Top ag officials in Pennsylvania are calling the current avian flu outbreak unprecedented and “a crisis.” More than 7 million birds from 11 commercial flocks and nine backyard flocks have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, since early February. Wild birds, including snow geese that are overwintering in the area, are believed to be the source of … [Read more...]
Review: Q&A on leptospirosis; urban risk, missed vaccines and diagnostic mistakes
This Q&A by Jane Sykes, BVSc, DACVIM (SAIM), PhD, MPH, MBA, FNAP, is a good review for all animal health pros. Keep in mind that leptospirosis is zoonotic. She discusses how urban environment, social conditions and vaccination gaps have been reshaping how and where veterinarians encounter leptospirosis. Her references to rodents are also important for disease prevention … [Read more...]
AVMA’s new resource strengthens biosecurity practices, advances One Health
AVMA’s new biosecurity webpage brings together trusted guidance and tools to help prevent and control infectious diseases across a range of animal species and settings. The newly launched webpage <Link> was developed in direct response to AVMA member requests. Source: AVMA, February 4, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Well done! The webpage provides foundational information … [Read more...]
Syngenta, Ducks Unlimited to scale regenerative seed production across Midwest
This is a promising pilot program! By integrating cover crops with seed corn production, the approach offers a model for accelerating resilience and environmental benefits across privately managed lands in the Midwest. For animal health pros working closely with producers who graze crop stubble, the added forage is important to evaluate as part of the herd management … [Read more...]
Considerations for producers when choosing and integrating livestock guard dogs
Livestock guardian dogs remain among the more effective non-lethal tools for reducing livestock predation when effectively managed, writes Bill Costanzo. Realistic expectations and adaptive management practices based on predation levels and predator type are needed. Owners must acknowledge the limitations of the dog or dogs. Source: AcreageLife, February 1, 2026. Link. LGDs … [Read more...]
New study reveals where conservation can deliver for birds, communities and climate
A new study in Scientific Reports identifies places in the continental United States where conservation efforts would provide a triple benefit to protect bird habitat, naturally store carbon and improve the well-being of local communities that have been underrepresented in conservation efforts. A novel study, it represents an important opportunity to direct conservation toward … [Read more...]
Wolf uses net to trap a crab
Researchers may have documented the first evidence of a wolf using a tool, according to footage published in the journal “Ecology and Evolution.” In the video captured last year, a wolf used a fishing float to bring a crab trap to shore. Once she could reach the trap, she tore it open and ate the bait that was being used to catch an invasive crab species. Source: The … [Read more...]
Airborne H5N1 may be a factor in outbreaks
If bird flu is airborne, the government’s current biosecurity-based strategy cannot protect farms on its own, writes Nat Lash, an investigative journalist. He recounts how he followed a hunch that wind and dust may contribute to the spread of bird flu. Lash used genetic markers, satellite imagery, property records, trade notices, wind simulations and Google Street View to … [Read more...]
14 finalists from the 2025 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Take a break and smile with these funny photos from the wild. Sources: Popular Science, November 6, 2025. Link. Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, Link. See all 40 entries for 2025. … [Read more...]
H5N1 influenza, ostriches and a debacle of unnecessary proportion
Scott Weese, DVM, recaps the bird flu fiasco on a British Columbia ostrich farm. The incident shared in his article underscores the importance of mandated reporting for all producers, regardless of species. “A producer’s errant choice went from an issue with one group of infected birds to having a convoy on the (quarantined) farm, massive misinformation, dodgy “media” … [Read more...]
BEEF takeaways going into Fall 2025
Reviewing the dynamics of the 2025 beef industry through August, Clint Peck summarizes industry events, challenges and market opportunities. Source: BEEF, September 3, 2025. Link. Life in the cattle business just keeps getting more interesting” … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 2, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 25, 2025. Link. Most read posts from September 25, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Workslop: AI-generated work content is slowing everything down. Link. The role of AI in cancer diagnostics. Link. No title, no problem. Link. 3 Ways to Strengthen the Feline Client Experience. Link. Setting client … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 25, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 22, 2025. Link. Most read posts from September 22, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Job #1 – Getting results. Link. Older workers remain overlooked as sources of skill, experience. Link. Conditions associated with HPAI spreading to farms identified. Link. AAHA’s standards receive first-ever full … [Read more...]
Conditions associated with HPAI spreading to farms identified
Kimbra Cutlip’s article is a reminder that 1) wild bird migration is underway, 2) colder weather means more infections, 3) biosecurity reduces risk to animals and their caretakers, and 4) prevention strategies are beneficial and reduce strain on production economics. Source: Feedstuffs, September 10, 2025. Link. A recently published study in the journal One Health compared … [Read more...]
Nassau County warns residents about spread of rabies among raccoons and cats
Rabies has been found in at least 25 animals since July of last year in mostly raccoons and three feral cats, according to Nassau County New York officials. Rabies had previously been eradicated in Nassau County in 2016 following aggressive control efforts. The resurgence is a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination, public education and wildlife baiting to manage … [Read more...]
The 2025 Audubon Photography Awards: Winners and Honorable Mentions
AHD readers have enjoyed past pots to see photographs taken by participants in various awards. Here is another set of photographs you'll appreciate. Many of the birds that migrate between Chile, Colombia, Canada, and the United States are vulnerable due to climate change. ENJOY! Source: Audubon, Fall 2025. Link. The Audubon Photography Awards expanded the awards from a … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 27, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 21, 2025. Link. Most read posts from August 21, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Many problems with extreme conformation in dog and cat breeds. Link. 8 Gen Z habits that make others say, “Huh?” Link. Time management or prioritization? Link. Expert views on the importance of recordkeeping. Link. … [Read more...]
Simplot study: Sage grouse, cattle can thrive together
Environmentalists take note. A decade-long research project confirms what Simplot Land and Livestock employees have observed firsthand: that sage grouse and cows can exist and have been existing together. The study also shed new light on nest predation, with coyotes, not ravens, being the main culprit. However, less predation occurred where cows were actively grazing. The … [Read more...]
The best defense against rats and leptospirosis is a good trash can
The scene? Urban Boston where One Health researchers sought to better understand the risks from leptospirosis. Rats, being typically asymptomatic carriers of leptospirosis, can be an important source of exposure to humans (and pets) in urban environments. Since the organism is shed in the urine, common methods of exposure include direct contact with rat urine or with … [Read more...]
Beware of blue-tinted pig tissue, an indicator of rodenticide contamination
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife urges hunters to always use caution when harvesting game animals and be aware of potential risks. Wildlife can be inadvertently exposed to rodenticides either by eating rodenticide bait or by eating other animals that have ingested rodenticides. Rodenticide baits often contain dye to identify them as a poison. Blue-colored … [Read more...]
CDC ends emergency response to H5N1 bird flu
“As reports of animal infections with avian influenza A virus have declined and no human cases have been reported since February 2025, CDC’s H5N1 emergency bird flu response was deactivated to transition back to regular program activity on July 2, 2025.” Source: CNN, July 7, 2025. Link. Surveillance, readiness and response for influenza, including H5N1 bird flu, will … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 31, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 24, 2025. Link. Most read posts from July 24, 2025 AHD Bulletin – The stares we can’t ignore. Link. Decoding pet insurance: Navigate policies, client questions (podcast). Link. Improve employee communications by these 9 phrases. Link. Difficult customers. Link. Hunter ticks and pathogen … [Read more...]
Hunter ticks and pathogen transmission variables
The quest to better understand ticks continues. We shared longhorned tick information in the July 17 AHD Bulletin <Link>. Speaking at the AVMA conference last week, Susan E. Little, DVM, PhD, DACVM, shared a range of tactics that affect how quickly ticks can spread disease. The overview differentiates the methods tick species use to find a host and factors that influence … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 17, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 10, 2025. Link. Most read posts from July 10, 2025, AHD Bulletin – Growing your practice. Link. Are Gen-Z workers oversharing in the office? What to do about it. Link. Here are the 40 least obedient dog breeds. Link. Statistics about the horse industry. Link. Texas flash floods add to … [Read more...]
10 wild cat species found across the United States
As we focus more on improving feline veterinary visits, interest in cats, in general, is increasing. This article shares wild cats we might encounter in the U.S. Three of the 10 are not considered native to the U.S., with two that have likely escaped or been released. Source: CityStateZipcode.com, May 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 3, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 26, 2025. Link. Most read posts from June 26, 2025 AHD Bulletin – New World screwworm update and swine perspective. Link. 10 steps for pet owners to take if a coyote enters their yard. Link. Neuroscience and perspective. Link. DVM discusses half-dosing vaccines. Link. … [Read more...]
10 steps for pet owners to take if a coyote enters their yard
Across the U.S., coyotes are frequently seen in urban and suburban settings. Wildlife in general is moving to town <Link>. Mathew Abraham provides good ideas to help keep pets and people safe from hungry coyotes seeking an easy meal. By now, adult coyotes are not only hunting for themselves but for four or more rapidly growing pups. Abraham asserts the need for … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 19, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 12, 2025. Link. Most read posts from June 12, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Forbes, Can the veterinary industry help with the rising cost of care? Link. A crate training discussion. Cruel or kind? Link. Logic, emotions and decisions. Link. Cattle technology trends that continue to push boundaries. … [Read more...]
OSU researchers: Asian longhorned tick that can be deadly for cattle
As the Asian longhorned tick moves into new regions, researchers express concerns because ALTs can transmit a protozoan pathogen known as Theileria orientalis, specifically the Ikeda genotype. T. orientalis has similar clinical signs to anaplasmosis but impacts young animals instead of older animals. The Asian Long-horned tick is a three-host tick and reproduces through … [Read more...]
New World screwworm fact sheet from Texas A&M
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts have released an updated fact sheet publication about the New World screwworm to provide livestock producers with key information about prevention, infestation and reporting of infestations. NOTE: Missouri screwworm report false, BEEF, May 27, 2025. Link. The USDA said the May 27th news … [Read more...]