Barb Crabbe, DVM, shares valuable information about horse barn cleanup in the face of an equine disease outbreak and in the context of everyday stable maintenance. It is a timely article for horse owners to consider as spring arrives and barn activities increase. Source: Horse and Rider, November 27, 2019. Link. Recent studies indicate equine influenza virus can be spread as … [Read more...]
COVID-19 could be lemons or lemonade. We can make the difference.
March 2020: Update on SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 it causes Hundreds of coronaviruses circulate among animals including cattle, camels, bats, pigs, cats and dogs. Sometimes these viruses jump to humans (a spillover event) and may cause disease. SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. All three have origins in bats. SARS-CoV-2 causes the disease … [Read more...]
Talk about it! Antibiotic Awareness Week
The U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) is an annual observance that highlights steps everyone can take to improve antibiotic prescribing and use. The USAAW observance is November 18-24, 2019 and aligns with CDC’s educational effort, Be Antibiotics Aware: Smart Use, Best Care < link >, the year-round effort to improve antibiotic prescribing and use and combat … [Read more...]
Focus on fungi
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated this week as Fungal Disease Awareness Week < link > to boost the public’s understanding of how these microscopic organism can make humans sick. In animals, fungal infections are a patchwork of different situations. Fungal infections can be devastating, and they continue to emerge more rapidly than ever . . . they … [Read more...]
Proper storage critical to vaccine efficacy
“Producers cannot afford to overlook the importance of how they store vaccine and handle it prior to injection,” says Glenn Selk. His article is a good reminder during hot summer months. It is important for producers to monitor storage temperatures. Veterinary clinic and retailer staffs need to be diligent in managing the cold chain for items that need refrigeration. If the … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens have caused 21-state salmonella outbreaks
Fifty-two people in 21 states have contracted salmonella from backyard poultry according to the CDC. Five patients have been hospitalized and 28 percent of those sickened by these home-based chicks and ducklings are children under age 5. Don’t kiss your chickens! < link > Source: USA Today, May 17, 2019. Link. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that contact … [Read more...]
Veterinarian’s close call with suicide highlights industry wide problem (includes videos)
Two veterinarians share experiences by video in an effort to keep other veterinarians from contemplating suicide. The suicide rate among veterinarians is twice the national average, due to long work hours, high student debt, a quest for perfection and clinical outcomes that can be heartbreaking. Source: WUSA9, May 14, 2019. Link. Will McCauley, DVM and Chris Miller, DVM … [Read more...]
Brucella canis confirmed in Iowa commercial breeding facility
Canine brucellosis is considered zoonotic and is highly contagious among dogs. It causes severe reproductive problems. Iowa's State Veterinarian Jeff Kaisand, confirmed several cases of "canine Brucellosis" coming from a commercial small-dog breeding facility in Marion County southeast of Des Moines. When spread to humans, a rare occurrence, B. canis produces flu-like … [Read more...]
Mad cow disease discovered in Florida cow
The U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel have discovered a cow in Florida infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease. Agri-Pulse first reported this news Tuesday evening, August 28. Drovers reported it shortly thereafter Source: Drovers, August 28, 2018. Link. The infected Florida cow was not slaughtered for human consumption … [Read more...]
Treat cat bites and bite infections properly
It’s inevitable that those working or living with cats will need to deal with cat bites and the likely infection of the bite wounds. Andee Bingham offers perspective on cats that bite and treatment options for bite wounds. Source: Catster, January 26, 2018. Cat bites are exceptionally dangerous and prone to infection because a cat’s needle-like teeth can push bacteria deep … [Read more...]