Some epidemiologists, food safety experts and veterinarians worry that pets could provide a potential springboard for H5N1 bird flu to evolve into a human threat. They are warning pet owners against feeding their animals raw food. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 2024. Link. When researchers talk about their biggest bird flu fears, one that typically comes up involves and … [Read more...]
House mice test positive for H5N1 bird flu
Nearly a dozen house mice in Roosevelt County, New Mexico have tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, according to federal officials, adding them to the growing list of mammals being infected with avian influenza. Source: The Telegraph, June 5, 2024. Link. This brings the virus closer to human homes . . . increasing the risk of direct exposure and infection.” - Rick A. Bright, … [Read more...]
Is H5N1 a threat to U.S. swine herds?
Influenza is constantly changing, shared Amy Baker, DVM, PhD, in a recent webinar for swine producers. Influenza from a native waterfowl host has the potential to infect swine. Those same viruses can also interact with humans and poultry. Baker emphasized awareness, precautions and surveillance. Several species, including pigs, birds, wild mammals and humans, have the … [Read more...]
New York City birds found carrying H5N1
Discovering a few wild birds carrying highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza highlights that the interface between animals and humans that may give rise to zoonotic infections or even pandemics is not limited to rural environments and commercial poultry operations. It extends into urban centers, according to the American Society of Microbiology. Source: Infectious Disease … [Read more...]
Beware the hungry coyotes
With pups growing and hungry, adult coyotes are more aggressively hunting for food now. This article is a good reminder to keep pets safe and be aware even when out walking pets. Those cute little coyote puppies quickly become a ravenous mob that requires more and more food every day. Share local warnings with pet owners. Source: LAist, May 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 25, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 18, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the April 18th AHD Bulletin – NAAVR launched to elevate, support veterinary client service pros. Link. Solitude. Link. Top beef cow counties in the U.S. Link. ===================================== Scientists say animal consciousness needs a … [Read more...]
Dangers in the coop (for humans)
Asian flu was a concern when this article was written in 2021. Janet Garman shares things about which human caretakers should be aware. In addition to possible respiratory risks, she names Salmonella sp., Campylobacteria, E. coli and avian flu. All people who handle birds, coops, and equipment are at risk . . . hand washing is still the best defense.” Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
H5N1 adapting, not stopping
Since the avian flu arrived in 2020, more than 90 million birds have been culled in the U.S. Unlike other avian flu viruses, H5N1 has infected a wide variety of birds and mammals, including seals, skunks, dolphins, polar bears and dairy cows. The virus continues to evolve and scientists are especially worried about pigs because they’re susceptible to human and avian flu … [Read more...]
Buckle down on biosecurity: HPAI, BIAV
Mindy Ward’s title says it all, “Buckle down on biosecurity!” We’ve assembled a group of articles referencing emerging HPAI infections in non-bird species. Most notable is AABP’s renaming of the emerging cattle disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus versus HPAI followed by assertions to keep pets away from birds. There’s significant media coverage but, as we’ve learned before, … [Read more...]
The 5 Ps of biosecurity
The recent discoveries of HPAI in goats and cows have caused escalating discussions of biosecurity in livestock production. Swine and poultry producers have been dealing with this need for some time, but compliance to biosecurity measures remains challenging. Ann Hess shares some of the challenges and survey results she discussed with Pipestone’s Rachel Stika Jensen, … [Read more...]
Urban greening boosts rodent population and zoonotic disease risk
Commentary We have shared posts about the intersection of wildlife and our domestic animals <Link>. The risks are worth more attention and specifically, pet owner education. Margaret Davis shares the zoonotic drawbacks created by urban greening initiatives that beautify cities, support biodiversity and purify air by creating habitats for diverse flora and … [Read more...]
Annual leptospirosis vaccination NOW recommended by ACVIM
Leptospirosis sp. is a zoonotic risk in humans and other mammals. Leptospirosis is most frequently recognized in cattle, swine, dogs, horses and wildlife. Cats are also being considered as more investigation takes place. Modern canine vaccines offer four serovars of lepto to help protect dogs and the infection risks are not restricted to large-breed dogs, male dogs, or dogs … [Read more...]
Spring cleaning? Beware the toxic risks.
With warmer temperatures and increased daylight, homeowners get busy cleaning windows, washing decks, treating yards . . . generally freshening up their homes and yards. Those with pets need to be reminded many cleaning products contain chemicals that, in large enough amounts, can be toxic to humans and animals. Veterinary toxicologists share what and how much can be … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 7, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 29, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 29th AHD Bulletin – Tax benefits of hiring your children, plus IRS rules to follow. Link. Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast). Link. Managing online reviews. … [Read more...]
Hercules, Yeager Airport’s working Border Collie
Working and service dogs come in all shapes and sizes. In this video, Hercules and his dual roles at Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, are featured. He and his handler patrol the runways and taxiways to chase wildlife away and take time to greet passengers. Enjoy! Source: MotionMasters, YouTube, April 11, 2019. Link. (2:45) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 29, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 22, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 22nd AHD Bulletin – And, “What else?” Link. 8 restaurant etiquette tips, explained. Link. Skipping the dog walk IS a big deal. Link. ============================================ A major solar storm could be devastating to our … [Read more...]
The various ways birds blink
Birds have various ways of blinking depending on the species and the circumstances. Like us, they have upper and lower eyelids, though the upper lid only moves down in parrots, owls, pigeons, and a few others. The lower lid rises with drowsiness and when the bird is preening. Birds blink when they turn their heads using a ‘third eyelid’, the nictitating membrane that moves … [Read more...]
USDA chief veterinarian says alert remains high for HPAI cases
While the number of wild bird detections are lower, they are still happening, “so as long as the migration comes back… I think we should be prepared for that as we move into the spring.” Source: Feedstuffs, February 27, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 22, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 15, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 15th AHD Bulletin – Creating a Fear Free toothbrushing experience for pets (video). Link. Consistent ordinary produces extraordinary. Link. Improve the narrative with diagnostic listening. Link. … [Read more...]
Cameras help researchers understand polar bear behavior during extended land stays
Climate change is increasing the length of time some of the Far North goes without ice. This means polar bears can’t eat their preferred prey – calorie-rich seals. Scientists are using data captured by cameras to determine how the bears fared. The results aren’t positive. Source: The New York Times, February 13, 2024. Link. “Terrestrial foods are not adequate to prolong the … [Read more...]
Coyote bites kids. Authorities close park.
City officials closed a park in Arlington, Texas this week after a coyote is believed to have bitten two children. It remains closed as officials try to locate and trap the coyote. Source: WFAA, February 14, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Learning to co-exist with coyotes
This shadowy image is a Ring surveillance photo of a coyote within 1,000 yards of our suburban AHD office at 8:30 p.m. trotting down a well-lit street. The photo was taken just before the coyote grabbed a small dog from a porch. Quick action by the pet’s owner saved the dog with very little damage. Every year there are increasing reports of coyotes killing dogs and cats, … [Read more...]
Update on CWD and potential spillover risks
Chronic wasting disease is currently known to infect only members of the cervid family, such as elk, deer, reindeer, caribou and moose. Scientists are increasing research on CWD and say we are ill-prepared should a mutation allow a spillover into other species. CWD is a neurological disease caused by misfolded proteins called prions. Prions behave very differently than viruses … [Read more...]
The relationship between foxes and coyotes living in cities (video)
A colleague sent us this video featuring a University of Minnesota researcher documenting the relationship between foxes and coyotes in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area. Informative, it explains the challenges of fox-coyote relationships which push foxes closer to our backyards. The intersection of wildlife and our domestic animals is worth more attention and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 1, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 15, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 25th AHD Bulletin – Develop an opportunity mindset. Link. How dogs understand time. Link. An update on multi-drug-resistant parasites in horses. Link. ============================================ 8 Pet supply, service businesses on … [Read more...]
Biosecurity methods update, learning across segments
Driven by African swine fever, avian influenza, PRRS, the realistic risk of hoof and mouth disease, more livestock producers are paying more attention to how to protect our domestic food production animals and in the process protect human populations from zoonoses. We’re sharing two articles as animal health pros interact and work with animal owners. The devil remains in … [Read more...]
Cat takes exception to coyotes attacking the family dog (video)
The intersections of wildlife and our suburban pet environments are frequently referenced in AHD posts <Link>. For Oakley, his feline buddy Binks was a lifesaver as two coyotes attacked the dog in the family’s Oklahoma backyard. Source: CNN, January 3, 2024. Link. (1:34) … [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...]
2023 was a record year for Global Alliance for Rabies Control
Rabies surveillance and prevention is everyone’s job. World Rabies Day 2023 was the most impactful event to date. The GARC hopes to build on the participation success and move closer to eliminating rabies deaths in humans by 2030. The widespread participation in World Rabies Day 2023 is a testament to the growing global awareness surrounding rabies prevention and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 14, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, 2023. Link. Most read posts from the December 7th AHD Bulletin – Pay attention to others. They’re not thinking of you. Link. Lapsing client numbers increasing. Link. The average pet owner has 72 “pet panics” per year. Link. ============================================ Top 10 veterinary … [Read more...]