Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 20, 2024. Link. Most read posts from February 20, 2025 AHD Bulletin – BuddyID® offers free lifetime registration for pets affected by Save This Life microchip. Link. Resources designed to help talk teeth and oral care. Link. Applying facial recognition to animal stewardship and production. … [Read more...]
Transboundary mosquito watch as JEV expands in Australia
Japanese encephalitis virus poses a serious viral threat to swine. Australian officials reported the first detections of JEV in animals in Queensland in July 2022. JEV is a flavivirus in the same family as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. Source: PORK, February 18, 2025. Link. JEV is spread by mosquitoes and causes … [Read more...]
Thoughts on communicating with people outside of your normal industry segment
Emily Eilers addresses the challenges of communicating the farm and food story with consumers while facing the narratives inherent when only two percent of the U.S. population grows our food. Source: Nebraska Farmer, February 19, 2025. Link. Commentary Eiler’s article caused me to think about the number of social media posts I saw from cow-calf producers during the … [Read more...]
READ THIS FIRST! 2025 World Nature Photography Award winners announced.
From amazement to education to Zen, it’s all in the latest collection of photos from entrants around the globe. Take them all in before you start reading about the latest topics in our industry. Relax and see the beauty of feathers, vibrancy of lanternflies and simplistic combined beauty and ugliness of a guinea. From animals on land to those in the sea and even us, these … [Read more...]
Milking camels a niche market
Niche markets in livestock production offer intrigue and opportunities to producers willing to learn and take risks. Camels were imported to the American West in the 1850s as pack animals and have garnered interest since <Link>. In this article, Steve Pastis shares the story of three U.S. dairy farmers filling a niche market by milking camels. Source: Progressive … [Read more...]
Varroa mites, public enemy No.1 to bees
Reducing the destruction to bee colonies caused by Varroa destructor mites is a priority for beekeepers worldwide, but research reveals that improper timing of various treatments could cause more harm than good. Source: Earth.com, February 10, 2025. Link. A common mistake among beekeepers is applying treatment too early or too late in the season. If treatment occurs too … [Read more...]
Applying facial recognition to animal stewardship and production
Fascinating! Scientists worldwide are turning to AI to decipher the facial expressions of animals, from sheep to horses to cats and dogs. Some have already developed faster and more accurate algorithms for recognizing signs of pain and distress than the most attentive humans. In this article, the authors share several examples of how AI is being developed to observe animals and … [Read more...]
Most usable natural remedies in veterinary practice
Natural remedies can offer benefits, but they should complement traditional veterinary care, not replace it. The author shares five natural remedies that can enhance treatment options: Milk thistle for liver support Chamomile for digestive relief Echinacea for immune support Probiotics for gut health Turmeric for inflammation Source: IVC Journal, February … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 10, 2025
Latest in grooming tools, Red Cross pet liaisons, H5N1 risks in cats, salmonella risks, warnings about unlicensed pet boarding and more . . . Source: IBPSA, February 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 6, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 30, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 30, 2025 AHD Bulletin Making the case for clinical obesity vs. obesity in veterinary medicine. Link. Storm clouds on the horizon evident in next generation of students. Link. Leadership advice. Link. Bird flu enters a new phase . . . the … [Read more...]
Study shows thorough cleaning, disinfection protocols reduce livestock trailer contamination
Looking specifically at swine production systems, a study underscores the importance of thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols in enhancing biosecurity in them. The study compared different methods and their effectiveness. The findings suggest routinely cleaning and disinfecting all market haul trailers leaving terminal points of concentration by either of the water-based … [Read more...]
Lasers deployed to increase farm biosecurity, deter waterfowl
A New Ulm, Minnesota, turkey grower has added lasers to his biosecurity efforts. The laser bird deterrent system aims to scare away migratory birds that have the potential to infect domestic flocks with HPAI. While we see a green laser beam, migratory birds see a predator and they avoid the barn areas. Source: The Farmer, February 4, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Veterinarian warns cat owners about H5N1 risks amid rising cases
“Vigilance is key in preventing further bird flu infections,” said Susan Nelson, DVM, discussing the detection of H5N1 in cats. The article offers preventive measures to minimize the risk of infection in cats and other animals, including up-to-date rabies vaccinations, keeping cats indoors and avoiding feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products. Source: PHYS.ORG, … [Read more...]
High prevalence of veterinary drugs in birds’ nest materials
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found high levels of veterinary insecticides in the nests of British songbirds and associated it with increased mortality in their offspring. Fipronil, imidacloprid and permethrin were detected in 100 percent, 89.1 percent and 89.1 percent of the nest material samples, respectively. Source: Science Direct, February 10, … [Read more...]
Bird flu enters a new phase, meanwhile, the environment cannot be sterilized
The latest data from the CDC and USDA shows the continued devastating effects of bird flu outbreaks across the United States. New York Times writer Apoorva Mandavilli provides a relevant and updated situation analysis in the second article shared here. Not yet a serious human threat, she shares the expanding discoveries in mammalian species, including cats both wild and … [Read more...]
Cats before rats? What makes animals a pest?
While animals do nothing but be themselves, where we believe an animal belongs is what provides context to its existence. Bethany Brookshire shares the labels we apply freely to some problem animals but not others, even though in some cases, our solutions are to eradicate them. Brookshire’s article will prompt some thought about our existence with animals and how we judge … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 23, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January, 16, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin Managing your own expectations. Link. Reminder: Wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark are the same as xylitol. Link. Cost of cow-calf production significantly influenced by operation size. … [Read more...]
DVM, home flea remedies are ineffective
We were pleased to see this article and its guidance. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS, addresses home remedies and ways to reduce flea exposure, including the reason monthly flea prevention is so important. Use this article to reinforce the “whys” of flea control and prevention in clinic communications. 90 percent of the flea population in the environment exists in the form of eggs, … [Read more...]
Cleaners to avoid around pets
Holiday cleaning, followed by spring cleaning, puts pets at risk from common household cleaners. Consider this article for social media, newsletters and local community media to help pet owners avoid risks to their pets’ health. Source: Better Homes and Garden, January 9, 2025. Link. When cleaning around pets, it’s important to avoid certain cleaning agents due to their … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 16, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 12, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 9, 2025 AHD Bulletin - Water: Critical, undervalued nutrient in dairy calves. Link. Vaccination protects ratter dog from disease. Link. Lead when not in charge: leverage influence when you lack authority. Link. … [Read more...]
Bird flu may be reaching the boiling point
Scientists are increasingly worried about bird flu based on four key signals. The H5N1 virus has spread uncontrolled in animals, including cows frequently in contact with people. Additionally, detections in wastewater show the virus is leaving a wide-ranging imprint, and not just in farm animals. Some experts say they have lost faith in the government's ability to contain the … [Read more...]
Vaccination protects ratter dog from disease
Katie weighs 12-ish pounds, is four years old and is a mix of at least four breeds. She’s a tough native Texan thriving in Brooklyn, New York, ridding it of more rats than you can imagine. Her trip from Texas to the Big Apple was unremarkable, but one night at a playground, she revealed her calling – killing rats. She recently got her 364th rat kill in a year. Sarah Darby, her … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 6, 2025
Feline Pet Care Provider Certifications raise the bar, pet industry M&As on the horizon, perceived benefits of limited ingredient foods and treats, AI prompts for small business, bird flu and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 6, 2025. Link. Note: Webinar: Comfort-driven enrichment for pet lodging facilities, January 22, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (CST) Link. … [Read more...]
Buffett’s 2003 message rings true for 2025
Commentary Our industry is growing in many directions to meet the demands of all involved but most importantly, animal owners. Warren Buffett’s direction to his management about reputation is clear and applicable to our animal health businesses as we charge into 2025. His direction from 22 years ago is needed today more than ever. Let’s be sure that everything we do in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 19, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 12, 2024. Link. Most read posts from December 12, 2024 AHD Bulletin Are you asking the right questions? Link. Better flooring creates fewer slip-ups. Link. Bred heifers need individual care, nutrition during winter months. Link. USDA offers support to address rural veterinarian shortage. … [Read more...]
Don’t feed the wildlife
The intersection of wildlife and domestic pets gets closer to our back doors every day. The USDA recently updated its wildlife information, including signage for airports, parks and public places. Yet, the need for public education must extend beyond “don’t feed wildlife in your yard.” This coyote was photographed in a backyard a half mile from my home in Liberty, Missouri, … [Read more...]
“The tip of the iceberg.” Two cats die after drinking recalled raw milk.
Two cats have died after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Milk Farms LLC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated in a news release last Thursday. The two cats lived in the same household. After eating the product, they exhibited lack of appetite, fever and signs of neurological problems. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2024. Link. “I think this … [Read more...]
Cats may help spread bird flu, scientists warn
Jess Thomson shares research results that identify cats as a reservoir to infect humans with H5N1 from birds or cattle. The researchers identified several key mutations in the H5N1 sequence from infected cats that may suggest adaptation to cats is the potential to jump from cats to humans for the first time. The ability of the H5N1 virus to persist and adapt in mammalian hosts … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 12, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 5, 2024. Link. Most read posts from December 5, 2024 AHD Bulletin Mastering and winning at customer experience. Link. 10 signs a dog is depressed. Link. Face masks reduce human exposure to swine flu. Link. Microbiome-gut-brain axis; its importance in production animal agriculture. Link. … [Read more...]
USDA offers support to address rural veterinarian shortage
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently awarded more than two dozen Veterinary Services Grants totaling $3.8 million to universities and veterinary practices working to address shortages of food animal veterinary services across the nation in underserved areas. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 9, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]