Third human bird flu death prompts comments from Brakke’s Bob Jones
Source: AgriMarketing, April 17, 2023. Link. The third human infection with H3N8 bird flu virus and first fatality ever reported prompted Bob Jones to think about how we as an industry should respond to influenza in animals. His commentary is part of this report on the human death from avian flu. … [Read more...]
Beyond CBD: the ingredients driving sales of pet supplements
Contains Commercial Content Pet owners are turning to supplements for a variety of reasons, writes Lindsay Getz. She interviewed several supplement providers for their take on supplement demand. Source: Pet Product News, April 2023. Link. Pet owners need to be sure that they’re very educated in the supplements themselves, and then fact check them with many sources. Trust … [Read more...]
Positive Pet Care Guide seeks to define, strengthen the veterinary team-client partnership
Commentary Setting expectations for team members and animal owners is basic to positive experiences and better animal health. The tenets of this new guide are relevant and appropriate for this period in our animal health industry. The key will be for veterinary teams of alll species to adopt and sustain the discussion of expectations internally and externally with animal … [Read more...]
Fowl Play: veterinarians talk biosecurity and backyard chickens
Complimentary Sponsored Content Attention animal health pros! Consider investing an hour of your time to learn from this timely discussion. Karen Grogan, DVM, MAM, ACPV, joins the Chatfields for an informative and realistic discussion of backyard chickens, biosecurity and the threat of high path avian influenza. After you’ve held them and they’re cute please go wash your … [Read more...]
Do opossum feces guarantee EPM transmission?
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitiscan can spread to horses who eat hay, feed or drink water that is contaminated with opossum feces. EPM is a rare disease. Studies suggest that about one third of opossums are infected in Missouri compared to one tenth of opossums infected in Michigan. Not every horse that eats contaminated feed develops EPM and not every opossum is infected … [Read more...]
Vet pharmacist. Marijuana intoxication in dogs (video).
Complimentary Content Marijuana intoxication in dogs doesn’t make them high, it makes them incredibly ill. Keep all of those products up and out of the reach of our favorite pets.” – Elaine Blythe, Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, Instagram, April 10, 2023. Link. (2:00) Also available on Facebook. Link. Marijuana is toxic to dogs, cats and horses. There is no antidote … [Read more...]
Chewy and Petco are increasingly reliant on pet health care for sales
Commentary With our recent post, “Pet-owning households on decline while spending remains strong” <Link> still resonating, we stepped back to the comments on quarterly reports from pet retailers Chewy and Petco. Gabrielle Fonrouge summarized key points from the respective earnings reports commenting, “Pet health care will be key to whether the companies can grow and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 13, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 6th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 30th AHD Bulletin – Hauser: Reverse the downward trend of pets missing vet care. Link. JVECC makes a case for quality improvement in vet med. Link. Finding the optimal pattern of a customer journey. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences … [Read more...]
Why white-tailed deer don’t get Lyme disease
White-tailed deer are important to the survival of deer ticks but they are not involved with transmitting the Lyme bacteria. The serum component of white-tailed deer blood kills Lyme bacteria. Whatever it is in the deer that’s killing the germ is part of the innate immune system, a part that precedes antibodies, shares Stephen Rich, MS, PhD. Although deer, such as white-tailed … [Read more...]
Is climate change accelerating the risk of disease spreading from animals to humans? (video)
Scientists researching the aftermath of California wildfires say they are finding evidence that climate change is accelerating the risk of disease spreading from animals to humans. Historical evidence linking the climate to zoonotic disease is growing . . .” Miles O’Brien Source: PBS, March 1, 2023. Link. (7:37) INSIGHTS: Forward-thinking scientists are working to advance … [Read more...]
LSU develops patent-pending wild pig bait
Commentary Feral hog control is an issue for ALL animal health pros. Wild pigs reproduce rapidly and cause damage to farms and suburban properties from the southern U.S. and into Canada <Link>. They also pose a growing threat to the environment, people and other animals. If an animal disease like African swine fever or hoof-and-mouth gets into these animals, it will be … [Read more...]
Photographer captures elk antler growth
In the category of something you don’t see every day, photographer, Craig Miller captured the growth an elk bull’s antlers from buds to maturity in 2021. It is a unique pictoral accompanied by an explanation of what is occurring. Source: Craig Miller, Facebook, March 22, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Those dirty flies . . .
Warmer spring weather is also the start of fly season and no matter where you live, flies can be a problem. Our AHD archives offer many resources on fly control. Getting started now, can help keep fly populations from growing out of control. Source: Search results for fly control, AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet-owning households on decline while spending remains strong
Richard Kestenbaum shares he was shocked with numbers from the APPA summary of its annual report on pet ownership that shows a decline in pet households. The percentage of households with pets declined from 70 percent in 2021 to 66 percent in 2022. In contrast to the households decline, the dollars spent on pets in 2022 were up 10.8 percent over 2021. Recent reports from Chewy … [Read more...]