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Veterinarians are still working to gain the trust of beekeepers in the wake of a federal rule that went into effect in 2017 bringing veterinarians and beekeepers together.

Dr. Terry Ryan Kane, a bee veterinarian in Michigan and secretary for the Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium, said the bee community did not anticipate the rule, which restricts beekeepers from using certain antimicrobials in honeybees without a veterinary feed directive or prescription from a veterinarian.

Most livestock producers have a relationship with a veterinarian, Dr. Ryan Kane said. That was not true for the beekeeping community. We are establishing relationships now. ... Someday it will be routine for veterinarians to be involved in the bee industry, but we are not there yet.

Historically in the U.S., beekeepers and veterinarians have had very little interaction, and beekeepers were able to administer over-the-counter antimicrobials themselves.

Dr. Ryan Kane compared the current situation with how veterinarians became involved with fisheries nearly 40 years ago. She said, Back in the 80s, we went through this with fisheries, when aquaculture was starting to grab hold in the U.S.

Dr. Ryan Kane, a backyard beekeeper herself, knows some veterinarians who just happen to also be beekeepers for fun.

Beekeepers are broken into three categories: backyarders, who keep only a few hives; sideliners, who have between 50 and 100 hives; and commercial beekeepers, who operate with over 300 hives. Commercial beekeepers make up a small portion of the overall industry but control the largest portion of bee colonies in the U.S.

There were 2.67 million bee colonies in January 2019, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The beekeeping industry is worth about $17 billion a year, according to the National Honey Board.

Dr. Tracy Farone, a veterinarian who is a professor of biology at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, and a board member of the Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium, said veterinarians were brought into the beekeeping world because of the diseases bees face and the potential for antimicrobial resistance.

I understand why beekeepers want to do what theyve always been doing, but theyre facing more and more bee health problems. It would be good to get veterinarians on board. Dr. Farone said. We can contribute here. We can provide so much more than a prescription or VFD to the industry. If we can blend veterinary medical expertise within the beekeeping industry, its not just an arranged marriage, but a marriage where we can help each other.

Including bee health within veterinary colleges curriculums is on the rise now in the U.S. But veterinary education in France has included an entire rotation on beekeeping for decades.

Ive gauged veterinarian interest, developed and shared lectures on what veterinarians need to know, Dr. Farone said. Bees are our most important agricultural animals, in regards to the number of crops they pollinate and their economic contribution to the agricultural industry. Without bees, the whole thing falls apart, so why wouldnt we have veterinarians for bees?

Dr. Farone suggests veterinarians interested in expanding their practice into bee health take the time to learn about the beekeeping industry, consider getting involved in local bee clubs, and identify current clients who have backyard hives.

Dr. Ryan Kane, who serves on the AVMA Committee for Environmental Issues, said the COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on how the natural world needs to be taken care of.

Veterinarians should be at the forefront of protecting the environment, she said. Its one health.

Like Dr. Farone, Dr. Ryan Kane noted that bees are a key crop pollinator.

This is a global security issue. There is a veterinary public health obligation to protect our food resources, food safety, and food security, Dr. Ryan Kane said. We take insects for granted. We smash them, were afraid of them. We have shirked our duties by not studying them and not taking care of them. They make our systems work.

Dr. Ryan Kane said veterinarians who have bee health experience are promoting the insects.

She recently co-edited the forthcoming book Honey Bee Medicine for the Veterinary Practitioner with Dr. Cynthia M. Faux, a professor of veterinary science at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. The book is a collaboration among veterinarians, entomologists, toxicologists, and a pharmacologist. It is set to be released in 2021.

Dr. Ryan Kane doesnt expect it will take long for veterinarians to be included in the beekeeping community.

It wont take many years to get us up to speed, to where the beekeeping community trusts our knowledge, but now we should learn from the beekeepers. There is so much information out there, she said.

View original post here:
Veterinarians and beekeepers: An arranged marriage - American Veterinary Medical Association

Devin Schell, an animal technician at Washington State Universitys Veterinary Teaching Hospital, holds Terri, a 20-pound African spur-thighed tortoise. The tortoise was found on the side of the road and is believed to have been struck by a car.

By Josh Babcock, College of Veterinary Medicine

A tortoise believed to be run over by a vehicle could live another 90years thanks to the care of Washington State University veterinarians.

The unnamed tortoise, now known as Terri, was found on the side of a road in Benton City, Wash., back in March.

Her shell was smashed, there was a section of exposed spinal cord, and she was in shock when she was found. Miraculously, she was still able to move all four limbs.

Honestly, I didnt think she was going to make it, but I wanted to take her to the place where she would get the best care, Kyley Ackerson said.

Within minutes, Ackerson, with her fianc David Cotton behind the wheel, decided to make the one-hundred- and fifty-three-mile drive to WSUs Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

There, WSUs exotics team, with veterinarian Marcie Logsdon on the case, spent nearly three months tending to Terri.

We were hopeful. We thought she had a reasonable chance because she is an African spur-thighed tortoise and tortoises can heal some amazing things, Logsdon said.This one was a fighter.

The roughly 20-pound tortoise nearly succumbed to her wounds the first night.

If we wouldnt have taken her to WSU, she would have died that night, Ackerson said.

After a few weeks at the hospital, Terri started to grow new bone over the crack in her shell.

However, she was still slow and appeared ill.

As her stay at the hospital continued, veterinarians found Terri was not defecating. An x-ray revealed the tortoise had eaten over 70 rocks before she came to the hospital. The rocks ranged from quarter-sized stones to pea gravel.

Many enemas, fluids and weeks later, Terri was able to pass the rocks.

Logsdon said if not for the rocks, the tortoise would have been able to leave the hospital much sooner.

The only thing more shocking than the rocks to the exotics veterinarian the couples generosity.

They only knew this tortoise for five minutes and they drove all the way to Pullman and footed the entire bill, she said.

Ackerson said she raised more than $1,000 of that bill through a fundraiser on Facebook.

Friends, family, strangers I dont even know. They heard her story and now, here we are, Ackerson said. I am an animal person and I hope someone would do the same for me if I was in that situation.

Ten-year-old Terri is still bouncing back and strengthening her back legs for what could be the next 90 or more years of her life. She needs it too. Tortoises like Terri grow to an average of 70 to 100 pounds but can grow as large as 200 pounds.

Back in Benton City, Terri is getting spoiled with carrots, geraniums, hay and lettuce.

Reptiles dont show emotion, but I like to think shes happy, Ackerson said.

Continued here:
Terri the tortoise makes a turnaround - WSU News

COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease. For the 200+ bats currently in wildlife rehabilitation facilities across Pennsylvania, this presents a threat. Eman Anis, a microbiologistwith Penn Vets New Bolton Center, is leading a study to test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in North American bats, work being done with associate professors Lisa Murphy and Julie Ellis and Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist Greg Turner.

Because the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Pennsylvania Game Commission began collaborating in 2019 on the Pennsylvania Wildlife Futures Program to address wildlife health problems, they were able to shift quickly to COVID-19 research. Now, the team is developing a rapid diagnostic test using bat guano sent from local wildlife rehabilitation centers.

The researchers goal is to verify that bats held over the winter in rehab facilities will not transmit disease. When you do these tests, youre trying to ask questions, says Murphy. Can bats harbor it? Do bats in Pennsylvania harbor it?

Testing the guano of North American bats for COVID-19 ties into Penn Vets OneHealthfocus, which recognizes that human, animal, and environmentalhealthare interrelated and that an adverse event in anyoneof these areas may also adversely impact the others, Murphy says. With disease, humans, animals, and the environment can all play key roles in transmitting and maintaining harmful pathogens. Identifying the role that each plays can be the first step in understanding how to stop or prevent further harm, she says.

There is no evidence that North American bat populations currently harbor COVID-19 or other beta-coronaviruses like MERS and SARS, but there is a possibility that humans could transmit disease to bats, Anis says. This would present a public health risk and is one of the impacts her study will mitigate. We dont want have another reservoir where they can transfer it back to humans, she says.

COVID-19 has the potential to weaken the already precarious health of bat populations, says Turner. Bats have been his main focus for 16 years as populations have declined due to habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fungus originating in Europe that thrives in the cold, humid caves and mines that bats use for hibernation.

Pennsylvania is home to nine species recognized as resident breeding bats, according to the Game Commission. As bats are able to be a reservoir for most coronavirus strains, they are likely to contract COVID-19 if exposed, Turner says. While the animals are generally able to survive a dormant coronavirus, many North American bats are already stressed due to white-nose syndrome. This presents the risk that the virus would become active and cause an additive mortality factor on top of white-nose syndrome, which has decimated many bat species.

The Indiana bat is currently the only mammal on the federal list of endangered species in Pennsylvania. Were turning the tide, seeing stabilization and maybe even a recovery, Turner says. To have something come in now could be catastrophic to these species. What would happen if the bat was immunocompromised from white-nose fungus, would COVID-19 be an additive affect?

While bats are often vilified in popular culture, Turner says they provide numerous services we would miss if they were gone, he says. All of the bat species in Pennsylvania and the northeastern part of North America are insectivorous, so theyre eating nothing but insects. Each female little brown bat can consume 4,500 mosquito-sized insects per night. Bats consume an estimated 900,000 to 1 million insects per bat per year, says Turner, saving Pennsylvania farmers alone an estimated $3 million per year in crop damage and thus reducing the cost of production and the amount of pesticides used.

By eating insects, bats also prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as heartworm, encephalitis, West Nile virus, and potentially Zika virus, Turner says. We also have anecdotal evidence of people in wetland areas that were constantly battling mosquitos until they put up a bat box and had a colony of bats, he adds.

Bats are important to agriculture and to the ecosystems they live in, and theyre already under a considerable amount of pressure, Murphy says.

The New Bolton Center team began work on this project at the end of April, and Anis says the team is very confident that well be able to complete and validate the test and have it up and running soon. Our first goal is to help the rehab populations to release their overwintered bats, and we hope to expand beyond that.

The lab, which generally tests diagnostic samples, began guano testing during the pandemic. The team practice all the needed biosafety and biosecurity measures and follow all of the CDC guidelines, says Anis. Its a big challenge she says to work with this new normal and being isolated. Having a purpose has helped.

While the current study is targeted to a very specific population and need, it has larger implications, says Murphy. Why does this matter now? We have an immediate need, she says. Most wildlife rehabilitation facilities are staffed with volunteers and funded via donations. During the pandemic, most are operating with a skeleton crew and limited financial resources, continuing to feed and care for overwintered bats that are ready to be released into the wild. To the specific populations of bats in Pennsylvania and people who are caring for them, it really does matter, it matters now, and we have no data to inform their decisions, Murphy says. Were going to address a very specific need, but, in terms of where it can go from there, the ramifications and the benefits, this is only the first step, Murphy says.

In terms of thinking about what animal species may be susceptible to this virus, it doesnt just stop with bats, she says, citing evidence that weasels and ferrets are able to contract COVID-19, as can other animals. This disease is going to be with us, and is going to be a question and a concern for human and animal health for quite some time, she says.

Eman Anis is an assistant professor in pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Julie Ellis is an adjunct associate professor in pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Lisa Murphy is an associate professor of toxicology and director of the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System-New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Greg Turner is a wildlife biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commissions Bureau of Wildlife Management.

This study was made possible with support from the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Read more:
Bats and COVID - Penn: Office of University Communications

Twenty years ago or so, antibiotic resistance wasnt on the radar for most cow-calf producers. If a calf got sick, you gave it a shot and it generally got better.

That began to change about 10 years ago, says Amelia Woolums, a veterinarian and professor of pathobiology and population medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. Around 2011, we started to see bacteria classically associated with BRD (bovine respiratory disease) being found with multiple resistance genes.

That was in lung samples from cattle that died from BRD. What about incoming cattle? Are the bacteria in those cattle carrying antibiotic-resistant genes?

READ: Preserving antibiotics for all

So she and others did a small in-house trial on 50 newly arrived high-risk calves. The calves all got an antibiotic on arrival and were nasally swabbed to see if any had highly resistant Mannheimia bacteria. On arrival, one calf tested positive. Fourteen days later, 88% had multidrug resistant Mannheimia on their nasal swab, she says.

That alone raised plenty of eyebrows. Then there was this: By day 14, all of the Mannheimias were also resistant to Baytril and we hadnt even given the cattle Baytril.

Without getting into the private lives of bacteria, the basic thing at work is that they can swap chunks of DNA. As that happens, genes that create resistance to antibiotics can spread. Even more fascinating as well as alarming is that the bacteria dont have to be closely related for that to happen.

READ: The last over-the-counter antibiotics?

None of this is breaking news any longer. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been a concern in both human and veterinary medicine for some time now.

It still is. Thats where you come in.

Weaning time approaches, and for some in drought areas, it may come sooner rather than later. As we plan for that annual ritual, now is a good time to revisit why the judicial use of antibiotics is so important.

READ: How to respond to consumer concerns over antibiotic use

Even more, its time to revisit why a herd health program that includes vaccinations is important. You know, people have been able to use antibiotics to cover up bad management and I feel like we cant rely on that any more, Woolums says. Weve got to go back to good management, really good cattle care. And then, when you need to use an antibiotic, try to pick the right one.

Thats because different antibiotics work best on different bacteria. So that means working with a veterinarian to use the right product appropriately.

Whats more, it means managing your cattle so they dont get sick in the first place. I think we need a renaissance of good husbandry, she says. Then, if we are a little more careful with how we use antibiotics, maybe theyll still be functional when we need them.

View post:
Here's why judicial use of antibiotics matters - Beef Magazine

ASF has been spreading rapidly, threatening pork production and human food security worldwide.

The study from the K-State research team, headed by Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, was published in the journal Transboundary and Emerging Diseases.

The team said the paper provides the first evidence that feed additives may be effective tools against the virus, that chemical feed additives may potentially serve as mitigants for reducing the risk of ASFV introduction and transmission through feed.

"Over the last two years, ASF is estimated to be responsible for the death of at least 25% of the world's pig population due to the emergence of the virus within China and subsequent spread to over 10 other Asian countries," Niederwerder said.

"In 2019, we published the first report of African swine fever virus, or ASFV, transmission through the natural consumption of plant-based feed. Our subsequent work has focused on mitigation of ASFV in feed through the use of chemical feed additives and heat treatment, she added.

Niederwerder and her team examined two different classes of liquid feed additives, including a medium-chain fatty acid-based additive and a formaldehyde-based additive, for efficacy against ASF virus in cell culture and in feed ingredients. In general, the scientists observed that both chemical additives demonstrated evidence of reducing the virus infectivity, with data supporting dose-dependent efficacy.

The study lead said there are currently no commercially available vaccines and no effective treatments that can be administered to pigs for ameliorating disease caused by the virus. Thus, control of ASF is focused on biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of the virus into negative countries or negative farms and regions within a positive country.

The other method of containment would involve large-scale culling of infected or high-risk animals to contain the spread of the virus.

"Our new research reports novel data evaluating the efficacy of feed additives on inactivating ASFV in an in vitro cell culture model and a feed ingredient transoceanic shipment model," Niederwerder said. "This will provide valuable information to the swine industry with regards to mitigating the risk of potential routes for introduction and transmission of ASFV through feed and ingredients."

The K-State study was funded by a grant from the Swine Health Information Center and the State of Kansas National Bio and Agro-defense Facility Fund.

While she said the results of the study are promising, Niederwerder emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to reducing the risk of ASF virus in feed, including sourcing ingredients from countries without the virus when possible, applying holding times to high-risk ingredients, and implementing consistent biosecurity protocols at the feed mill.

Source:Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13699

Title:Mitigating the risk of African swine fever virus in feed with antiviral chemical additives

Authors:MC. Niederwerder, S. Dee, DG Diel, A MM. Stoian LA Constance, M Olcha, V. Petrovan, G. Patterson, AG CinoOzuna, R RR Rowland

Go here to read the rest:
Certain feed additives may be effective tools against African Swine Fever - FeedNavigator.com

Dr. Ron Mergl will be remembered for his infectious smile, ability to make people feel at ease, tireless work ethic, and giving back to the community.

He always went above and beyond for everybody that he met, said his wife, Dr. June Mergl.

He bent over backwards for all his clients. He often gave them his cell number and we always got a lot of calls and he would go in to meet them, if possible.

Mergl, who was a longtime owner of Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre and Virgil Animal Hospital with his wife, died Saturday from glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain tumour.

He was 61.

In a tribute posted to Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centres and Virgil Animal Hospitals Facebook pages Monday, June said her husband touched the lives of many individuals, both human and animal, and that his loss will leave a space that can never be filled.

His compassion and caring for all animals, large and small, and their owners for over 31 years at Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre, and for over 35 years as a veterinarian in the Niagara region, will remain a cornerstone and tribute to him for many years to come.

She said her husband, who was born in Welland and grew up in Pelham, was more than a veterinarian. He was also a Christian, a philanthropist and a family man.

He contributed to, and participated in, so many foundations, boards, charity events, volunteer clubs and charities, that we have lost count.

Mergls volunteer ethic was ingrained in him.

He always believed you have to give back to the community thats given you so much.

June said her husband was an active participant along with his family at St. Andrews United Church for more than 25 years.

His pride and joy in the volunteer world, she said, was Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, where he was a past president and a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.

He was extremely generous with his time and his money to a fault and could not say no to any organization or extended family member that needed financial help.

Along with June, Mergl participated twice in Rotary International National Immunization Days against polio in India and Benin, Africa, spending a month at a time and using their own money to do so.

He also travelled to Malawi, in Africa, for Veterinarians Without Borders to vaccinate hyenas and dogs against rabies, which was killing the local children, and, with the help of Rotary International, started a lifesaving program of rabies vaccination in Uganda, that also saved many childrens lives.

June said although Mergl already had a bachelor of science and a doctor of veterinary medicine, he went back to school at Brock Univwersity, and received his masters of science in infectious and zoonotic diseases in 2010. He is listed as a co-author on several published articles as a result.

At one time, Mergl wrote a column for the Niagara Falls Review and, about four years ago, was honoured with an award of merit by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association for all the work he had done in veterinary medicine and outside of his profession.

He was always attending veterinary conferences across the world to stay up to date in the latest advances in veterinary medicine, and to continue his high-quality level of care to his beloved patients and their wonderful clients.

June said her husband was also known for always being on the go.

Never miss the latest news from the Niagara Falls Review. Sign up for our email newsletters to get the day's top stories, your favourite columnists, and much more in your inbox.

He was busy with everything. He was full of ideas and projects and always planning vacations and fun things to do with his entire family.

June, who has been a veterinarian for 35 years in Niagara, said she will continue to run both the Niagara Falls and Virgil clinics for the time being.

She said people who want to remember her husband can donate to the research section of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, Rotary Club of Niagara Falls and Veterinarians Without Borders.

Read the original post:
Longtime Niagara vet went 'above and beyond' for clients, community - NiagaraFallsReview.ca

Mike Teavee, played by Paris Themmen, was a bit younger and much rowdier than his other contest-winning peers. The 11-year-old cowboy-loving tween bounced around everyone else until he was "accidentally" trapped in a TV in the TV room of the factory and somehow stretched out to 10 feet tall (completely the Oompa Loompas' fault!).

After his charismatic role in Willy Wonka, Themmen had a brief career on Broadway as a teen in the late '60s and later became a theatre major at New York University. According to an archived version of his official website, he wanted to travel internationally following his graduation.

"I founded 'Access International,' a travel service sending backpackers standby on charter flights to Europe," he wrote. "During this time I visited 36 countries on 6 continents, (I'm up to 40 now!) everything from the Jungles of the Amazon to the Sahara Desert. You name it, I've been there."

His career path took multiple different paths, including real estate, film production, "a stint in Walt Disney Imagineering," retail, and more "entrepreneurial ventures." He honestly added, "As you can tell from my past, there is no telling what I may do next. (Direct?) In any case, I have lived a full and eminently satisfying life."

Themmen added a sentiment that all the living Willy Wonkaactors can likely relate to: "There is life after art."

Read more from the original source:
What the last living stars of Willy Wonka are up to now - Nicki Swift

Mr Cheng has paid tribute to Professor Ian McIntyre with his donation.

Mr Tong Fatt Cheng served in the state Veterinary service in Singapore and then joined the diplomatic service in 1989 as Singapore Ambassador to Japan then to the Peoples Republic of China and as Ambassador-at-Large until his retirement in 2004.

The generous gift by Mr Cheng, who graduated BVMS in 1957 from the University of Glasgow, will be used to establish the McIntyre International Research Fellowships which will foster international collaboration in research on farm animal diseases.

The Fellowships will provide funding for a British veterinary graduate to work overseas for two years and for an overseas veterinary graduate to come to the Glasgow Veterinary School for two years.

By establishing the McIntyre International Research Fellowships, Mr Cheng is paying tribute to Professor Ian McIntyre, the Universitys first Professor of Veterinary Medicine.

Professor McIntyre was an inspirational and innovative teacher, and a strong advocate for international collaboration in veterinary education and research. He was a leading member of the Glasgow team which developed the first antiparasitic vaccine for cattle (Dictol).

In his later career, Professor McIntyre was seconded to the University of East Africa In Nairobi and went on to make further contributions to veterinary medicine In Africa.

Mr Cheng said: I am delighted to commemorate Professor McIntyres name in perpetuity through the creation of these international fellowships.

Professor McIntyre was an inspiring teacher when I was a student at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School and I have always admired his achievements both in Glasgow and internationally.

Originally posted here:
Glasgow University Vet school gifted 1m - The Southern Reporter

The Veterinary Council of Ireland has says 133 new vets and 48 new veterinary nurses have been added to its register so far in 2020.

The statutory body, which is responsible for the regulation and management of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the state, welcomes its new registrants and believes this influx of talent will benefit animal health and welfare.

The total current number of vets and veterinary nurses on the Veterinary Council register is2,938 and 1,019 respectively.

Four of the new vets and two of the new vet nurses on the register are from county Limerick.

The council predicst that increasing numbers of Irish veterinary students qualifying in universities abroad, as well as increasing numbers of foreign vets registering to practice in Ireland, will help to meet the growing demand for large animal vets in rural areas.

Of the 133 newly registered vets, 50 were awarded their Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from University College Dublin (UCD).

Twenty-five vets were awarded their qualification from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest, 11 were awarded their qualification from the University of Life Sciences in Warsaw and eight were awarded their qualifications from various universities throughout the United Kingdom.

The remaining vets received their qualifications from other universities abroad.

Of the newly registered veterinary nurses, 35 received their veterinary nursing qualification from UCD, three received their qualification from Letterkenny Institute of Technology; three from Athlone Institute of Technology, two from Saint Johns College Cork, with the remaining five receiving their qualifications overseas.

Vets from throughout Europe are eligible to register with the Veterinary Council of Ireland through the Professional Qualifications Directive, which facilitates the free movement of veterinary practitioners within the EU through the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

The high number of newly registered vets this year is a positive sign for the profession and shows growth in the veterinary industry," says Veterinary Council of IrelandCEO and registrarNiamh Muldoon.

"It is the councils hope that the influx of new vets will help to meet the demands and recruitment challenges experienced by some under-serviced rural areas, particularly relevant to large animal practices. In order to address the issue of vet shortages, the Veterinary Council is analysing data and plans to conduct further research to inform possible solutions to this issue, she added.

Original post:
'Positive sign' as 133 new vets are registered by Veterinary Council of Ireland - Limerick Leader

Dr. David Scott McVey has been selected as the new director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In this role, which he will begin on July 13, he will also serve as the associate dean of the UNL/Iowa State University Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine.

McVey brings a wealth of experience to the position. Over the course of his career he has been involved in teaching, discovery research,translational research, diagnostic medicine, clinical medicine and surgery, biologicals development and organizational leadership within the field of veterinary science.

Most recently, McVey was the director of the USDA Center for Grain and Animal Health Research in Manhattan, Kan. Previously, he has held tenure positions at both Kansas State University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he served as the director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Center. He has also worked in vaccine research at Pfizer and as a practicing veterinarian.

McVey received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and his doctorate in philosophy, veterinary microbiology and immunobiology at Texas A&M University.

Dr. McVey brings tremendous experience and insight to the position, said Mike Boehm,vice chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln andvice president for agriculture and natural resources for the University of Nebraska. His experience in veterinary research, academia and industry and the multiple perspectives he has attained through the course of this career are tremendously valuable to the future of the school.

McVey said he was excited to return to UNL, and especially to interact with the faculty, staff and students in the program.

All of the departments within the school of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences have a very strong tradition, and theyve done very well, McVey said. This position is an opportunity to make sure theplow stays in the ground and that all the good momentum continues as the school grows to meet the needs of the university and the future of veterinary medicine.

McVey succeeds Clayton Kelling, who will retire later this year.

The School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is Nebraskas leading institution for education, research, extension and outreach related to veterinary medicine and veterinary science. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine allows students complete the first two years of veterinary medicine education at the University of Nebraska, then transfer to the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine for the final two years of study. UNL students who participate in this program pay in-state tuition for all four years.

Continue reading here:
McVey to lead UNL School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences - kneb.com

You can exercise all you want, but youre going to be miserable with six-pack abs if thats all that you change!

So, while I do encourage exercise, yoga, vacation, and getting plenty of sleep, I strongly suggest that you incorporate the 3 strategies in this article for the ULTIMATE burnout crushinggame plan!

In this video, I explain how to find plenty of time to do all that you need to do, while getting the recommended 9 hours of sleep!

I know what it feels like to try to vacate your way out of unfavorable circumstances and conditions. It doesnt work.

I know what its like to invest in an expensive bed and sleep-in until 7:30 before rolling out of bed to go to work. It really doesnt work.

Unless you have some spiritual awakening or esoteric insight during your sleep or unless you learn something revolutionary on your vacation or during your time off, youre going to end up exactly where you started when you return/wake-up. You already know this to be true.

Perhaps youre in better spirits for a few days, weeks, or maybe even a couple of months after you return, but you know as well as I do, that the pain and the struggle just seems to come right back.

Let me be VERY clear:

You cannot vacate, time off, sleep, or meditate your way through a shitty life situation.

Likewise, you cannot sleep your way to the life of fulfillment and inner-peace that you desire. My intuition tells me that such a thing has never happened in the entire age of the universe.

You are about to uncover 3 strategies for overcoming burnout that are damn near free, super effective, and are permanent in their efficacy.

Yet, people rarely talk about these during wellbeing talks. In vet med, I sometimes feel that its almost heresy to talk about these things.

It doesnt matter whether you have burnout or some other life struggle. These strategies are evergreen and work for many situations.

These are the strategies that you can use to obtain just about anything in life and vet med - especially a life of wellbeing!

Study like youre trying to get your DVM/PhD in burnout. Better yet, proceed like youre trying to get your DVM/PhD in wellbeing!

Why? You're going to learn so many different strategies and tools for living a life free of burnout that you can enjoy!

It just makes sense! For the same reason a cardiologist understands the heart better than a mechanic or general practitioner, you will understand wellbeing and inner peace better than the current version of yourself who isn't relentlessly studying wellbeing!

Wellbeing PowerNote:What you really want is wellbeing. It appears that you want to be free of burnout, but what youre searching for is inner-peace and fulfillment. Youre searching for a life of balance. Thats what wellbeing is! So instead of fighting against burnout, fight for what it is that you want - wellbeing! That which you focus on will EXPAND in your life!

For example:

If I wanted to be a veterinary surgeon, Id do a lot of things that Im not doing right now:

I'd talk to people who are already vet surgeons and pick their brains

Id find surgery mentors

I'd read surgery books

Id go to surgery conferences or go to the surgery lectures at the AVMA conference and at VMX

Id attend webinars about vet surgery

I'd look into how to become a board certified surgeon

Id watch lots of YouTube videos about being a surgeon

Id shadow people who do the types of surgeries I want to do

Id listen to surgery podcasts

Id join Facebook groups and social media groups that talk about surgery

Id try to find friends who loved surgery

Id try to find people who were interested in becoming board certified in surgery and try to help them succeed.

Id be more in-tune with my surgeries as a general practitioner

In essence, Id IMMERSE myself in veterinary surgery if I wanted to be a veterinary surgeon!

You can do the same thing with wellbeing: The only difference is that prioritizing and cultivating wellbeing is WAY easier and costs way less!

A great place to start is by checking out our4-Hour, RACE-Approved online course The Veterinary Wellbeing Choice: How to Prioritize, Cultivate, and Maintain Wellbeing.

If someone were to look at your thoughts and actions, would they be able to tell that you were a person who valued wellbeing?

Or, would they see someone who isnt taking any type of action towards a life free of burnout and full of wellbeing?

Continued here:
3 Rare and effective strategies to avoid and overcome veterinary burnout - Jill Lopez

June 19, 2020

Contact: Brittney Dabney, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing

Tuskegee University received its first competitive grant, from National Science Foundation under the COVID-19 Rapid Response Initiative. Dr. Crystal James, department head and director of the Graduate Program in Public Health in the College of Veterinary Medicine is leading the efforts of the grant as its principal investigator.

The project will focus on understanding the effects of disease prevention messages during the coronavirus epidemic and pandemic outbreaks; and how minority communitiesaccess and attend to these messages. The outcome of the project will implement culturally sensitive tools and materials, that promote disease prevention.

The successful conclusion of this one year rapid response effort disease prevention strategies developed can be institutionalized by federal, state, and local agencies, as well as new data will be gathered on trust and trustworthiness in minority communities regionally, explained James.

These findings have the potential to positively affect the diversity of materials and decrease the levels of mistrust within minority communities across the deep south, said James. Results from this project will be disseminated in peer reviewed journals and at conferences as well as the materials produced by the project will be made available to practitioners and other researchers, she continued.

The research is non-clinical in nature and involves a large-scale multi-state data collection using a newly constructed instrument to assess residents level of trust and fear related to disease transmission and where and how they prefer to receive information regarding prevention and treatment strategies.

This is the first major grant provided to the Department of Graduate Public Health since its establishment in May of 2017, noted James. This pilot study will provide much needed resources to assist in the development of students as well as provide preliminary data for additional funding.

Dr. Shaik Jeelani, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School said the tireless support of the staff in the Offices of Compliance and Sponsored Programs and the IRB Committee must be acknowledged in winning this grant. The development of this concept as well as the effort it has taken to collect, analyze, and report findings within one year is a testament to the amazingly dedicated team within the department, the College of Veterinary Medicine as well as the College of Arts & Sciences, he explained.

Dr. Ruby Perry, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine also added the data and information gained from this project will heighten awareness of how vulnerable populations attend to messaging from various sources regarding COVID-19.

This project will ultimately provide evidence-base recommendations to federal, state, and local public health agencies for a different approach to help with decreasing health disparities in African American communities said Perry.

At the projects conclusion, health organizations will be provided with uniquedata on how minority communities access and attend to disease prevention messages during pandemic outbreaks. The grant will also address important concerns regarding trustworthiness that therefore often delay innovators to disease prevention methods amongst the African American community thus, magnifying and/or delaying efforts to reduce and forestall increase morbidity and mortality among the study population.

2020, Tuskegee University

See original here:
Tuskegee University Receives First Competitive Grant, from National Science Foundation Under the COVID-19 Rapid Response Initiative - Tuskegee...

Veterinary practices around the country have been diligent in enhancing safety and sanitation measures amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, with so much focus on protecting ourselves physically, have you paused to ask how the pandemic is affecting you emotionally? This is the question Eric Richman, MSW, LICSW, a clinical social worker at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, posed during a webinar hosted by the university on June 16.

The emotional component can become overlooked as we focus on physical wellbeing, he explained. What we need to do is focus on the PEEprotective equipment for emotionsas well as physical protection.

In a survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association in March,1 more than one-third of Americans (36%) said COVID-19 is having a serious impact on their mental health and 59% said it is having a serious impact on their day-to-day lives. You have to assume that a percentage of your clients and staff fall into these categories, Richman said.

So, what can you do to help yourself, your staff and your clients during these trying times? We need to create a supportive, proactive culture that includes ways for employees to express concerns and feel heard, he said.

During the safety presentation at the beginning of every flight, passengers are instructed that if oxygen masks are needed, they should secure their own mask before helping others. This is not an act of selfishness, Richman explained. Before you can assist someone else, you need to take stock of your own wellbeing.

Stress is normal, but the problem is that people often dont know how to identify when the difficulties they are facing are beyond the normal threshold of stress, he said. People continuously alter the definition of what was normal for them and then they avoid seeking help.

Its incredibly important to assess where you are on your stress scale and recognize when you are beyond your threshold, he advised. There are several shared, added stressors veterinary professionals are experiencing as a result of the ongoing pandemic, such as the uncertainty of when it will end, fear of infection, frustration, loss of control and grief over missed opportunities. As these stressors mount, they may negatively impact your mental health and your capacity to perform your job to the best of your ability.

When faced with fear and anxiety, we are less likely to be creative, adaptable and resourceful, Richman explained. We are less capable of seeking possible solutions to problems. And that becomes a big problem, especially for clinicians who are trying to put together diagnosis and treatment plans.

Although there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and its long-term impact, Richman suggested focusing on how you react. Consider these steps:

There is no substitute for obtaining professional help when faced with overwhelming anxiety or depression. Yet as a colleague, friend and professional, there are many ways to offer support to those around you. Consider some of the main pillars of communication, Richman instructed:

By using these core communication skills, every communication you have with somebody will say to them I see you, I care, you matter, Richman explained. And these skills are not limited to in-person interactions, he clarified. Empathy and reflective listening need to be implemented over a video chats, phone calls or email correspondence, too.

Keep in mind that you are going to falter, you are going to stumble during all this period of time, Richman concluded. Mistakes will be made; youre going to have trouble with all of the requirements that are asked of you. But be accepting of yourself. Practice self-compassion and be gentle with yourself and others around you.

Reference

Read more here:
Navigating the emotional impact of the coronavirus pandemic - dvm360

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As summer temperatures soar, dogs are at risk of potentially fatal heat-related illness -- and certain ones appear particularly vulnerable, a large new study confirms.

The study, of more than 900,000 dogs, found that older pooches and those who carried extra pounds were at increased risk. The same was true of certain breeds -- often dogs with "flat" faces, such as bulldogs and pugs.

Experts stressed that heat illness can be fatal, and it's critical to help all dogs stay cool during the sizzling summer months. That means not overdoing exercise or leaving them in a parked car, because the interior can overheat in minutes.

It's helpful to know which dogs are at greatest risk, said lead researcher Dr. Emily Hall.

The fact that extra pounds are a risk factor, for example, might give people more incentive to keep an eye on their pup's weight.

"All dogs will benefit from maintaining a healthy body weight, but if your dog is at particular risk [of heat illness], then preventing obesity could be lifesaving," said Hall, a senior lecturer in veterinary nursing science at Nottingham Trent University in England.

The findings, published June 18 in Scientific Reports, are based on records from more than 905,000 dogs who were in veterinary care in Britain in 2016. That year, 395 were treated for heat-related illness, and 14% of those dogs died.

Certain breeds were at higher risk than others. Topping the list were chow chows, whose rate of heat-related illness was 0.5%; bulldogs (0.4%); French bulldogs (0.18%); Dogue de Bordeaux, (0.17%); and greyhounds (0.15%).

Many of the breeds with increased risk were of the flat-faced variety.

And that's something veterinarians have known, said Dr. Daniel Fletcher, an associate professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

"The dogs with the squishy noses are the ones we worry about the most," said Fletcher, who was not involved in the study.

Dogs don't sweat, he explained, so they instead rely on their respiratory system to cool down -- which is why they pant. But squishy-nosed canines have constricted upper airways, which makes their cooling system less effective.

Accordingly, the study found that bulldogs, pugs and other squishy-nosed dogs made up the majority of the top-nine breeds with the highest risk. But the group also included dogs with "medium"-sized heads, like golden retrievers and English springer spaniels.

Hall said those breeds can sometimes develop malignant hyperthermia, an inherited condition that causes overheating during exercise.

Plus, Hall added, some at-risk breeds are traditional "working" dogs, so they're eager to please. "Many dogs will keep going well past the point of exhaustion or heat exhaustion to please their owners," she said.

Meanwhile, older dogs were also less heat-tolerant. Those age 12 or older were 75% more likely to be treated for heat illness than pups younger than 2. The situation is similar to what's seen in humans, the researchers pointed out: Older dogs are more likely to have heart or lung conditions that may make them vulnerable during heat waves.

Hall urged people with dogs to learn the warning signs of heat illness -- which include excessive panting, glassy eyes, overheated skin, and loss of coordination.

She also said people should take stock of whether their own dog is "sensible" in the heat -- that is, does he take a break when he gets too warm, or keep running till he drops?

To help avoid trouble, Fletcher recommended planning walks for cooler parts of the day, and always bringing water. And never leave your dog in a car on a hot day, he said.

Cars can overheat even when you crack the window an inch or two, experts point out.

Fletcher noted, however, that "blistering heat" is not the only danger. Dogs can get overheated when the temperature warms up suddenly, since their bodies have not had time to acclimate.

When dogs do show signs of overheating, Hall said the response is straightforward: "Cool them."

Get out of the sun, she said, and into the shade -- or even better, into air conditioning or in front of a fan. Spraying your pup with cool water can also help.

But if cooling efforts do not improve a dog's panting after 10 to 15 minutes, Fletcher advised getting to the closest emergency vet. And do not hesitate to seek emergency help, he said, if a dog collapses, is having trouble breathing or is in distress.

More information

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has advice on hot weather safety.

SOURCES: Emily Hall, Vet.M.B., M.A., senior lecturer, veterinary nursing science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, U.K.; Daniel J. Fletcher, D.V.M., Ph.D., associate professor, emergency and critical care, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, N.Y.; Scientific Reports, June 18, 2020, online

Read the original here:
Why Some Dogs Are at Higher Odds of Dying From Heat - HealthDay News

Nigeria is in the throes of a fresh outbreak of African swine fever which has affected 145,000 pigs in Oke Aro, West Africas largest pig farm estate. Dr. Oladipo Omotosho of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, explains the disease, its impact and how to prevent future occurrences.

What is African swine fever?

African swine fever is a highly contagious haemorrhagic disease of pigs. It is caused by a virus and was first discovered in Kenya in 1921, in recently imported European pigs. The disease was transmitted from wild pigs, which are relatively resistant, and killed most of the domestic pigs.

The disease can be spread via ticks or among pigs by oral and nasal transmission. Pigs can also get infected through contamination of wounds or food. There is a wide range of symptoms, including loss of appetite, fever, skin haemorrhages, vomiting and abortion.

Commonly 40% to 85% of the pigs in a herd will be affected and those that will die may range from 20% to 100% of those affected. The pigs that survive then become carriers of the virus.

There is no treatment or vaccine.

The animals that die of any disease are not fit for human consumption. And the carcasses of pigs with the fever should be buried to prevent further spread of the virus from its body fluids.

It is not infectious for humans and does not directly affect public health. But the meat of diseased pigs is not safe for consumption.

The disease was confined to Africa until 1957, then spread from Angola to Lisbon. It is now seen around the world and is endemic in many sub-Saharan countries.

African swine fever can result in serious economic losses to farmers and in terms of government revenue and higher meat prices. For example, an outbreak in China in 2018 pushed up retail pork prices by 47%. China farms and consumes about half of the worlds pigs. A study in the US found that an outbreak could cost the industry US$50 billion over 10 years.

How serious is this latest outbreak in Nigeria?

The latest outbreak is at epidemic proportions. The rate of spread within and between farms is alarming and the death rate is higher than has been seen in the last 12 years. There are farms that have experienced the death of hundreds of pigs within 24 hours. The major reasons are weak farm biosecurity, disease surveillance and warning systems.

The disease has ravaged many areas, especially in Lagos and Ogun States. The main cluster of the outbreak is in Oke-Aro pig farm settlement, one of the largest pig farming estates in West Africa. It accommodates thousands of pig farmers with huge investments in the industry. Its too early to say how great the total losses will be but its estimated that the Oke-Aro farm estate has already lost more than 145,000 pigs. This number excludes individual pig farms, large and small, that have been devastated by the disease.

This removes a source of affordable animal protein for many Nigerians. The livestock industry will take several years to recover from this outbreak. The last one like this was in 2008 and some farms have never resumed operation. Others down-scaled production because of the uncertainty linked to outbreaks.

How is African swine fever treated?

No treatment or effective vaccine against the virus is available, despite many attempts to develop one. Prevention and control of spread is therefore important. If it is suspected in a herd, measures should include: strict restriction of movement of infected pigs and carcasses; prompt diagnostic studies; identification and slaughter of all infected animals; depopulation of infected herds; and surveillance and detailed epidemiological investigation.

Farm premises must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after removal of all livestock. Replacement stock should be obtained from areas free of the disease, and strict biosecurity measures on farms are recommended.

What are the likely economic impacts of the disease?

It has serious economic impacts on the trade of swine, pig by-products, and food security, particularly in Nigeria where pigs are an important source of protein. It is estimated that Nigeria and neighbouring Ghana consume $3 billion worth of pork annually. Though data on this is scanty, production of pig meat for Nigeria was 283,793 tonnes in 2018 and the total number of pigs in 2011 was 7.1 million.

The number of affected farmers is not exactly known but they will lose capital and revenue. The government may lose funds in paying compensation and from loss of rents and tax paid by the farmers. There will be a short supply of pork and other pig products that may lead to higher prices. Suppliers of raw materials for pig feed will make lower sales. Export revenue will be hit because other countries will not want to receive pigs from an affected location. Banks and other financial institutions that fund farmers will be affected as some of their loans may become bad debts. And there will be economic losses through the humane killing of surviving pigs that carry the virus on affected farms.

What can be done to improve prevention in future?

Pigs that replace diseased stock or are used to start herds must be screened. All imported pigs should be screened for the virus too. The carriers have to be humanely destroyed and farmers must be compensated for this. All pig farms should be registered with government to standardise practice and make it easier to track disease.

Farmers should be trained and made to comply with biosecurity and sanitary measures to prevent diseases. They also need to insure their farms against disease outbreaks.

A system of national disease surveillance is needed to provide accurate information about the risk and prevalence of diseases so that government can make proper policies and interventions.

The rest is here:
Why Nigeria's African swine fever outbreak will hit farmers hard - The Conversation Africa

Center Line High School student Leviticus Walker with his mom, Deborah Walker, is a Dollars for Scholars scholarship recipient.

Mariah Donaldson is all smiles after receiving her diploma June 15 at Center Line High School.

Photo by Deb Jacques

Center Line High School graduate Eriarion Stephenson on his way to receiving his diploma June 15. He is going to play football at Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana.

Photo by Deb Jacques

Kierre Spencer was the class of 2020 valedictorian at Lincoln High School.

Photo provided by Kierre Spencer

WARREN/CENTER LINE It wasnt the typical commencement ceremony, but it proved to be the proper sendoff in light of the pomp and circumstance.

In their caps and gowns, the members of the Center Line High School Class of 2020 officially received their diplomas June 15 during a toned-down graduation ceremony due to COVID-19. The students have not been in class together since mid-March following Gov. Gretchen Whitmers stay-at-home orders.

One by one, and with time in between for proper social distancing, each graduate received his or her diploma on a stage set up outside, in front of the school. The students drove up in cars with their families, exited the vehicles and walked to the stage to receive their diplomas.

The name of each graduate was announced aloud as they graduated. With a mix of orange, white and black balloons on the front lawn, the fanfare included cheers from staff members. Members of the Center Line Public Schools Board of Education were part of the graduation exercises, and district Superintendent Eve Kaltz offered congratulatory elbow bumps to each graduate.

It was pretty cool, Alex Howard said after picking up his diploma. At first I was nervous, now Im a little relaxed, Im a little happy.

Howard was pretty sad with how the school year ended, but its OK. Theres still a celebration at the end of the school year. Howard said his four years at CLHS went pretty smooth.

I appreciate the school putting this together, Jaylaann Mack said. They didnt have to do this.

Mack was surprised when school was canceled for the remainder of the year. Mack admitted she felt sad at how the school year finished out without the usual end-of-the-year activities.

I didnt get to do track or basketball, she said. She added that it was sometimes stressful doing school work online, but her English teacher Jessica Yeakel and her mom helped her along the way. Despite not being in school, she found ways to keep in touch with friends.

We have each others numbers and social media, she said.

After receiving their diplomas, seniors Kelvin Norman and Marcus Roosa headed over to the schools marquee to take photos with family members. The two first met in elementary school and have been friends ever since.

We met in third grade at Roose, Norman said. When Miller (Elementary) closed down, we became classmates. He was real cool to talk to.

I was just looking for someone to play with, Roosa recalled about how they met.

Both felt great after receiving their diplomas.

All the hard work paid off, Roosa said.

Norman and Roosa briefly reflected on how the school year ended and how things dont always go as planned.

I feel like it prepared me faster for life, Norman said. The school tried to make the best out of the situation.

I feel this prepared us for the future, Roosa said.

Roosa plans to attend Wayne State University to study business management, while Norman is eyeing a trade school to pursue either engineering or to learn the heating and cooling profession.

Its a real big accomplishment, graduate Isaac Pride said when receiving his diploma. The way the year turned out was a little upsetting.

All of my football players kept in contact to make sure everybody was OK. It wasnt what we expected, he said, adding not going to prom was probably the biggest letdown. I just kept pushing, and I got my diploma at the end of the day. That was the goal.

Pride said his four years at CLHS went by fast. He looks forward to a fresh start and has committed to studying veterinary medicine at Olivet College.

Students from other local schools received their diplomas this month, as well. Kierre Spencer finished out the school year as valedictorian of Lincoln High School, taking plenty of memories with him.

I loved all my teachers and my peers, Spencer said. I wouldnt trade it for anything or go to any other school. I loved school so much.

Spencer earned a Gold Scholarship to attend Wayne State University to pursue a political science degree. Hed like to continue on to law school at either Columbia or the University of Chicago. His goal is to work in governmental law.

Looking back on his senior year, Spencer said the last time he saw his friends, We didnt know it would be the last time we saw each other. Being homebound for three or four months without being able to leave was something. I was looking forward to prom so, so much. For it to just be gone and not being able to walk across the stage to graduate. This is something nobody will forget.

Van Dyke Public Schools had special events set up for the seniors to enjoy their last days of high school. On the evening of May 29, they held Light up the Field in which graduates and their families drove their cars around the high schools athletic track. A virtual commencement ceremony also is available on YouTube.

When historians look back on the 2019-2020 school year, Spencer predicts theyll be calling us the Quaranteens.

Read the original:
Class of 2020 reflects on unusual year - C&G Newspapers

Dr. Leslie Easterwood, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A& College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says the equine strangles vaccine is one that is of particular importance for horse owners in protecting their animal.

Dr. Leslie Easterwood, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A& College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says the equine strangles vaccine is one that is of particular importance for

Photo: Texas A&M University

Dr. Leslie Easterwood, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A& College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says the equine strangles vaccine is one that is of particular importance for horse owners in protecting their animal.

Dr. Leslie Easterwood, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A& College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says the equine strangles vaccine is one that is of particular importance for

PET TALK: Reining in the facts on equine strangles

Since the first vaccine was invented in 1796, the practice of immunization has transformed how we view infectious diseases, taking many pathogenic invaders from being deadly threats to easily preventable maladies. For humans and animals alike, vaccines are important healthcare tools.

Dr. Leslie Easterwood, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says the equine strangles vaccine is one that is of particular importance for horse owners in protecting their animal.

Strangles is the common term for the bacterial respiratory disease caused by Streptococcus equi, subspecies equi, Easterwood said. Strangles infections most commonly present as an upper respiratory infection that primarily involves the lymph nodes in a horses jaw. Symptoms include high fevers, thick nasal discharge, depression, and a lack of appetite.

The bacteria that causes strangles in horses may sound familiar to their human owners; a cousin of this bacteria, called Streptococcus pyogenes, causes strep throat in people. Though these bacteria are genetically similar and cause upper respiratory symptoms in both species, horses with strangles cannot infect humans, and humans with strep throat cannot infect horses.

Strangles is spread via respiratory secretions from infected horses, Easterwood said. It is highly contagious from horse to horse and is pretty common.

Since strangles is easily transmitted between horses, vaccination is an important tool for minimizing the spread of this disease.

Although the disease rarely results in a fatality, it will make horses sick and can lead to loss of production, decreased performance, and quarantine, in some circumstances, Easterwood said. Vaccination does not provide complete protection, as with all vaccinations, but it can help to decrease the chance of contracting the disease in susceptible populations.

Since horses are often kept in groupsgrazing together at pasture, sharing pens, or neighbored in stallscontagious diseases can quickly work their way through a herd. As such, vaccination remains an essential tool for both individual and herd health.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to vaccinate an animal comes down to the owner, Easterwood says, although there might be situations during which a third party takes interest in a horses vaccination records.

There are no governmentally mandated vaccinations in horses, Easterwood said. Some boarding and breeding facilities will require vaccination to board at their location, but that is not a legal requirement.

Even if no legal requirement enforces the vaccination of horses, owners should still consider consulting with their veterinarian to determine what care is best for maintaining the health of their animal.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk . Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu .

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PET TALK: Reining in the facts on equine strangles - Chron.com

While digging deep underground as part of the construction of Istanbuls intercontinental commuter train the Marmaray, a collection of cat bones was the last thing one team of municipal employees expected to find.

Over the course of 10 years of digging, which commenced in 2004, workers had, of course, come across dozens of animal bones, but these skeletal remains stood out from the rest. Were these skeletons in the closet from Byzantine times? Or were they not as sinister as they seemed?

To shed light on the mysterious burials and put conspiracy theories to rest, researchers from Istanbul University-Cerrahpaa's (IUC) Veterinary Faculty took some of the remains in for closer examination at labs in the school's Avclar campus.

The teams revealed two important pieces of historical information: That there was a vicious battle between the papacy and cats that resulted in a sort of medieval purge of the creatures, and that the Byzantines actually went against this order and chose to protect them.

Osteoarchaeologist professor Vedat Onar said their findings showed that cats that lived in Istanbul (or Constantinople, as it was known at the time) during the Byzantine era lived in pretty good conditions compared to those in Europe and had no pathological disorders. The bones, it seems, were most likely there because it was a designated burial site.

The head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine History and Deontology, professor Altan Armutak, who also took part in the study, said their research led them to fisheries. They discovered that in the Byzantine era in Istanbul, especially in and around Kumkap, Yenikap and Aksaray, there were many fishmongers who fed the strays that couldn't resist the enticing smell of the fresh fish of the Bosporus.

Actually in those times, there was an aggressive attitude in Europe toward felines, which we trace back to the beginning of the 11th century. A papal decree issued at the time declared cats as harmful creatures on the grounds they were hell's earthly representatives and in league with the devil. In this period, we also witness the burning of thousands of cats across Europe. Accused of practicing witchcraft, old ladies were burned at the stake inside bags stuffed with cats. We also see (from historical accounts and evidence) that cats were put into bags, beaten with sticks and then hung on tree branches to be burned from below, with people believing that the cries of cats warded off the devil himself."

Armutak says the period marked a deeply shameful one in human history: "There were practically no cats left in Europe and unfortunately, as a result, the number of rats multiplied and a series of deadly plague outbreaks occurred between the years 1300 and 1500. Cats, in a way, were insurance against the plague. The plague could not spread unless rats get a hold of human food."

Pope Gregory IXs infamous first decree, the "Vox in Rama" ("Voice in Rama") even made it obligatory that cats be exterminated on sight. The papacy based its order on the ignorant notion that the tapetum lucidum, the layer of tissue in cats' eyes that makes them look as though they glowed at night, occurred because "the devil was looking at the world at night through their eyes," Armutak explained.

"We see that the Byzantine merchants who descended to the south and were in constant contact with Syria kept cats as pets, fed them and saw that they kept the mice away. As a result, we see an empire that turned its back on Europe. The cat skeletons found in excavations clearly reflect this. Unlike Europe, cats in Byzantium were cared for and fed at homes and in shops. ... (This is also why) there weren't plagues that lasted months and years in Byzantine lands," he said.

Armutak says this apparent breakaway was likely due to the influence of Islamic culture, and in particular, the Prophet Muhammad's animal-loving nature and efforts to protect their welfare. Cats are considered the "quintessential pet" by Muslims.

Pointing out that the prophet had his own furry friend named Muezza, Armutak said his love for cats and animals, in general, was adopted by Arabs and became more ingrained in culture and tradition during the Rashidun era. Arab trade caravans and warriors who traveled to the north brought along with them many cultural norms, phrases and items related to their love of cats, which contributed to a change of heart in the Byzantines.

Read more from the original source:
Storytime: Istanbul and cats bound together since Byzantine times | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah

New York City, NY: June 17, 2020 Published via (Wired Release) An in-depth research report on the Veterinary Medicine Market was currently published by using MarketResearch.Biz. This is the latest report, including the present COVID-19 effect on the market. The pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected every component of life globally. This has delivered along with numerous changes in Veterinary Medicine market conditions. The rapidly changing market situation and preliminary and future evaluation of the impact is covered within the Veterinary Medicine market report. The report puts together a concise evaluation of the increased elements influencing the current enterprise state of affairs throughout numerous areas. Significant data touching on the Veterinary Medicine industry analysis size, share, software, and statistics are summed in the report so one can give an ensemble prediction. Additionally, this report encompasses an accurate competitive study of principal market players and their techniques during the projection timeline.

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The report is a compilation of first-hand statistics, qualitative and quantitative evaluation via enterprise analysts, and inputs from enterprise professionals and enterprise participants across the cost chain. The report gives an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macroeconomic indicators, and governing factors, along with market attractiveness as in line with the segment. The report also maps the qualitative impact of diverse market factors on market segments and geographies.

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Our best specialists have surveyed the market report with the reference of inventories and know-how given by means of the essential element players: Bayer Animal Health, Ceva Animal Healthcare, Elanco Animal Health, Merck Ltd, Zoetis Animal Healthcare, Virbac S.A. Vetoquinol, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Merial Animal Health, Vtoquinol S.A, Novartis Global

Market Segmentation:

By Product: Biologics, Vaccine, Live attenuated vaccines, DNA Vaccines, Recombinant Vaccines, Inactivated Vaccines, Others, Others, Pharmaceuticals, Parasiticides, Anti-infectives, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesics, Others, Medicated Feed Additives. By Animal Type: Production, Poultry, Swine, Cattle, Sheep & Goats, Fish, Companion, Dogs, Cats, Horses, Others. By Mode of Delivery: Oral, Parenteral, Others (Topical, carrier). By End-use: Reference Laboratories, Point-of-care testing/In-house testing, Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics, Others

The Geographical Landscape of the Market Include:

The research gives an evaluation of the geographical panorama of the Veterinary Medicine Market, which is divided into regions consisting of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. It includes statistics about several parameters associated with the regional contribution.

The study presents statistics concerning the sales generated through each place and the registered market percentage.

Information associated with the increase rate at some point of the forecast duration is included in the report. The Veterinary Medicine Market report claims that the industry is projected to generate tremendous revenue at some point of the forecast length. It consists of reports related to the market dynamics along with challenges concerned on this vertical, growth possibilities, and elements affecting the market.

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Some important highlights from the report include:

The report gives a unique evaluation of the product variety of the Veterinary Medicine market, meticulously segmented into applications

Key information concerning production quantity and price traits were provided.

The report also covers the market percentage gathered via every product in the Veterinary Medicine market, along with production growth.

The report provides a brief summary of the Veterinary Medicine utility spectrum that is especially segmented into industrial applications

Extensive information bearing on the market share garnered via every application, as well as the info of the estimated boom rate and product consumption to be accounted for by means of every utility had been provided.

The report additionally covers the industry concentration rate on the subject of raw materials.

The applicable charge and sales in the Veterinary Medicine market together with the foreseeable increase trends for the Veterinary Medicine market is included in the report.

The study provides a thorough evaluation of the advertising method portfolio, comprising several marketing channels that producers install to propose their products.

The report additionally indicates considerable information almost about the marketing channel improvement developments and market position. Concerning market position, the report reflects on components inclusive of branding, target clients, and pricing strategies.

The several distributors who belong to the primary suppliers, deliver chain and the ever-converting charge patterns of the raw material had been highlighted inside the report.

An idea of the manufacturing cost along with an in-depth point out of the labor costs is included inside the report.

The Study Objectives Of This Veterinary Medicine Market Report Are:

To examine and study the Veterinary Medicine Capacity, Production, Value, Consumption, Status and forecast (2020-2029);

To analyze the key regions Veterinary Medicine market capability and Advantage, Opportunity and Challenge, Restraints, and Risks.

Focuses on the key Veterinary Medicine manufacturers, to examine the Capacity, Production, Value, Market Share, and development plans in the future.

To analyze the opportunities within the Veterinary Medicine market for Stakeholders by way of identifying the high growth segments.

Focuses on the key manufacturers, to define, describe, and analyze the Veterinary Medicine market Competition Landscape, SWOT Analysis.

To define, describe, and forecast the Veterinary Medicine market through type, application, and region.

To examine aggressive traits which include expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions within the market.

To identify massive tendencies and factors driving or inhibiting the Veterinary Medicine market boom.

To strategically examine each submarket with respect to individual growth Trend and Their contribution to the Veterinary Medicine Market.

Browse More Insight Of This Veterinary Medicine Market Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures at: https://marketresearch.biz/report/veterinary-medicine-market/

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Veterinary Medicine Market Growing Prevalence of COVID-19 to Have Remarkable Impact on Advancement - GuruFocus.com

Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle and when at home, be sure to provide animals with plenty of shade and cool water. Photo provided.

By Darla SheldenCity Sentinel Reporter

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As summer has arrived, pets and their owners are spending more time outside. Keeping your pets safe in the summer heat is of the utmost importance.

Although many animals like spending time outside, pet owners need to take precautions to ensure they stay safe in the summer heat, said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the universitys College of Veterinary Medicine.

Humans take precautions such as staying hydrated and applying sunscreen when spending time outdoors in the heat. Its just as important to take heat-related precautions for your pet, Biggs said.

Dogs dont sweat like people instead they pant to cool themselves. Excessive panting indicates your pet is overheated, Biggs added. As the heat increases, body functions begin to shut down.

As for car rides, leaving a pet in a hot vehicle is a life-threatening mistake, according to Biggs.

Cars interiors heat up quickly, even if the air temperature is only 80 degrees, Biggs stated. The interior of a vehicle can reach 115 degrees in just 15 minutes.

When dogs pant to cool themselves, inhaling hot air from inside a vehicle has little cooling effect and the animal can quickly overheat in just a few minutes, she said. As much as you enjoy your pets company, and as much as they enjoy rides in the car, its best to leave your furry friend at home on hot days.

For those who enjoy a good run with a canine friend, Biggs said it is important to keep in mind that asphalt roads and walking trails can be too hot and burn the pads on a dogs feet.

Biggs shared the following advice: before heading out, place your hand or bare foot on the running surface. If the surface is uncomfortable to human touch, it also is too hot for a dog. She suggested going for a short run or walk early in the day or later in the evening when the temperature is more bearable.

For those who enjoy lake trips, Biggs warns that owners should not assume a pet dog will drink lake water.

Be sure to always bring a bowl and a supply of fresh water to keep the dog hydrated, Biggs said.

The same is true at home.

Sun coming through a window can heat up a water bowl, and most dogs will not drink hot water no matter how thirsty they are.

Biggs recommends for pets who stay outside during the day, to be sure the water bowl is in a place thats shaded and cannot be tipped over. If possible, the bowl should have fresh, clean water refilled several times throughout the day.

Freeze containers of water to put in your pets outdoor water bowl, she said. This will help ensure your furry friends water stays cooler for a longer period of time.

Biggs points out that access to shade in the yard is an absolute must for pets. He suggests that a small kiddie pool is a great way to provide a fun cooling-off spot where pets can play.

Despite all precautions, a pet may still show signs of heat stress or heat stroke, Biggs warns.

Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting that does not resolve as the pet rests, increasing distress, a tongue color that is dark red to almost purple, weakness or collapse, hyper-salivation, vomiting and labored breathing, she said.

Dogs gums often appear redder early on when an animal is overheated and become paler when excessively overheated. In addition, a dogs gums may be dry or sticky if the animal is not staying adequately hydrated.

If you suspect a dog or cat is suffering from heat stroke, move him to a cooler environment immediately and apply cool water to the abdomen, ears and foot pads, Biggs said. Dont pour ice water over the whole animal, submerge your pet in a tub of cold water, or cover it in a cold, wet blanket, as these all may result in cooling your animal too quickly and decreasing blood flow to important areas.

Once stable, get the animal to a veterinarian as quickly as possible, even if the pet seems to be cooling down and the body temperature seems normal. Biggs said heat can cause internal damage thats not immediately obvious.

As a pet owner, its vital to establish a good relationship with a local veterinarian, not only for emergency situations, but also for regular checkups, she said. If you travel with your pets, get veterinarian recommendations for the area to which youre traveling in the event your pet gets sick.

Biggs notes that keeping a dog well-groomed is another way to reduce the risk of heat stress and helps to keep the animal more comfortable in the summer heat. A natural coat that has been groomed offers protection from sunburn and acts as cooling insulation.

Shaving your dogs coat will take away that protection, Biggs stated.

Remember, your pet cant tell you in words when something is wrong. As responsible pet owners, its your job to protect and provide for your pet, Biggs said. If youre feeling uncomfortably warm, its a sure bet your dog is, too.

More information is available at Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. To learn more, visit eeo.okstate.edu.

OSU Extension veterinarian, Dr. Rosslyn Biggs suggests that a small kiddie pool is a great way to provide a fun cooling-off spot where pets can play. Photo by Darla Shelden

Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, OSU Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, says pet owners need to take precautions to ensure pets stay safe in the summer heat. OSU website photo.

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Keeping pets safe in the summer heat, a must - City-sentinel