Source: AAHA The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) application process has undergone major modifications to streamline licensing. Changes include allowing students in AVMA- and CVMA-accredited programs to take the exam in their final semester, increasing exam windows from three to four annually, and providing an open application process. These updates aim to reduce the time from graduation […]
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Source: dvm 360 Tashi, a 7-year-old Shih-Tzu, was diagnosed with retinal detachment in both eyes, leading to vision loss. Seeking treatment, her owners discovered that UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine had recently acquired a state-of-the-art microscope, making them the second facility in California capable of performing retinal reattachment surgery. The procedure, led by Dr. Soohyun Kim, involved […]
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Source: Kansas Livestock Association The Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KSVDL) is warning livestock producers about Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a red blood cell parasite recently detected in calves imported to Kansas. This parasite causes theileriosis, leading to anemia, weakness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, death, with mortality rates reaching up to 30%. The disease is primarily transmitted through […]
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Source: Drovers Cattle prices have reached record highs in early 2025, driven by historically low herd numbers and strong beef demand. According to CattleFax projections at CattleCon in San Antonio, the U.S. cow herd is at its smallest in 65 years, with total inventory down to 86.7 million head. Slaughter levels are also decreasing, with a projected one million […]
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Source: Feedstuffs The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has approved the establishment of the Center for Comparative Genomics to advance research in animal genetics. A joint initiative of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the center will enhance genomic research and training opportunities. Led by Dr. William […]
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Source: PR Newswire Puppy Food Bank, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing food supplies to pet rescue organizations, has announced actor Ernie Hudson as its new national ambassador. Best known for his role as Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters, Hudson has appeared in over 200 films and TV shows and currently stars in BET’s The Family Business. As an ambassador, Hudson will […]
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Source: PR Newswire The pet services industry faced challenges in 2024, including shifting consumer behavior, rising labor costs, and declining revenues, particularly in daycare services. In-home pet care gained market share in urban areas, pressuring traditional facilities to innovate. Inflation also influenced consumer spending, with price-sensitive pet owners seeking discounts and bundled services. Millennials and Gen […]
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Source: VIN News VCA Animal Hospitals is permanently closing at least 17 urgent care centers across five states, marking a shift from its previous expansion strategy. Originally launched in 2022, VCA’s urgent care centers aimed to provide same-day or next-day care for non-life-threatening conditions. However, closures in Texas, California, Colorado, Illinois, and Arizona suggest a reassessment […]
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Source: dvm 360 A study from the Dog Aging Project (DAP) at Texas A&M University and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine found that an owner’s age significantly influences their dog’s diet more than their education or income. Researchers analyzed data from over 40,000 dog owners, examining demographic factors and pet characteristics such as age, breed, and diet. The study revealed that 82% […]
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Source: dvm 360 The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has approved a proposal from Kansas State University’s (KSU) Olathe Innovation Campus to oversee scientific reviews of new animal food ingredient submissions for AAFCO’s Official Publication. This initiative replaces the previous FDA-supported “Ingredient Definition Request” process, which ended after the expiration of an MOU between AAFCO and the […]
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Source: Pet Sustainability Coalition The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the WPA Good Works program to enhance sustainability efforts in the pet industry. The funding will support initiatives such as promoting eco-friendly packaging, responsible ingredient sourcing, and educating businesses on effective environmental strategies. With over 200 members in 18 countries, PSC has spent 11 years […]
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Source: ABC 13 News A rabid skunk attacked a dog named Hagrid in the Forestdale Subdivision of Lynchburg, Virginia, over the weekend. The Virginia Department of Health confirmed that the skunk tested positive for rabies. Hagrid’s owner, Mary Dietrich, heard barking and discovered the skunk biting her 13-year-old dog’s hind legs and tail. In an effort to save Hagrid, Dietrich […]
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Source: Popular Science A recent study published in Scientific Reports examined how scent detection ability varies among dog breeds. Surprisingly, border collies—a herding breed—outperformed some traditional hunting dogs like golden retrievers, vizslas, and basset/bloodhounds in finding hidden treats. However, beagles completed the task faster than all other breeds tested. Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary tested 551 […]
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Source: CBS 17 The Wake County Animal Center in Raleigh, N.C., is temporarily closing for at least 30 days due to an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Strep zoo), a contagious respiratory illness in dogs. Three dogs at the shelter have died from the disease, prompting officials to take immediate action to contain the outbreak. During the closure, […]
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Source: AZ Central The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating a suspected intentional poisoning that has killed dozens of animals in Tucson. Since late January, authorities have found 32 dead coyotes, three pet dogs, three javelinas, and one raven near Pantano Wash. Officials believe the poison was placed earlier in the month and has not been added since. Based […]
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Source: iGrow News JBS has partnered with stakeholders to donate 3 million livestock tags to improve cattle traceability in Pará, Brazil, aiming to track every head of cattle in the state by 2026. Pará, home to Brazil’s second-largest cattle herd, is the focus of this initiative, which seeks to revolutionize livestock management and sustainability. Of the […]
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Source: Great American Crop Twenty-three states have joined the Iowa Pork Producers Association in appealing to the Supreme Court to challenge California’s Proposition 12, which regulates nationwide pork farming practices. The appeal follows the Ninth Circuit Court’s dismissal of a lawsuit claiming the law is discriminatory. Proposition 12 bans the sale of pork from farms that do not […]
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Source: KUTV A parvovirus outbreak at the Weber County Animal Shelter in Ogden, Utah, led to the euthanization of about 20 dogs. Shelter officials addressed concerns on Facebook, clarifying that the no-kill shelter had to follow American Veterinary Medical Association protocols for disease control. The outbreak began on January 27, infecting 18 vaccinated dogs. Despite their prior immunization, the shelter was required […]
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Source: Cision PR Web Fear Free® has launched a new Emergency & Urgent Care Practice Certification to ensure low-stress care for pets in critical situations. This program expands the organization’s mission of reducing fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in animals by equipping emergency and urgent care veterinary teams with specialized training and protocols. Dr. Jennifer Merlo, Vice President […]
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Source: Pet Age The Feather in Her Cap Association celebrated the achievements of women in the Animal Health industry at its eighth annual awards ceremony, honoring leaders for their contributions to Veterinary medicine and innovation. Laurie Hueneke Martens, Associate Vice President at Merck Animal Health, won the 2025 Feather in Her Cap Award for her work in public policy, international […]
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