The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) is concerned that the new Disney film “Finding Dory” could encourage impulse online purchases of the fish without people conducting proper research and preparation necessary for caring for such a pet. The OATA is the U.K. trade body that represents the ornamental aquatic industry. Source: Pet Product News, June 22, 2016. The … [Read more...]
Fly sex and a golden goose
The title of this article is enough to pique curiosity. Science from the 1950’s recently earned the Golden Goose Award. The research laid the groundwork for modern day approaches to insect pest controls. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, June 23, 2016. Through their work on the basic biology of adult flies, the late Edward F. Knipling and Raymond C. Bushland developed a way to … [Read more...]
Understanding risk from zoonotic disease
The majority of infectious diseases emerging as human epidemics originated in mammals. Yet, we still know little about the global patterns of mammal-to-human pathogen transmission. Researchers at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and the University of Georgia have assembled world maps of what’s on record about mammal-to-human diseases. The work is helping to determine if … [Read more...]
Watch for heatstroke in rabbits
As weather warms up, be aware that heat can be dangerous to rabbits. They’re more sensitive to it than humans. Source: My House Rabbit. Here are symptoms of heat stroke in rabbits: Reddening of the ears Panting Lethargy Salivating Weakness/slow movement Acting confused Convulsing … [Read more...]
Opossums – tick killers
We often associate backyard wildlife as potential carriers of leptospirosis, fleas and ticks. This article describes a role opossums play in tick reduction. "I had no suspicion they'd be such efficient tick-killing animals," said Richard Ostfeld, of the Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York. Source: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Several years … [Read more...]
Elk serve as perpetual brucellosis reservoir
Teddy Roosevelt, “the conservation president,” could not have anticipated the overlaps in wild herds and commercial livestock populations today. Nor could he have known that elk would carry brucellosis so well. One has to wonder about the elk herd expansion efforts taking place in the lower Missouri and Ohio drainages given these research findings. Source: Drovers … [Read more...]
Salmonella outbreaks linked to turtles
Animal health professionals need to spread the word about small turtles and the potential for salmonella infections. Turtles carry the bacteria on their skin and shell, but they do not get sick. Of those persons infected this year, 41 percent are under the age of five and about 30 percent required hospitalization. Source: CNN, May 19, 2016. Between January 2015 and April of … [Read more...]
Lighthearted viral lemur video has serious undertone
Everything about this video—the lemur, its incessant demands and the young boys —is adorable. However, the real story of lemurs and domestication is quite different according to Tara Clarke, assistant professor at Duke University and co-director of a nonprofit called Lemur Love. Source: Slate, April 27, 2016 via AVMA SmartBrief, April 29, 2016. Lemurs (Lemur catta) are not … [Read more...]
New York issues guidelines for avoiding conflicts with coyotes
Coyotes are adaptable and have invaded urban and suburban spaces. Their normal behaviors often put pets at risk. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has issued coyote guidelines that could be used in any part of the U.S. It is good information for websites, blogs and newsletters. Source: AgriPulse, May 2, 2016, link to WBNG News. The state Department of … [Read more...]
Deer herd population declining
Deer seem to be everywhere. However, in some areas herd populations are in decline. Hemorrhagic disease tops the list of five reasons for this according to Quality Deer Management Association’s Kip Adams. Source: Whitetail Journal, February 2016, page 8. Top 5 reasons for deer herd decline. 10 year data comparisons note regional differences. INSIGHTS: Veterinarians and … [Read more...]
Holiday fun from the AVMA
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care and Santa’s reindeer are healthy to fly, says AVMA’s president. He shows us how, complete with health certificates in this fun video. Source: AVMA SmartBrief, December 18, 2015. Being president of the American Veterinary Medical Association carries many responsibilities, but perhaps the most important and exciting is serving … [Read more...]