Echinococcus multilocularis is well established in wild canids in southern Ontario. Researchers indicate the tapeworm is migrating, could enter the northern U.S. and is considered a zoonotic public health risk. Adult E. multilocularis infect wild carnivores, including foxes, wolves and coyotes, but may also affect dogs and cats. Rodents such as lemmings, voles, and deer mice … [Read more...]
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month
Beyond chocolate, a variety of substances, foods and plants are toxic to pets. It is important to reinforce the potential poison risks to pet owners throughout the year. Pet Poison Prevention Month also parallels the upcoming Poison Prevention Week <link> that takes place March 15 – 21. Source: Chocolate isn’t the only potentially fatal toxin for pets, Lifelearn, … [Read more...]
Manage fire ants with planning
Red imported fire ants infest pastures, hay fields, barns and equipment. They injure livestock, horses, pets and us, too. Creating a fire ant control plan helps ensure the greatest efficacy using the right products. Antixx Fire Ant Bait <link> (link to tech sheet PDF) from AHD sponsor Neudorff USA is an effective tool that fits a sound fire ant management plan. Spinosad, … [Read more...]
Good VCPR important for all animals, even horses
David Ramey, DVM, shares experiences in managing the VCPR with horse clients. He focuses on the challenges of communications and reminds us that the P is what it is all about. . . . it seems that just about anything that I say to people about their horses comes with an undertone of apprehension. Given that people are asking me advice for how to care for their horses, I am … [Read more...]
Fire ants can seriously hurt pets
The red imported fire ant can seriously sting and occasionally kill small animals. Young, caged or those with difficulty moving are most apt to be stung. The ants are especially attracted to open sores, hot spots and wounds making attacks even more dangerous to an already weakened animal. Effective fire ant control is possible with Antixx Fire Ant Bait <link> from AHD … [Read more...]
The Easter bunny has company
Farm stores are preparing for the classic Easter chicks and rabbits. Now, some sell miniature goats. Angela von Weber-Hahnsberg discusses goat farming with pygmy goats and other miniature goat breeds. The small size and unique traits of miniature goats attract children, newcomers to the world of goats, and veteran goat breeders alike. Miniature goats of all kinds are … [Read more...]
How to get-a-grip on small mammals (slide show)
Handling small mammals is often like controlling a bucking bronc on a tiny scale. The smaller they are, the more likely the encounter will be fueled by the flight or fight response. David Eshar, DVM, shares safe handling techniques that minimize stress and reduce the chance for trauma in these patients. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2020. Link. Patients should be … [Read more...]
JAVMA, February 1 edition
It is always interesting to see what is being studied in our animal health industry. We noted the following: Tick paralysis in a free-ranging bobcat (Lynx rufus). Link. Tick paralysis has not previously been reported in felids outside Australia, according to the author. The cat recovered likely much to the chagrin of wild birds, small mammals and some small pets in his … [Read more...]
Ticks responsible for 7 of 17 U.S. vector-borne diseases
Thomas Mather, PhD, believes everyone should be better educated about ticks and able to identify the small number of tick species in the United States that threaten human health. “Different ticks carry different diseases in different parts of the country,” he explained. . . . if <people> saw how many ticks are waiting on twigs and leaves and in the brush . . . they would … [Read more...]
Opinion – Caretaker training improves animal welfare
Samantha Marais presents the value of employee training and how it improves pig welfare. From this, we can assume that training people to care for animals of any species likely increases animal welfare. Our industry routinely separates food animals, companion animals, equine and poultry. Universally however, people receiving proper and continuing education about animals in … [Read more...]
Feist dogs of war, aid in rodent control
This post is not for the faint-hearted. Feist dogs are commonly thought of today as rat terriers but can be any small to medium-size dog that has a loud, spirited and feisty demeanor. The United Kennel Club recognizes feists, but the American Kennel Club does not. Chris Bennett reports on the dogs’ intensity when Jason Reed’s brace of feists he calls the Mongrol Hoard are … [Read more...]
First aid kit for backyard chickens
Like all backyard animals, chickens can get injured. Access to veterinary care is not always timely, so Victoria Peterson suggests putting together a first aid kit for the flock and keeping it in toolbox or container. Injuries are common when birds fight or when attacked by a predator. Source: AcreageLife, February 2020. Link. Also see: Variety is key to selling first aid … [Read more...]
Rats, cats and feral hogs invading national parks
A new study published in the Biological Invasions journal says our national parks are under a deep and immediate threat from invasive, non-native species. The researchers are urging the National Park Service to create and implement a systemwide approach that involves everybody from National Park Service leadership to their staff and park visitors. Source: CNN, December 4, … [Read more...]
Don’t let barn fires happen
Barn fires in North America occur predominantly in the winter months. Supplemental heating, increased bedding, fuel containers and aging electrical wiring are common reasons animal barns and shelters catch fire during winter months. This article focuses on dairies but horse barns, kennels and coops are also susceptible. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 9, 2019. Link. A … [Read more...]
48 million pets need a regular vet
The relationship counts says, Matthew Salois, PhD, citing recent metrics from the AVMA’s most recent Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook < link >. Based on the research, he is confident developing a strong veterinarian-client bond can help get more pets into practices on an ongoing basis for the preventive healthcare we know they need. Salois also noted the … [Read more...]
Found in AAHA NEWStat
We found several articles worthy of sharing in recent AAHA NEWStat posts. Some selections are sponsored while others are original and collaborative content. Post-surgical rechecks made simple with virtual care, sponsored content by BabelVet. AAHA NEWStat, November 1, 2019. Link. A logical, comprehensive staging tool for canine osteoarthritis, sponsored content by Elanco … [Read more...]
Making an Easter surprise profitable
Four to six months after Easter, some rabbit owners are faced with choices. If Laverne and Shirley turned out to be Lenny and Shirley, there is likely an abundance of bunnies. One choice is to begin raising meat rabbits. Dennis Douthart offers a how-to in this updated article including: Production objectives Feeding Housing Breeding Health Meat processing … [Read more...]
Steve Dale on the ferret debate; domestic or wild?
It is illegal to own a ferret in California, writes Steve Dale. The debate over who has jurisdiction explodes from there. California legislators, who have little expertise or interest, could legalize ferrets but don’t, because the Fish and Game Commission continues to classify domestic ferrets as wild. Although Dale is impassioned, there are some interesting facts he … [Read more...]
Enjoy the funny wildlife photo contest
Help the judges pick the choosing your Affinity Photo People's Choice Award from the finalists of The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2019. Click the link below to make your choice from the 40 finalists’ photos. And have a laugh too! < click here to vote > Source: The Comedy Wildlife Rewards. Link. … [Read more...]
Focus on fungi
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated this week as Fungal Disease Awareness Week < link > to boost the public’s understanding of how these microscopic organism can make humans sick. In animals, fungal infections are a patchwork of different situations. Fungal infections can be devastating, and they continue to emerge more rapidly than ever . . . they … [Read more...]
Tick study: One single tick, multiple pathogens of tick-borne diseases
Ticks can carry several different pathogens capable of several different tick-borne diseases, sometimes in a single tick, according to a study in mBio < link >. Notably, the lone star tick is a very aggressive tick that can transmit a bacterium that causes a disease known as Ehrlichiosis. The lone star tick has also been implicated in cases of a novel form of meat … [Read more...]
Pheasants, horses, turkey in 3 Pennsylvania. counties infected with EEE
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)was found in pheasants, horses and a wild turkey in Pennsylvania's Erie, Carbon and Monroe counties, according to state health and agriculture officials. The mosquito-borne disease is carried by birds, can also infect people and equids, and can be fatal. Source: Associated Press, September 22, 2019. Link. So far this year, nine deaths in the … [Read more...]
Opinion – Star Wars tech featured at NAVC E-Commerce Summit
Imagine a pet owner talking to a virtual assistant via Alexa about a problem with their dog at 3:00 a.m. which sets up a live phone call from a veterinarian only minutes later. Or, having your cellphone notify you that your dog is barking excessively because the house is on fire or a stranger has entered. These and other technologies had attendees riveted as presenting … [Read more...]
Opinion – Feral chicken populations growing
Domestic animals reproducing in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication, defines “feral.” When horses, pigs, cats, parrots and now chickens go wild, problems are not far behind. People in California, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Hawaii and some island countries are developing a love/hate relationship with the free-ranging birds. As bird … [Read more...]
Catios, rabbitats create safe outdoor spaces
Animal welfare experts recommend that cats and rabbits remain indoors where they are safe from predators, accidental escape, and extreme weather. Heather Lewis shares options to create safe outdoor spaces for cats and rabbits. The old language of cages, kennels and coops had to be replaced by new nouns of course. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, August 19, 2019. Link. When … [Read more...]
USDA wants nominations for areas short on vets
Veterinarians who commit to practicing in areas short of veterinary services can get help from USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. It is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA identifies the locations in greatest need for veterinarians through a nomination process. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, September 3, 2019.Link. The … [Read more...]
When ticks quest, researchers count
How do scientists actually track tick numbers? They use linen squares and lint rollers to capture ticks during three quests in their life cycle. Ticks only leave the underbrush on special occasions. “When they’re ready to look for a host, they go on top, and actively look,” David Allen said. This behavior is known as questing. Source: Atlas Obscura, August 28, 2019. Link. . … [Read more...]
Top 10 cities for heartworm disease; July results
Animal health pros will find a couple of unexpected cities in this the top 10 report. The evidence is clear. Heartworm is spreading. The top 10 list summarizes the metro areas across the United States that experienced the greatest percentage increase in positive parasitic disease tests during the month. They are: Moreno Valley, CA Washington, DC Newark, NJ … [Read more...]
Interactive map highlights lesser-known endangered animals by state
Natasha Daly highlights lesser-known endangered species across America in an interactive state-by-state map. According the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than half of the species listed as endangered in the U.S. live on private property. . . . it's only been through the help of people [that we’ve] been able to bring them back.” – Christina Meister, U.S. Fish and Wildlife … [Read more...]
New product awards showcased at SuperZoo by WPA
Revamping the New Product Showcase Award categories, the WPA named a winner in each of seven categories: Innovative (never-before-seen solutions) Lifestyle (products designed to improve pets’ health and well-being) Shelf Appeal (packaging that stands out and clearly conveys the product’s benefits) Point of Purchase (in-store displays that grab shoppers’ … [Read more...]