An untold number of Oklahoma cattle operators lost cattle, pasture and hay to recent fires, some of which still burn. The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has set up a relief fund for those who want to help with cash, check or online donations. Cattle need hay, too. Source: Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association. (Link) Click the link to donate online. Hay is urgently needed in … [Read more...]
Search Results for: fire ant
Feedstuffs: Top 10 stories of 2017 (slideshow)
As 2017 closed, the editors of Feedstuffs revisited identified these top news stories of 2017. Source: Feedstuffs, January 1, 2018. It was a year marked by destructive wildfires, a meat industry scandal in Brazil, a new U.S. agriculture secretary, several significant acquisitions with industry-changing implications and, of course, regulatory changes. This photo gallery … [Read more...]
Opinion – Cats, boxes and digital communication
A story of cats in boxes has been the rage this year. Beyond its novelty, is the reality that the story appears in a medium not affiliated with an animal health publication. This is another example of the realities of the human-animal bond, the digital evolution, continual scrutiny of animals in the food chain and zoonotic risks place animal health topics into non-traditional … [Read more...]
No, really, stop using public wifi
Using free public wifi networks comes with multiple serious security risks, yet surveys show that an overwhelming majority of Americans do it anyway. The more you take your chances with a free network connection, the greater the likelihood is that you will suffer some type of security breach. Source: Harvard Business Review, May 3, 2017. There is a saying in the … [Read more...]
Stop that itch
At least two dermatological issues are always among the top 10 ailments veterinary teams face with dogs. Anthea E. Schick, DVM, DACVD, with a fun editorial twist from Dr. Sarah Wooten, share the latest research findings from the 2017 North American Dermatology Forum that every private practitioner needs to know For animal health pros at all levels, this information is clearly … [Read more...]
Be cautious about weeds that are toxic to horses
We thought this article would be good content for websites, blogs, newsletters and social media. Whether a retail store or veterinary clinic, the information about plants that are toxic to horses is good to review. Considering the wacky weather this spring, normal ground cover may be stressed from flooding, fire or cold snaps. Nightshade is especially opportunistic. Source: … [Read more...]
Steaks and burgers make inexpensive grilling
Animal health pros and their customers who enjoy grilling beef will benefit from increased beef production this summer. This surge in output means the U.S. is headed for a meat bonanza. Steaks and burgers will likely rival prices of pork and chicken this summer. Source: AgWeb, April 17, 2017. Ground beef in grocery stores has dropped about 9 percent from a year ago, the … [Read more...]
Relief fund started for cattlemen in burn areas
A relief fund has been set up by the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation to help cattleman affected by wildfires in the state. The need will only grow as wildfires continue to burn there and in Colorado, Kansas and Texas. Source: Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, March 7, 2017. Make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and put “Fire Relief” in the memo line and … [Read more...]
Canis vertigus, the dog that powered kitchens
In the 17th century, one breed of dog was created as a high-tech solution to a household need. The now-extinct turnspit dog, or Canis vertigus, was common in European kitchens from the 16th century until the mid-1800s. Source: Saveur, January 19, 2017. Turnspit dogs are described as “long-bodied, crooked-legged, and ugly dogs, with a suspicious, unhappy look about them. … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe from winter hazards
Sheila Fitzpatrick, DVM, submitted good guidance to her local newspaper readers. In Vail, Colorado, winter comes early, so her warnings are timely as the arctic front blankets the northern U.S. Consider submitting a similar story to your own local media with appropriate reminders for your area. Source: Vail Daily, December 2, 2016. There are many cold weather dangers to be … [Read more...]
Be cautious around horses
Equine veterinarians have higher rates of injury than other occupations, including those in construction, the prison service, and firefighters. Further, an Australian study data reported that while there have been significant decreases in injury and death in workplaces traditionally viewed as dangerous, such as mining and construction over the past several decades, there has … [Read more...]
Ak-Sar-Ben racing remembered
For many who grew up in the Midwest, horse racing meant a trip to Omaha, Nebraska. Closed since 1986, Ak-Sar-Ben race track memories span eight pages celebrating the horses, jockeys, trainers and fans. The name Ak-Sar-Ben is Nebraska spelled backwards. Source: American Racehorse, September/October 2016, page 19. According to Jack VanBerg, Hall of Fame trainer, Ak-Sar-Ben … [Read more...]
Dewell simplifies cattle euthanasia
For bovine practitioners, humane euthanasia is important in proper animal care and veterinary medicine. In the field, euthanasia of cattle often involves using a firearm or a captive-bolt device. Renee Dewell, DVM, MS, presented a simple way to determine the optimal point of entry for euthanizing cattle with either. She cleared up confusion on the issue. Source: Bovine … [Read more...]
Ag research should not be a mere afterthought
You don’t have to be a swine DVM or hog farmer to appreciate the message in this story. A large-scale health and economics problem, applied science, collaboration and dedication underscore the topic of PRRS-resistant pigs in this blog entry. Congratulations to many professionals who have remained focused on “finding a way” for the last two to three decades. This type of … [Read more...]