With spring bird migrations underway and no vaccine available, experts on highly pathogenic avian influenza believe the virus is evolving and poultry raisers need to redouble biosecurity efforts. A lot of activity leading to biosecurity breaches occurs at night as wild birds will often come in and look for food at night. So, one thing we tell producers or backyard folks is … [Read more...]
Why does a well-fed cat kill small animals and birds?
John Woolf, a self-proclaimed cat whisperer, addresses the basic instincts cats have for hunting even when well-fed and living indoors. He shares the story of when Mr. Whiskers becomes Dr. Hyde and along the way shares some facts about cats and their lives. . . . even the Garfields of the world can’t overcome instinct.” Source: LinkedIn Pulse, February 27, 2023. Link. Three … [Read more...]
Pet owners feeling the sting of inflation
Commentary Inflation in the pet consumables markets has been in the news recently. The January Consumer Price Index shows the price of pet food is up 15 percent from last year with pet and pet product prices up 12 percent. We’re sharing these article that reference the inflation trends so animal health pros can help pet owners focus on their pets’ essential and urgent … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 2, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 23, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 23rd AHD Bulletin – How old is too old for dentals? Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Very few veterinarians are black in the U.S. This is what it’s like to be one. Source: HuffPost, February … [Read more...]
Reminder – 101 days to get producers GFI 263 compliant
Livestock producers must establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship if they expect to treat livestock after June 11, 2023, when commonly used over-the-counter antimicrobials will require a prescription from a veterinarian as part of a valid VCPR. GFI #263 is slated for final implementation on June 11, 2023. Labels of the remaining over-the-counter antibiotics for … [Read more...]
Identifying American foulbrood in honeybee colonies
American foulbrood is considered the most devastating honeybee disease, asserted Britteny R. Kyle, DVM, MSc, during her WVC session. She shared multiple factors that lead to colony collapse and a simple matchstick method of diagnosing AFB and what to do if it is discovered in a colony. She noted many states have regulations in place for exactly how to deal with AFB. Source: … [Read more...]
RHDV update for practitioners
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is endemic in eleven states. Cases appeared in two non-endemic states during 2022. The first case in Iowa was reported in August 2022. Ingrid Taylor, DVM shares what practitioners need to know as well as updates the status of the Medgene Labs emergency use RHDV2 vaccine. Source: AAHA Trends, December 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
7 amazing facts about insects
Ants, honeybees, a 22-inch walking stick, ladybugs and more . . . Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal.” Source: Interesting facts. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider using one of these examples as a conversation starter when you need to break the ice with a new person or group. … [Read more...]
National Justice for Animals Week is February 19 – 25
National Justice for Animals Week runs through Friday. The annual event raises public awareness around crimes committed against animals <Link>. Animal justice is not new. In an 1869 Supreme Court case, attorney George Vest*, later a U.S. Congressman from Missouri, represented an owner who sued a man for shooting his dog. Vest's "a man's best friend" closing argument … [Read more...]
3 things to know about consumer spending
At NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show, National Retail Federation’s Mark Mathews and Jonathan Silver, CEO, founder of Affinity Solutions, discussed the forces propelling consumers to spend. Affinity’s data showed consumers didn’t curtail discretionary spending as prices for everyday items increased. Instead, they drew on savings and other sources of income to continue spending at … [Read more...]
Rodent control as we know it may change
Upcoming legislation could cause agriculture to lose access to important products that control rodents throughout production, processing, storage and retail phases of food production. PORK editor Jennifer Shike shares the viewpoints of industry spokespersons. EPA’s proposal is quite wide-ranging, and it is going to impact any user of rodenticides and how rodenticides are … [Read more...]
Alternative source oil used to increase pig body weight
Insects are often at the forefront of discussions about alternative components in feed for animals. It is known the lipid fraction obtained from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae contains high concentrations of lauric acid and is highly digestible. Researchers from North Carolina State University evaluated the impact of increasing levels of supplemental black soldier … [Read more...]
The first 30 days with a pet chameleon
Easily stressed, chameleons have unique requirements for both their habitat and their care. Erica Puisis shares ways to meet the transition needs of a new chameleon including guidance for taming and handling these interesting reptiles. Source: The Spruce Pets, February 7, 2021. Link. Also see: Do chameleons make good pets? The Spruce Pets, January 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
P-22 memorial: Thousands gathered to remember LA’s famous mountain lion (video)
When P-22 was euthanized in December, Los Angeles showed an outpouring of grief and love for the lone cat and all he represented. That was reflected in last Saturday’s memorial, which had been scheduled to last two hours but stretched to nearly three and a half hours. Source: LAist, February 5, 2023. Link. Editor’s note: During the 12 years of his life, P-22 captured the … [Read more...]
AskVet™ Launches VERA, the world’s first “Answer Engine for Animal Health”
Complimentary Commercial Content Move over Dr. Google! Search is old hat . . . VERA has answers VERA which stands for Virtual Engagement and Relationship Agent is powered by AI, ChatGPT and AskVet's database of over 1.5 million digitized conversations between veterinarians and pet parents. Developed to use natural language, the vetbot objectives are: to help pet parents … [Read more...]
Dental month considerations
Commentary Animal Health Digest actively promotes oral care, including dentistry as an important client education and animal health topic. We believe dental month is an opportunity for animal health pros to refresh their messages and educational efforts on the importance of oral care. The animal health message is not the only message on oral care each February. Use all the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 2, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 26, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from January 26th AHD Bulletin – Habits that annoy coworkers and ways to mitigate them. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. KC Corridor’s Emily McVey wins 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Award Source: … [Read more...]
On the lookout for JEV
Jennifer Shike shares industry’s concerns that Japanese encephalitis virus could migrate to the U.S. establishing the disease in domestic and feral swine populations. Transmitted similar to West Nile, aircraft and cargo ships are the most likely pathways of JEV introduction via infected adult mosquitoes. Source: PORK, January 13, 2023. Link. Vigilance is essential . . . the … [Read more...]
Rabbit math: 1 + 1 = 42
Before the local farm supply store fills up with baby bunnies, this beginners’ guide to rabbit husbandry and management may help with decision making as Easter approaches. Source: Grit, May 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Easter is April 9th which means rabbit breeding that takes place in the next two to three weeks will likely show up in stores by early March. Consider this as a … [Read more...]
AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month
The AVMA shares dental health is a critical part of pet’s overall health, noting dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Check out the AVMA dental care resources on the AVMA website which promote home care, share what to expect at the veterinary clinic, support anesthesia and urge pet owners to have their pets’ mouth checked annually. Source: AVMA. … [Read more...]
45 Vet Camp scholarships funded to build future veterinarians
“Let’s get the word out to schools, youth groups and local media!” Vet Set Go and VCA are expanding their 2023 essay contest to be the biggest yet. The contest will award 45 students from across the U.S. a scholarship prize package to attend Vet Camp. Winners of the online essay contest will receive a scholarship to attend the Auburn University Junior Vet Camp from June 18 - … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 26, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 19, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from January 19th AHD Bulletin – Important small talk. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. MWI Animal Health’s Steve Shell clarifies announcement of AB name change Source: AmericsourceBergen MWI Animal Health, … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s review their top articles from 2022
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jen the vet and Jason Chatfield, DVM discuss five articles from 2022 in this episode of Chat’s with the Chatfields. American Foulbrood bee vaccine. Link. Fascinating way to immunize the hive through feeding the queen bee. Smart bandage heals wounds 25% faster. Link. Star Trek-like technology is on its way to communicate healing … [Read more...]
Animal Health International’s online resource site for GFI 263
Complimentary Content AHI’s new online resource center seeks to help animal health professionals prepare for the upcoming OTC to Rx transition, also known as GFI 263. It contains a robust FAQ section, a condensed timeline of the history of FDA action on antimicrobial resistance, a list of manufacturer products designated for prescription labeling and more. Source: Animal … [Read more...]
Getting goosey
Gail Damerow shares 10 reasons to consider raising and keeping backyard geese. Easy keepers with big eggs, geese are relatively disease-free and are extremely hardy. Long-lived, geese are intelligent and make good watchdogs as well. Source: Backyard Poultry, July 9, 2022. Link. As referenced in article: Raising healthy geese, Timber Creek Farm. Link. (commercial site) … [Read more...]
High priced eggs could make incubators more popular
About 40 million egg-laying hens were lost to avian flu disruptions <Link> in 2022 and the layer population won’t recover overnight. The growth in popularity of backyard flocks may continue to grow as consumers seek to reduce the costs of eggs. Egg prices at the grocery store were elevated throughout 2022 due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among … [Read more...]
20 winning photos from the 2022 Dog of the Year Awards
Take a few minutes to smile and look at the antics of our canine friends in these 20 great photos. Each one is bound to make you feel good. Source: The Modern Met, January 12, 2023. Link. From high-action shots to dogs at work to pensive portraits, the winning photographs are a tribute to these special animals. … [Read more...]
Essential oils. Safe for pets or not?
If they pay attention, pet owners may realize when they use an air freshener, their pet disappears into another room. Most households use something routinely to make the house smell nice. BUT, many of the super concentrated plant extracts used in these products are not safe for pets. Diffusers, sprays, candles, auto air fresheners and more are routinely used in our lives to … [Read more...]
Let’s get INTEGRATED! What is integrated medicine?
Complimentary Sponsored Content Drs. Jenifer and Jason Chatfield discuss integrated medicine with Michele Broadhurst, DC*, in the Chatroom. We noted the conversation at 30:40 about combining common prescription pain inhibition with animal-specific physical movement and adjunct treatments. . . . so would it be fair to say the prescription approach hides the pain where … [Read more...]
Association of Shelter Veterinarians launches updated guidelines
The second edition of the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters has been updated to include expanded research and information in the field of shelter veterinary medicine. The Guidelines provide a trustworthy resource for the housing, husbandry, medical and behavioral care of animals living in animal shelters. This edition shifts its framework from the Five … [Read more...]