Commentary Resources from the American Heartworm Society include a waiver for when a client declines heartworm testing and heartworm prevention. Use this AHS form to educate clients when they won't choose prevention. Whether they sign or not, it provides an opportunity to educate them on how important heartworm prevention really is! And it is a role most veterinary … [Read more...]
Winter break? Not for parasites or control plans.
Commercial Content Some ectoparasitism slows in winter but parasites such as mites and lice prefer the cooler time of the year, writes Elanco’s David L. Prentice, DVM, MS. He reviews the five primary types of mites in cattle, two types of lice and offers tips for effective mitigation and control of mange and lice. Source: Progressive Dairy, January 19, 2024. … [Read more...]
Strategic anaplasmosis management needed this season
There are concerns that anaplasmosis is reemerging throughout the U.S. The transmission of bacteria from ticks and horseflies is the initial cause, especially during heavy tick and fly seasons. Beef producers may control the disease with strategic pest control methods, good husbandry practices and antibiotics, writes Gilda V. Bryant. Source: Progressive Cattle, February 7, … [Read more...]
Lone Star Tick added to label of revolution® PLUS (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution)
Complimentary Commercial Content The U.S. FDA recently approved a label extension for Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution) for the treatment and control of tick infestations caused by Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick). It is good news for veterinary teams and cat owners alike. With this label extension, Revolution Plus, a simple-to-apply, … [Read more...]
Protect poultry from raccoons
Once raccoons choose to get into poultry coops, homes or buildings, they are indomitable. They are considered super-predators if they break into poultry enclosures or discover birds free-ranging. Erin Snyder shares ways to keep raccoons from becoming a problem. Source: Hobby Farms, December 13, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Synder’s article is worthy of sharing on social media or … [Read more...]
WARNING! Choose rodent poisons wisely
Since rodents flock to buildings this time of year, we’re reposting this as a reminder that Bromethalin, second-generation rodenticides, have NO ANTIDOTE. The distinction between consumer retail and professional formulas remains a concern. The post contains several references about baits and toxicity. Source: Animal Health Digest, November 12, 2019. Link. Second generation … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 2, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 26, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 26th AHD Bulletin – The customer experience is the sales experience. Link. Body language. Link. How to know when it’s time to switch jobs. Link. Placekeeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
K-State nanotechnology takes a bite out of mosquitoes
Kansas State University entomologists have developed a way to couple silver, an antimicrobial, with zein, an agricultural waste product to kill mosquito larvae. If nanotechnology can be employed to control pests, it will greatly reduce the use of pesticides in the environment. And if researchers can find the right carriers for these nano-insecticides such as products that may … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 28, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 14, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 14th AHD Bulletin – The manager squeeze: How a new workplace is testing team leaders. Link. Most-read 2023 posts by Patrick T. Malone. Link. Use caution when feeding drought-stressed corn. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary … [Read more...]
New resource available: West Nile virus in U.S. Horses
Commentary West Nile virus may seem like just another preventable disease these days, but 24 years ago the story was quite different. For many animal health pros, WNV and the severe neurologic disease it causes was the biggest health threat the horse industry had seen in the 20th century. Not only a risk to horses, WNV affects many species, including humans. Stacey Oke, … [Read more...]
The expanding threat of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in shelter dogs
A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that shelter dogs in the eastern U.S. may be disproportionately affected by the relentless spread of ticks and mosquitoes to new regions. Climate change is a factor as carriers expand their ranges. The resulting risks affect dogs and humans alike. Source: Vet Candy, September 2023. Link. The study underscores the vital … [Read more...]
Insect control strategies for horse owners
Includes Commercial Content Owning and keeping horses healthy requires a significant commitment beyond time to train and ride. Alayne Blickle shares the importance of an integrated, multitiered insect control plan to combat flies, mosquitoes, midges and other insects that create nuisance and health issues for horses and their owners. Source: The Horse. Link. A successful … [Read more...]
Climate connections
Across our planet, animals and the diseases they carry are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz, writes Zoya Teirstein. She shares concerns about a warming planet, pathogens and diseases. Source: AP, Grist, July 18, 2023. Link. Across the planet, animals — and the diseases they carry — are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz. And they’re not alone: Ticks, … [Read more...]
Summer bugs cost farmers and ranchers
Bug populations reach their high points this time of year. Cassandra Olds, PhD, shares the economic costs of various pests, current control methods, pesticide resistance and reminds us that sanitation is key. Summer flies, grubs, bots, deer flies, ticks, plus mosquitoes can create all sorts of problems for livestock producers. Source: Successful Farming, July 29, 2023. … [Read more...]
Bug spray with DEET is NOT safe for dogs (video)
When dogs are exposed to DEET whether it is through their skin or if they ingest it by licking their fur or licking where you’ve applied the spray, it can cause wobbly walking, shakes, seizure, diarrhea and vomiting.” - Cristine Hayes, DVM, DABT, DABVT Source: News19, August 3, 2023. Link. DEET is so dangerous for pets, the ASPCA recommends removing pets from the area when … [Read more...]
New anxiety unlocked: Ticks can ‘fly’
Ticks can’t jump. But using the forces of static electricity, sometimes, the arachnids can soar through the air, a new study says. The scientists found the ticks could launch through the air when exposed to both positive and negative charges, suggesting that these natural forces overwhelm whichever charge the tick has on its own body.” Source: National Geographic, July 11, … [Read more...]
Those dirty flies . . .
Warmer spring weather is also the start of fly season and no matter where you live, flies can be a problem. Our AHD archives offer many resources on fly control. Getting started now, can help keep fly populations from growing out of control. Source: Search results for fly control, AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 30, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 23, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 2nd AHD Bulletin – 5 steps for using care to unlock employee happiness and health. Link. Key trends driving veterinary care’s future. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 21, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Happiness and meetings. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 15, 2022. Link. ==================================================================== U.S. warns of escalating ransomware attacks Source: Security Affairs, October 2022. Link. U.S. government agencies warned that the Daixin Team cybercrime … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Drugs used to prevent heartworm in dogs and cats
Lindsay A. Starkey, DVM, PhD, DACVM, tackles what has become a plethora of drugs available to prevent heartworm. She reviews the macrocyclic lactone-based drugs the Food and Drug Administration approved for prevention of heartworm disease and Environmental Protection Agency approved mosquito repellents. Source: Clinician’s Brief, October 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: We recently … [Read more...]
Frost slows pests for certain
The first frost is welcomed by livestock, livestock producers and farmers alike. While all pests aren’t eliminated, freezing temps slow remaining ones and help move crops to harvest conditions. It is a good time to visit with producers about parasite control measures, fall forage and winter preparations. Source: FEED-LOT via Facebook. Link. INSIGHTS: Many winter … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 8, 2022
Last week’s most read post KCAHC #AHSummit22 exceeds expectations. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 1, 2022. Link. =================================== Leveling the parental-leave playing field Source: SHRM, June 6, 2022. Link. The lack of paternal leave-taking not only affects the well-being of new parents and … [Read more...]
Ferrets provide rodent control in horse barns
Jagger and Slim Jim provide an unconventional form of rodent control at Amira Chichakly’s Saratoga barn. Source: Paulick Report, August 29, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Preventing parasites from peaking this fall
Complimentary Sponsored Content Videos made by industry partners allow for a fresh approach to seemingly age-old discussions.” – Kirk Augustine Fall deworming can setup cattle for a healthier, more productive winter. Boehringer Ingelheim Cattle Health shares three tips for creating a successful, cost-effective program in an informative and easy to share You Tube … [Read more...]
Caring for the outdoor cat
Caring for an outdoor cat may be an oxymoron if considering lifespans. Indoor cats outlive outdoor cats by as much as 10 years. The author shares some proactive measures to help keep cats safe while they’re away from home including microchipping, vaccination and parasite prevention. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Before opening the door to feline freedom, consider investing … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 21, 2022
Last week’s most read posts 7 important facts about mosquitos and horses. Link. Consolidation trends of veterinary practices acquired by corporate groups are important to observe. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Link. =================================== Antivenin: Five myths to remember this … [Read more...]
Breeding cattle for fly resistance. Could it be?
Doug Colwell, PhD, reminds us of the general rule in parasitology that states “in all breeds of cattle about 80 percent of the flies are on 20 percent of the animals.” Citing consumer concerns, he says non-chemical fly control is currently being researched. Horn flies are extra difficult to control. Insecticide ear tag use is common but often results in resistance in as few as … [Read more...]
Tired mosquitoes would rather sleep than bite
Researchers recently discovered that mosquitoes who have their sleep disrupted would rather get rest than go looking for their next meal. They found the mosquitoes in the research lab slept between 16 and 19 hours each day. Sleep was disturbed by vibrating the enclosures. Mosquitoes will pass up a meal when they are sleep deprived.” Source: Treehuggers, June 17, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Get ready for Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May
As ticks wake up and crawl out of cover, April and May are great times to reinforce pet owner knowledge on tick and Lyme Disease prevention. 2021 saw an increase in tick populations. We’ve found no reason to expect 2022 will be any different. Source: lymedisease.org. Link. … [Read more...]
How mosquitoes avoid pesticides designed to kill them
Scent memories could make mosquito populations trickier to manage.” Source: Science, February 23, 2022. Link. Researchers exposed hundreds of mosquitoes to five common pesticides at doses strong enough to knock them down but not kill them. After one day of recovery, the experienced mosquitoes didn’t enter pesticide-laced areas even when tempted with food. INSIGHTS: Will … [Read more...]