Lone star ticks have been implicated in a handful of zoonotic illnesses (not Lyme disease) that are serious to humans and animals. Experts in human allergy, parasitology, and entomology joined to discuss the lone star tick, its geographic spread and the zoonotic diseases it can transmit during the AVMA 2017 convention in Indianapolis. Source: Veterinary Practice News, August … [Read more...]
Search Results for: tick
The truth about tick control
Why clients don't buy tick control and other information is presented in this infographic. My pet never goes outside and other excuses. Source: Firstline, June 20, 2017. What veterinary clients don't know about tick control can hurt them. Here's a look at who's buying tick control, why clients resist and more. INSIGHTS: July and August are the heaviest summer vacation … [Read more...]
First screw flies, now cattle fever ticks
The Texas Department of Agriculture has allocated an additional $3.7 million in funds to the existing $8.5 million allocated for 2017 to combat the spread of the cattle tick fever in South Texas. The ticks spread intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites that cause Babesiosis. Source: The Monitor, May 9, 2014. Cattle fever ticks are known scientifically as Rhipicephalus … [Read more...]
Another reason for tick control
A tick-borne disease recognized since the 1950’s may become the new threat to humans. Powassan virus, which is a far rarer and more deadly pathogen than the bacterium that produces Lyme, is also transmitted by the deer tick. A flavivirus like mosquito-borne West Nile, it is not clear if the virus is a threat to pets. Still, the principles of tick population control and One … [Read more...]
Texas expands fever tick quarantine zone
Fever ticks carry Babesia protozoa, which cause cattle fever. It is characterized by acute anemia, high fever, and enlargement of the spleen and liver, ultimately causing death for many infected cattle. Last summer, animal health officials confirmed that the fever ticks, which can carry the protozoa Babesia bovis or B. bigemina, have spread outside the permanent quarantine area … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – CEVA tackles feline fleas and ticks
Ceva announced the introduction of Catego™, the first fast-acting flea and tick topical parasiticide made specifically for cats on November 2, 2016. It contains the active ingredients Dinotefuran, Fipronil and Pyriproxyfen. Catego kills fleas within six hours, and on the day of application achieves 97% efficacy within three hours, according to company references. Source: … [Read more...]
OUCH! Prevent needle sticks.
The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center says more than 80 percent of U.S. farmworkers have accidentally stuck themselves with a needle while vaccinating animals. A study in Australia published in 2009, showed around three quarters (75.3 percent) reported suffering at least one needle-stick injury (NSI) in the previous 12 months, while 58.9% reported suffering … [Read more...]
Tick warning from up north
Cooler weather is ahead or here. Veterinarians from Prince Edward Island reminded pet owners that fall is clearly still tick season. You should warn your clients, too! Source: CBC.ca (Canada), September 15, 2016, via AVMA SmartBrief. The cooler weather may have some pet owners thinking they can ease back on flea and tick treatments for their animals. But P.E.I. … [Read more...]
Dry first. Then wash clothes to kill ticks.
Put the clothes in the dryer on high heat for six minutes to kill ticks on clothing, then wash if the clothes are dirty. Why? Ticks love water. In a recent study, 94 percent of ticks survived cold-water washes and 50 percent survived hot-water washes. Once the clothes were wet, it took 70 minutes to kill the tick in the dryers on low heat and 50 minutes in dryers on high … [Read more...]
Opossums – tick killers
We often associate backyard wildlife as potential carriers of leptospirosis, fleas and ticks. This article describes a role opossums play in tick reduction. "I had no suspicion they'd be such efficient tick-killing animals," said Richard Ostfeld, of the Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York. Source: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Several years … [Read more...]
Ticks, ticks, ticks and more
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes in the number of diseases they transmit. With tick populations growing and their proclivity to carry and transmit disease, it is critical to prevent them from feeding on pets and people. The information in this series of articles is comprehensive and understandable. All animal health pros can benefit from a deeper knowledge of ticks, … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Tick season is year-round
Year-round tick control, tick myths, discussing ticks with clients and even fleas are featured in this Vetfolio podcast. SimparicaTM (sarolaner) Chewables from Zoetis is presented as a solution. Source: VetFolio, May 8, 2016. Introducing safe monthly chewables that offer persistent protection from fleas and ticks. … [Read more...]
Reduce needle stick injuries
Jeff Bender, DVM, MS, ACVPM, University of Minnesota, encourages veterinarians and herd managers to continuously train employees, create awareness of the dangers of needle sticks and encourage a working environment that minimizes risk. Bender referenced the UMASH website, at the University of Minnesota, during a recent webinar. The website contains fact sheets and videos about … [Read more...]
Adopt a Pet, Zoetis announce 1st round of 2024 Shelter Grant recipients
Adopt a Pet and Zoetis have named the inaugural group of animal welfare organizations selected as recipients of the 2024 Zoetis petcare product grant. Each grant recipient will receive flea, tick, and heartworm disease prevention for cats and dogs, along with core vaccines and antibiotics needed to support healthy shelter pets in their care. Source: Zoetis, June 5, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 6, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 30, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 30th AHD Bulletin – Glyphosate in dog food. Link. Microbial metabolites in feline anal glands aid cat communication. Link. Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (2). Link. ===================================== She’s the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 23, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 16, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 16th AHD Bulletin – Cheese by-product turned into plastic. Link. What do your customers value? Link. Biofilms affect animal health. Link. ===================================== Seven simple ways to improve your memory Source: Better Report, … [Read more...]
CAPC warns parasitic pet diseases will spread further in 2024
Warning of continued expansion of heartworm, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases throughout the United States in 2024, the Companion Animal Parasite Council says the risks of contracting Lyme, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and heartworm diseases are increasing. Among the factors cited are rehoming of pets, urbanization and changes in the wildlife host and vector … [Read more...]
Lyme vaccine. What dog owners may be reading.
As a veterinarian and dog owner, writes Jennifer Bailey, DVM, “I feel strongly that the canine Lyme vaccine is safe and effective enough for dogs who live in areas that are endemic for Lyme disease.” Sharing considerable history, the lack of full support by veterinarians, and the potential for side effects, she emphasizes vaccination based on lifestyle, geographic location and … [Read more...]
1.9 million doses of NexGard® PLUS donated to animal shelters
The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation has partnered with Greater Good Charities to distribute the product to animal shelters in need. The NexGard® PLUS donation is expected to have a significant boost to protect shelter dogs from fleas and ticks, prevent heartworm disease, and treat and control roundworms and hookworms. Source: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, March … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 14, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 7, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 7th AHD Bulletin – Data from 36 years: 20 dog breeds that attack people most. Link. Home delivery, autoship important offerings for veterinary clients. Link. 9 pet companies listed as fastest-growing U.S. private companies. Link. AHD Archives for … [Read more...]
Overcome the stigma and move forward when older and unemployed
Ofer Sharone, J.D., PhD, shares the stigma of unemployment for educated professionals in the middle or end of their careers. He discusses the perceptions employers have regarding the length of unemployment, being seen as over-qualified and age-biased. Source: Yahoo! Finance, February 17, 2024. Link. Assumptions that drive age bias have been rebutted by research . . . we … [Read more...]
Strategic anaplasmosis management needed this season
There are concerns that anaplasmosis is reemerging throughout the U.S. The transmission of bacteria from ticks and horseflies is the initial cause, especially during heavy tick and fly seasons. Beef producers may control the disease with strategic pest control methods, good husbandry practices and antibiotics, writes Gilda V. Bryant. Source: Progressive Cattle, February 7, … [Read more...]
Comprehensive overview of Lyme disease in horses (audio recording)
The clinical signs of Lyme disease in horses are controversial. Toby Pinn-Woodcock, DVM, DACVIM, provides a comprehensive overview of the disease, including clinical signs, testing recommendations, treatments and vaccination protocols. Source: EquiManagement, Disease DuJour, January 29, 2024. Link. (26:35) Borrelia burgdorferi in horses should always be a diagnosis of … [Read more...]
February is National Cat Health Month
Along with the annual focus on oral care and the beginnings of flea, tick and mosquito season, February is dedicated to cat health. The consumer messages remind cat owners of the importance of maintaining regular veterinary appointments. Christian Adams shares tips to ensure cats remain healthy all year long. Source: Catster, January 27, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Veterinary … [Read more...]
Oral health opportunities for groomers and pet care pros
Commentary with references to sponsored content Oral health is one example of where groomers can have a significant positive impact, writes Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT VTS. We agree. In addition to groomers, boarding and daycare personnel have increased access to pets and pet owners to educate and reinforce the importance of regular oral care. Many progressive pet care pros now … [Read more...]
Looking back: most read posts from the November 2022 AHD Bulletins
Most read posts give us a sense of the priorities, problems and pain points animal health pros are experiencing when serving animal owners, their animals and each other. Despite what seems like a heightened sense of urgency, the most read posts from a year ago are grounding and remind us little changes. Animal health remains a repetitive business which benefits from educating … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 2, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 26, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 26th AHD Bulletin – The customer experience is the sales experience. Link. Body language. Link. How to know when it’s time to switch jobs. Link. Placekeeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
2 men survive wild pig attacks. Barely.
NOTE: This is a cautionary tale for animal health pros and their customers who like to hunt wild pigs, hike in the woods or have gardens next to brushy cover. Sharing this article will help increase understanding of how dangerous feral hogs can be. James Dean and Monte Sullivan survived horrific wild pig attacks in 2019 and 2022 respectively. They shared their harrowing … [Read more...]
Body language
At parties, speaking with friends and at work meetings, some people are oblivious to real communication going on around them without words. Source: AXIOS, October 12, 2023. Link. Become a student of people in small group settings, be it card games, parties or work. I mean actively trying to spot human ticks, tells and patterns.” INSIGHTS: Almost 90 percent of in-person … [Read more...]
Covid-19 evolving in white-tailed deer
A study from Nature Communications highlights the white-tailed deer species is a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 that enables continuing mutation, and the virus’s circulation in deer could lead to its spread to other wildlife and livestock. And the evidence is growing that humans can get it from deer, which isn’t radically surprising. It’s probably not a one-way pipeline.” Source: … [Read more...]