Recent media buzz (see second source below) claimed the newest Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPPC) suggested consumers eat less meat in order to curb climate change. The report < link > focused on land use and land use change, it didn’t tell consumers to eat less meat. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, says by focusing on eating less meat, consumers are being … [Read more...]
Group calls for national CWD strategy
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) strategies have historically been managed state by state. The fatal prion disease is now in 26 states and continues to spread. So far, fears it could cross species barriers to affect livestock or humans have not come to fruition. It has not been found in animals other than deer, elk and other cervids. Recently, a multidisciplininary team of … [Read more...]
How fireflies glow and why (includes video)
Professor Clyde Sorenson is an expert who does research on, and teaches about, the ecology and biology of insects. He and other entomologists have identified 170 or more species of the bioluminescent beetles commonly known as lightning bugs or fireflies. Fireflies produce light in special organs in their abdomens by combining a chemical called luciferin, enzymes called … [Read more...]
Black vultures perplex cattlemen, sometimes kill newborn animals
Missouri cattlemen have drawn attention to a little known predatory behavior of black headed buzzards (aka Black Vulture). Even Audubon describes the perplexing behavior in their description of the bird, “. . . May kill and eat young of some birds, sea turtles; sometimes eats newborn young of larger mammals.” < link > The black vultures hang out primarily during calving … [Read more...]
AVMA offers bee information to DVMs
Beekeepers have faced many challenges with disease pressure, habitat loss, and colony collapse. Veterinarians are needed to assist beekeepers with hive management, as well as disease identification, prevention, and treatment. The AVMA has provided information about the specifics < link > in the VFD and how it applies to veterinarians. The AVMA was involved in providing … [Read more...]
New discovery in Toxoplasma gondii research will save cat lives
Ed Yong provides a positive update on research findings that may save the use of cats in research laboratories. Of the many parasites known to control the mind of their host, none is more famous than Toxoplasma gondii—the single-celled organism known colloquially as Toxo. It can survive in a variety of animals, but it only reproduces sexually in cats. If it gets into mice or … [Read more...]
Keep pets away to prevent foodborne illness
Animal waste tainting fresh produce is one of the major causes of foodborne ailments. So, farmers’ markets and pick-your-own growers are increasingly guarded about tolerating pets near their edibles. Home gardeners should be cautious, too, writes Dean Fosdick. Source: Associated Press, April 30, 2019. Link. Whether human, dog, cat, cow or deer — all animals can be the … [Read more...]
Biosecurity tips for livestock exhibitors
Livestock show season is still in full swing and biosecurity protocols should be in full swing, as well. Worthwhile biosecurity tips to follow before, during and after a stock show are featured in this blog post. Source: Neogen Blog, May 22, 2019. Link. Careful vigilance is essential while the event is ongoing. This is where risk are highest, so act accordingly. Monitor … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe on July 4th
Independence Day is one week from today. It’s a fun holiday, but the noisy festivities can really scare pets. Noisy fireworks can cause pets to run away, holiday food can be harmful and the heat can bring trouble. The AVMA has assembled common-sense tips to help prepare for the holiday and and to keep everyone and their pets as safe as possible. Source: AVMA. Link. Safety … [Read more...]
The flies have it!
As summer kicks off, Travis Meteer reviews four main types of flies that bother livestock. Wet spring conditions have provided favorable breeding conditions and we’re likely to see considerable fly pressure through the summer months. Cattle facilities are not the only places flies are nuisances. Meteer’s strategies for control apply to urban and suburban locales, as … [Read more...]
Feral parrots may pose problems later
During the research for a paper in the Journal of Ornithology < link >, Stephen Pruett-Jones, Jennifer Uehling and Jason Tallant found that of the 190 parrot species < link > that have been imported to the U.S. since the 1950s and 1960s, 56 have been spotted in the wild 43 states. Twenty-five of those species have established breeding populations. The monk … [Read more...]
Pygmy rabbits, back from extinction
Who knew? North America’s smallest rabbits, the state and federally endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits in Washington now number in the hundreds, but they remain far from a resilient and healthy population. Their story will interest many animal health pros who value biodiversity. Source: Atlas Obscura, June 7, 2019. Link. Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits are far better off … [Read more...]
The relationship between cattle and wildlife
Often, ranchers and environmentalists are at odds with each other; each having a set of conservationist viewpoints that don’t necessarily match up, writes Amanda Radke. She explains why ruminant animals and wildlife can co-exist and thrive in the same environment. Source: BEEF, May 31, 2019. Link. The agricultural community has much to gain by taking pride in our … [Read more...]
Rabbits, herbs and gastro-intestinal stasis
Brittany May focuses on four garden herbs rabbits may encounter and the rabbits' delicate and unique digestive system. The best food for rabbits is high-quality pellets, hay, vegetables and herbs. Source: Countryside Magazine, February 13, 2019. Link. . . . if you notice your rabbit acting like he is in pain, lethargic, or not eating and drinking, or notice a change in his … [Read more...]
Discover more urinary tract stones with these tips (includes image slides)
Positive and negative contrast studies can provide additional, often valuable, information to aid in diagnostic evaluation of the urinary tract. Daniel VanderHart, DVM, DACVR, leaves no stone unturned as he discusses the various types of calculi and the use of radiography and ultrasonography. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2017. Link. Radiography and ultrasonography … [Read more...]
Blood-sucking ‘kissing bugs’ cause Chagas disease
If you live in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina or Tennessee it’s important to understand Chagas disease. Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA, shares information on disease symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. In dogs, the primary area to be infected is the heart, but sometimes the nervous system is also involved. The trypanosomes cause a high level of … [Read more...]
Bats are nature’s pest control
As we sat on the deck during a recent evening, bats from behind the neighbor’s chimney awoke to fly over the neighboring yards. After counting 36 of them, I stopped as they went about their insect control. Amanda Radke writes about the pros and stigmas concerning promoting bat populations for pest control. Source: BEEF, May 20, 2019. Link. Bats may have a negative … [Read more...]
Skin-eating fungi destroying frogs and salamanders globally
A new study, published in Science, is the first comprehensive tally of the damage done by the chytrid fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). In all, the fungi have driven the declines of at least 501 amphibian species, or about one out of every 16 known to science. Source: National Geographic, March 28, 2019. Link. Calling for … [Read more...]
It’s National Pet Week
Since 1981, National Pet Week® has celebrated the human-animal bond. It encourages pet owners to be certain they provide their best friends with all they need for a happy, healthy life every week of the year. Everyone loves their pets, but not everyone is aware of what their pet needs to be happy and healthy long into their senior years, says the AVMA. It provides tools and … [Read more...]
Equine rabies often insidious and vague in horses
We often picture unnaturally aggressive skunks, raccoons or dogs foaming at the mouth when we think of rabies. Although it isn’t widely found among horses in the United States, veterinarians diagnose about 40 cases per year. Betsy Greene relates that the potential risk of human exposure from even one infected horse is concerning. Source: The Horse, April 2019. Link. Greene … [Read more...]
Depression among customers hurts us all
Production agriculture can be isolating. This tends to intensify feelings like grief, depression, anger, blame, resentment and a feeling of failure, writes Amanda Radke. She curated a series of articles on mental health issues with farmers and ranchers. Beyond our own issues with high veterinary suicide rates, some of our better customers are also hurting. Mental health issues … [Read more...]
Opinion – Pets becoming part of long-term eldercare
A Google search produces dozens of visiting pet organizations that provide pet therapy visits to elder care facilities. The results are positive and the organizations require visiting pets to be trained for such activities. Ramona Marek reviews a growing trend of allowing seniors to bring their pet from home when they enter a care facility. I’m supportive of fur, feathers … [Read more...]
Leave wildlife wild
“Young wild animals are rarely abandoned or orphaned,” said Missouri Department of Conservation State Wildlife Veterinarian Sherri Russell. “The wildlife parent is afraid of people and will retreat when you approach.” . . . most wild mothers do not abandon their young because of a human smell on them, and most young wild animals do not survive in captivity. Source: Missouri … [Read more...]
Opinion – New TV program, Animal ER Live, demonstrates the complexity of veterinary care
The launch of Animal ER Live on Nat Geo WILD is a game-changer for animal owner perceptions of veterinary hospitals, veterinarians and veterinary staff members. Animal ER Live joins current family friendly veterinary programs featured on the network that include Secrets of the Zoo, Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet and the network’s number-1 series, The Incredible … [Read more...]
Tick removal resources here in time for tick season (includes videos)
Tick season here. Resources are available to help pet owners deal with tick removal and media will cover this topic as spring lets us get outside with our pets, friends and families. These resources about tick removal work well for social media, in-clinic education and e-newsletters. Source: Pets-WebMD. Video: How to Remove a Tick From Your Pet. Link. Video: How … [Read more...]
Dingoes are unique, Australian species, not feral dogs
The latest findings from a study published in Zootaxa provide further evidence of specific characteristics that differentiate dingoes from domestic dogs, feral dog, and other wild canids such as wolves. There is no historical evidence of domestication once the dingo arrived in Australia . . .” Source: Vet Practice Magazine, March 19, 2019. Link. “In fact, dingoes play a vital … [Read more...]
Anesthesia-related challenges heightened in rabbits
The number of house rabbits in the U.S. continues to grow. One 2014 source estimated there could be 7 million pet rabbits at that time with steady increases in numbers since. Rabbits have a higher risk for anesthesia-related mortality and GI complications as compared with cats and dogs due to certain anatomic, physiologic and behavioral features. David Eshar, DVM, DABVP (ECM), … [Read more...]
Is this fish sick? (image gallery)
Colin McDermott, VMD, offers a visual guide to recognizing several types of fish diseases. Veterinary care is often complicated by owners missing early signs of illness and seeking veterinary care later in the course of disease. Many diseases of fish are subtle until the infection or pathologic process is more advanced. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2018. … [Read more...]
CAPC initiative aims to spread heartworm awareness, action
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) now offers the Top 10 Cities Heartworm Report, a monthly compilation of the U.S. metropolitan areas that have experienced the highest percent increases in positive heartworm tests that month. The group <link> expects this new report, in conjunction with its monthly parasite forecast maps < link >, will spark conversations in … [Read more...]
Coyotes going metro
The coyote (Canis latrans) is one of nature’s most adaptable wild animals. More and more cities are being invaded by these daring and crafty canids. As omnivores, coyotes enjoy a veritable smorgasbord in suburban areas. A study by the Urban Coyote Research Program analyzed over 1,400 scat samples from urban coyotes and discovered the most common food items were small … [Read more...]