Every business makes mistakes. As a leader, you’ll be responsible or at least accountable for most of them. The best leaders don’t let their bad decisions define them. A simple way you can accomplish this is by not reacting right away to every mistake, but reacting in the right way, whether that means rectifying the issue immediately or learning a valuable lesson and moving … [Read more...]
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The veterinary significance of emerging infectious diseases
J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, provides insight into the emergence of infectious diseases and their impact on animals and humans. He reminds us that our ability to identify new viruses currently outpaces the ability to interpret the relevance of these discoveries. It is estimated that 60% to 80% of emerging diseases are zoonotic, which emphasizes the importance of … [Read more...]
Bacteria from unneutered dogs pose risk to pregnant women
Brucella canis is carried by dogs that have not been neutered, according to a recent study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. The bacteria produce flu symptoms in humans and could potentially jeopardize a pregnancy. Though brucellosis infection is most commonly spread by livestock like sheep, cattle, goats and pigs, dogs carry this strain of the bacterium, … [Read more...]
I have a wart on my fanny older than you
While attending AVMA 2018, the aspects of experience versus age were discussed several times. The only consensus seemed to be that changes are already here and they won’t be comfortable for most of us. Bo Brock, DVM, offers a realistic, but light perspective on newbies and calls for patience with new doctors. I would add that the newbies must also be patient with the … [Read more...]
Colostrum is more valuable than we thought
It is well understood that the calf’s first meal is of vital importance. For the most part though, the reason it is so highly valued is the immunoglobulins (Ig) transmitted through that first feeding and its exceptional energy level. Research is now showing that colostrum is packed full of signalers that are working to position the calf for success in both immunity and … [Read more...]
Newly discovered tick can be managed with existing products
Researchers at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences recently identified a nymphal longhorn ticket or bush tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Susan Little, DVM, PhD, said the finding wasn’t too surprising based on recent reports from New Jersey, Virginia and West Virginia. Source: Oklahoma State University June 21, 2018. Link. Originally from East … [Read more...]
Ticked off: America’s quiet epidemic of tickborne diseases
Animal owners are becoming more aware of their own risks in addition to their animals’ when it comes to ticks and mosquitoes. Sharing this article may help animal owners understand the need for prevention for themselves as well as their animals. Source: Harvard Health Publishing, May 25, 2018. Link. If infections spread by ticks have increased steadily, infections spread by … [Read more...]
Opinion: Generation Z; Chasing butterflies
If you spent any time trying to understand millennials, then this article series will bring perspective about the next generation, Gen Z. The series focuses on brand practitioners, but since each of us manages our own brand, some of the information applies to every animal health pro. The authors compare Gen Z metaphorically to a butterfly. Some are in a state of metamorphosis … [Read more...]
Vacation – just do it
Right now is a good time to plan some well-deserved time away from the office. The team at the Muse pulled together some vacation-related articles to help you get ready for time off—and even return to work feeling relaxed, recharged, and ready to tackle anything. Source: The Muse, June 21, 2018. 6 really good reasons you should stop what you're doing and plan a vacation. … [Read more...]
Prepare as avian disease makes headway in U.S.
As backyard chicken production grows, the recent diagnosis of Newcastle disease in backyard chickens in California’s Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties is prompting warnings in Colorado. “Because the virus can live for a long time in the environment and can be spread by objects such as shoes, clothing and equipment, other flocks in close proximity can quickly become … [Read more...]
Equine influenza: know the threat
“Equine influenza is the second most common virus in horses, following equine herpesvirus-4,” says Dr. Nicola Pusterla, an internal medicine specialist at the University of California - Davis. “Young horses and older horses are more susceptible,” he says, “And infection would depend a bit on the (virus) strain too. Of horses exposed to the virus, a very high percentage will … [Read more...]
Protect horses and owners from leptospirosis
It is important for horse owners to understand the risk of leptospirosis to their horses, pets and themselves. Diane Rice discusses Lepto sp. in this worthwhile article. Consider it for websites, newsletters, social media posts and materials for riding clubs, stables or 4-H and FFA groups. Source: The Horse. Link. Leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease worldwide, … [Read more...]
BRD is a battle we may never win
Burt Rutherford makes a case that BRD or BRDC will likely never be eliminated. His opinion was formed after reading a research study that indicates over 21 percent of cattle are effected by BRD. While BRD costs the industry $800 - $900 million annually, the challenge is making changes in how calves are managed prior to weaning, he says. Source: BEEF, May 22, 2018. … [Read more...]
Price, price, price
When products move from single channel to multi-channel sources, there are sensitivities around price to the consumer. The real issue is on dispensed items such as flea, tick, heartworm, parasiticides and in some cases NSAIDs and vaccines. The team at Vet Advantage put together a price benchmarking tool to help veterinary teams understand how certain products are priced across … [Read more...]
Lash eggs, sign of illness not a funny egg
Lash eggs are not eggs. Rather, they are an egg-sized mass from the oviduct of a laying hen. And, they are a strange symptom of an illness that is the number one killer of laying hens. They are caused by salpingitis; an inflammation and infection of the oviduct. Source: Countryside Daily, April 26, 2018. Link. Salpingitis can be very hard to prevent. It is most common in … [Read more...]
Ways to reduce fear, stress and anxiety in pets
When Steve Dale talks, people listen. In a recent newsletter he discusses: Destress Your Pet Month from Ceva Animal Health and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. From Fearful to Fear Free: A Positive Program to Free Your Dog from Anxiety, Fears and Phobias, Dr. Marty Becker, Dr. Lisa Radosta, Dr. Wailani Sung, Mikkel Becker, edited by Kim Campbell … [Read more...]
Reconcile® joins Animal Health Digest as Sponsor
AHD welcomes Reconcile® (fluoxetine hydrochloride) as our newest Supporting Sponsor. Manufactured by PRN PharmacalTM, a PBI-Gordon company, Reconcile provides veterinarians with a clinically tested, FDA-approved, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) labeled for dogs. When combined with the BONDTM Behavior ModificationTraining Program, Reconcile® has been shown to … [Read more...]
Dog and cat people have much in common
Karen B. London, PhD, shares the results of a 1,000-person survey that reveals similarities and differences between cat and dog people. “We are more alike than we are different,” she writes. “That’s not just a fact, it’s a perspective on life, and it applies to people with pets.” Source: The Bark, April 2018, Link. Although studies comparing cat people and dog people … [Read more...]
Heed new pinkeye management protocols
Articles from AHD sponsor Addison Biological Laboratories provide information about how we should now manage pinkeye. Starting with a historical perspective helps. This is what we know: Pinkeye is a painful cattle disease that can reduce weaning weights as much as 17 lbs. to 65 lbs. per animal. Pinkeye is a multifactor disease. Once it begins to spread through a … [Read more...]
2018 ATV-UTV roundup; 11 new options to consider (slideshow)
Whether you own a two-acre property in the suburbs, a suburban acreage, love to explore the outdoors or work on a farm this ATV-UTV review is worth reading. Source: Beef, March 28, 2018. When it comes to getting around quickly while spending less on fuel, ATVs or four-wheelers, and utility or side-by-side vehicles, are the answer. While they’ll never replace your pickup, … [Read more...]
Research suggests equine influenza virus is zoonotic
Duke University researchers recently sought to answer a longstanding question about the equine influenza virus (EIV). Can it infect people? Their answer is “yes.” Their ongoing work may lead us to better understand human-to-horse infections, as well as horse-to-human transfers. Source: Equus, March 22, 2018. As for what individual horse owners can do to protect themselves … [Read more...]
Employers need to get tough on sexual harassment
Employers are under pressure to address workplace sexual harassment. It is thought by many to be the most important story of an already tumultuous year. Blanket statements about a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment sound good. However, executing this type of policy is a nightmare without clear standards regulating what is prohibited and how it will be enforced. In … [Read more...]
Chicken farming: evolving or returning to its roots?
Over the past 160 years, consumers and poultry farmers have changed the way we care for and eat chickens. The 19th-century fancier valued the beauty of the various breeds. Most consumers now value low prices more. Kenny Googan traces the evolution of the chicken industry. Source: Countryside Daily, March 27, 2018. The evolution of the chicken industry over the past century … [Read more...]
Create a growth culture, not a performance-possessed one
Tony Schwartz discusses the challenges of performance cultures, the impact on employees and challenges to sustaining success. Instead he advocates a growth culture that blends individual and organizational components: An environment that feels safe, fueled first by top by leaders willing to demonstrate vulnerability and take personal responsibility for their shortcomings … [Read more...]
Cycle counting inventories
Cycle counting is a process of counting a small, predetermined set of goods and materials frequently, as opposed to completing a full physical inventory each year. The objective of cycle counting is to determine records that are incorrect, correct the cause of errors, close process loopholes and improve upon human error. Another benefit is having inventory on hand when … [Read more...]
How to tell a coworker their personal habits are disgusting
It’s inevitable. Bad habits creep into workplaces. Liz Ryan addresses a question from a reader whose coworker uses her desk as an extension of the bathroom. Maybe it is time for all of us to double-check our habits. Source: Forbes, March 9, 2018. Speak up, regardless of how socially awkward the situation., Ryan says. She shares 10 things never, ever to do at your … [Read more...]
Stem cell therapy has potential, but with cautions
Meredith Rogers, MS, CMPP, reviews the advances in stem cell therapies in veterinary medicine. She notes that clinical trials are few and most evidence of efficacy comes from anecdotal reports. Rogers says the biggest obstacles preventing more frequent use of stem cell therapy are access and cost. Beyond this, no guidelines currently exist with respect to stem cell therapy, … [Read more...]
Stop talking and listen
The best way to sway others is not to tell them your answer, but to arrive at an answer — together. Listening is the key pathway to go from your idea to our idea. Listening reshapes the idea as needed, and ultimately creates the kind of shared ownership that is needed for any idea to become a new reality. Source: Harvard Business Review, February 6, 2018. To listen is to … [Read more...]
Children, sandboxes, pin worms and pets
Here are the facts about the neighbors’ cats using the sandbox, even though my mother and grandmother told me differently: Human pinworms, such as Enterobius vermicularis are nonzoonotic intestinal parasitic worms of human hosts. Humans are considered to be the only hosts of E vermicularis; therefore, human pinworms cannot originate from pets or other animals and vice … [Read more...]
When to feed the good hay
Cows require additional nutrients during the month before calving. Crude protein needs increase as they move closer to calving, so feeding the highest quality hay just ahead of that time is best. Amy Radunz, University of Wisconsin associate professor, discussed hay quality and quantity with Sara Brown for this article. She shared two main take-homes for producers and their … [Read more...]