Commentary It was 65O F in the Kansas City area earlier this week. My pup was lying on the deck basking in the sunshine and then it happened . . . a couple flies and some gnats began buzzing around the winter killed garden. Would a mosquito be next? In the INSIGHT article referenced here, Suzanne Whitaker, DVM, reminds us of the importance of year-round preventatives, … [Read more...]
Search Results for: flies
Chatfield’s review their top articles from 2022
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jen the vet and Jason Chatfield, DVM discuss five articles from 2022 in this episode of Chat’s with the Chatfields. American Foulbrood bee vaccine. Link. Fascinating way to immunize the hive through feeding the queen bee. Smart bandage heals wounds 25% faster. Link. Star Trek-like technology is on its way to communicate healing … [Read more...]
Canine Leishmaniasis: Update on epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Commentary We’re providing this paper as an update on the status of leishmaniasis. We captured these statements for animal health pros to consider: Canine leishmaniasis is expanding to the Northern Hemisphere, where it is barely known, due to climate change and the importation of dogs. Sandflies are the only proven vectors of Leishmania infantum, but direct … [Read more...]
Zombie deer infections creeping into upper Midwest
Strange-acting deer are being seen in the upper Midwest. Their zombie-like behavior is not CWD, rather it is epizootic hemorrhagic disease. EHD is common in the southeastern part of the U.S. but new in the upper Midwest. Biting flies known as midges, or more commonly called no-see-ums, carry the virus that causes EHD. When insects bite a host, such as a deer, they transmit … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 28, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Petflation: Inflation’s impact on pet industry. Link. 988 mental health hotline is live. Here’s what to know. Link. Collaboration offers digital cattle record access. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Link. =================================== How much should I spend to keep my … [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...]
Coccidia in dogs and cats
Coccidia are a major issue for puppies and kittens under eight weeks old and can even kill them. After the first exposure, Coccidia parasites may remain present in the animal's intestines, and they're just waiting to take advantage of any digestive upset, writes Marty Greer, DVM. The bacteria is rarely the initial cause of the diarrhea, but once diarrhea starts, the Coccidia … [Read more...]
Pinkeye in sheep different than pinkeye in cattle
Commercial content included While most prevalent during warmer months, crowed conditions in sheep barns and enclosures during winter increase the risk of animal-to-animal transfer of pinkeye bacteria. Pinkeye, called infectious keratoconjunctivitis, is most frequently caused by one of two bacteria. Chlamydia psittaci (ovis) and Mycoplasma conjunctiva are the culprits … [Read more...]
Workplace awareness: Train to spot passive-aggressive bullying
Passive-aggressive bullying is more common in the workplace than aggressive bullying. These bullies have a sense that full out aggressive bullying could cost them their jobs. Kate Nasser shares the importance of training everyone to spot and address passive aggressive behavior. Passive aggressive bullying is even more toxic because it flies under the radar.” Source: Kate … [Read more...]
Pointers for pinkeye
Commercial Content Moraxella bovis is a commensal organism of the bovine eye meaning that it can be found on the eyes and periocular tissues of healthy animals nearly all the time, writes Tim Parks, DVM, and Lowell T. Midla, VMD, MS. The veterinarians explain Moraxella bovis generally does not cause infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, unless there … [Read more...]
Honeybees on the move
The USDA report on bee movement adds an additional dimension to beekeeping and survival as more animal health pros are engaged in bee health initiatives. Similar to food animals, bees experiences stress during transportation and more risks as they are deployed in monocultures. Honeybees fall into veterinarians' purview because of the VFD rule and changes in FDA policy on … [Read more...]
Understanding summer pneumonia and pinkeye
Arnold Nagely, DVM, and Ray Shultz, DVM, are more likely to be associated with their veterinary supply business, Valley Vet Supply, than as practitioners. Both doctors spent years in veterinary practice before expanding their retail clinic business into the OTC catalog offerings known today. Nagely and Shultz discuss summer, or pasture pneumonia ,which infects calves as … [Read more...]
No kidding. A review of caprine health concerns
As of January 2021, there were 2.58 million goats in the U.S. The 2012 map shown gives us a good picture of where the goats are. Herds of fewer than 500 animals make a majority of the numbers. Population disbursement, the popularity of goats in urban and ruralpolitan settings, as well as increasing numbers of pet goats make goat information important across the country. Here … [Read more...]
Understanding pinkeye; a laboratory overview
Commentary including sponsored content from Addison Biological Laboratory. Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is a common eye disease cattle producers hate treating. Routinely transmitted by flies, pinkeye’s frequently observed pathogens are Moraxella bovis, Moraxella bovoculi, Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovoculi and bovine herpesvirus type 1 … [Read more...]
5 steps to decrease somatic cell counts (infographic)
Like you and me, cows are physically more stressed when it is hot. Somatic cell counts in milking dairy cows are a signal to dairy producers that an immune response is occurring. Add the influence of stress hormones and changes in cow behavior, the result is often an increase in environmental mastitis. It’s important to keep stalls clean, provide good fly control and provide … [Read more...]
Integrated pest management key to fly control
It is documented flies cause losses in beef, dairy, small ruminant and swine production. They are also a nuisance at home, around backyard animals and in stables. Janna Block, North Dakota State University Extension livestock systems specialist, discusses the importance of using the right type of fly control at the right time for the right duration to control pests … [Read more...]
2 letters that make goat owners go pale: C L
During a recent veterinary episode on Nat Geo TV, a woman arrived at a clinic with a prized herd doe. The goat’s face was badly swollen and she was gaunt from not being able to eat. A physical exam ruled out injury and dental issues. A blood test confirmed what the owner feared. It was Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL). CL is the curse of the goat industry. It is a highly … [Read more...]
Quiz: Boost your fly warfare expertise
Whether on the farm, in the stable, near the kennels or backyard patio, flies are a nuisance. Barb Crabbe, DVM, offers a 10-point quiz followed by the answers and some facts about each question. It’s likely there will be few perfect scores! Source: Horse and Rider, June 15, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: At least half of the answers can be used in social media posts, newsletters or … [Read more...]
Wildlife among us
Commentary A fecal deposit on my deck and a latrine under a tree recently are stark reminders that suburban backyards are frequented by an ever-increasing citified wildlife population. Animal health pros immediately think of rabies and ideally have been able to keep vaccinations current in pets that go outdoors. Beyond deer eating in our yards and predators like foxes, … [Read more...]
Rabbits, RHDV and what you need to know
The most recent report indicates that RHDV has spread over 1,000 miles in the last six weeks with no end in sight. Since people, insects, birds, and other animals, including pets, can spread the virus to a healthy rabbit, there are many safety precautions rabbit guardians should take to help protect their rabbit, including vaccination. Even if a rabbit is indoors-only, they … [Read more...]
Most read cattle and swine posts
In last week’s Bulletin, we featured the most-read livestock posts < link > which included poultry content. Readers expressed interest in seeing cattle and swine separately. Below are the most-read swine and cattle posts from June through October 2019 not featured last week. < link > Source: Search Results for: cattle, Animal Health Digest. Link. Heed OSHA … [Read more...]
Pinkeye in cattle poses challenges more than 100 years after arrival
Pinkeye was first identified in the U.S. in the 1890s. Face flies, sometimes thought to cause it, entered this country from Nova Scotia in 1952. “M. bovis tends to be just in the conjunctiva in the lubricating fluid. Unless there is trauma to the eye, the bacteria can’t bind to the cornea,” says Annette O’Connor, DVM. Some of the things suspected of causing trauma include … [Read more...]
Still plenty of room to improve sharps safety
Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a virus, similar to human immunodeficiency virus, that spreads through biting flies and cannot be cured. Following an investigation into a Weld County horse that tested positive for EIA on August 24, Keith Roehr, Colorado state veterinarian is now actively quarantining locations in Colorado and searching for approximately 100 horses sent to 20 … [Read more...]
Pinkeye challenges NC region
Cattle in Catawba County, North Carolina, are experiencing the worst year for pinkeye ever, according to North Carolina State University Extension agent Glenn Detweiler. He references late rains and fly populations as part of a perfect storm for pinkeye infections. Source: Hickory Record, August 17, 2018. Link. The group called face flies seem harmless since they do not … [Read more...]
Implementing the multimodal approach to heartworm prevention
The Heartworm Update, <link> sponsored by Ceva Animal Health, provides multiple practice scenarios and suggested roles and responsibilities for veterinarians, practice managers, technicians and front desk staff to ensure things go as smoothly as possible with implementation efforts, client education and client compliance. Source: AAHA Red, August 1, 2018. Link. The … [Read more...]
Getting smart on equine sarcoids
The immune system seems to play an integral role in the development of sarcoids. Reducing stress, providing a high-quality, forage-based diet, and even adding immune-supporting herbs may help. Young to middle-aged horses are most prone to sarcoids, . . . , and common sites of development include the abdomen, sheath, ears, muzzle, or around the eyes. They might also appear at … [Read more...]
Fly control around horses is important
Flies, fly control methods and fly products for horses are presented in this Equus advertising section . The material is worthwhile even though it may be promotional. Source: EQUUS, May 30, 2018. Link. Climate conditions vary every season, and different fly species can move into new areas with the changing weather. Here’s a quick rundown of the ways you can curb the insects … [Read more...]
Opinion: Fly services have potential
There is historical rationale in the recommendation for veterinary practices to add a fly control service for their clients. More than 35 years ago, we had master fly-baiter contests and awards to help promote fly control at a time when our industry was just learning the science behind preventing production losses and transfer of diseases such as pinkeye and anaplasmosis. In … [Read more...]
Opinion – Manage maggots and bots in dogs and cats
Images of screwworm infestations in newly born kittens, ferrets and rabbits before 1966 still bring nightmares. Clear are the memories of tiny, near-hairless, days-old animals lying across my palm while we systematically removed screw worms from holes nearly the size of a pencil eraser. Fly control product stations were everywhere on our farm. We bought ducks to help clean … [Read more...]
This animal kills more people in a day than sharks in a century (videos)
Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, has come to fear mosquitos. He discusses the global consequences of mosquito-borne disease in humans, fears and shares a clever video that reinforces mosquitos as a vector. The video’s mosquito character says, “I don’t want to kill, it’s just something inside me.” For animal health professionals, mosquitos are most notably vectors for dog … [Read more...]