Commentary Millions of dollars are spent annually to get rid of parasites. This article challenges much of the traditional thinking about parasites as bad things. In some ways, it reminds me of the microbiome discoveries and advancements of the last 50 years that continue to change how we think about the role of intestinal bacteria. Parasite ecologist Chelsea Wood … [Read more...]
Kitten season is out of control. Are warmer winters to blame?
For more than a decade, animal shelters across the country have noted kitten season starting earlier and lasting longer. Scientists, conservationists and cat advocates all agree unchecked outdoor cat populations are a problem, but they remain deeply divided on solutions. Whether longer periods of warmer weather or an increase in food sources, a large number of feral cats around … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 18, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 11, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 11th AHD Bulletin – Understanding active listening and distractions. Link. The pros and cons of servant leadership. Link. 22 team-building activities and games for 2024. Link. ============================================ Study: Antibiotics … [Read more...]
Climate connections
Across our planet, animals and the diseases they carry are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz, writes Zoya Teirstein. She shares concerns about a warming planet, pathogens and diseases. Source: AP, Grist, July 18, 2023. Link. Across the planet, animals — and the diseases they carry — are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz. And they’re not alone: Ticks, … [Read more...]