Source: Science.org Heather Dawson, a University of Oregon biology Ph.D. student, and her golden retriever, Rye, are uncovering hidden truffle biodiversity in the Pacific Northwest. Rye’s remarkable nose has located thousands of truffles across 50+ genera, including rare and endangered species. Truffles, underground fungi critical to ecosystems, form symbiotic relationships with trees, aiding nutrient absorption and […]
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Source: Cache Valley Daily The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has appointed Dr. Amanda Price as the state veterinarian. Dr. Price, who holds a BS, MS, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis, brings extensive experience in food animal Veterinary medicine. She spent 13 years at Lander Veterinary Clinic, the largest food animal clinic in the U.S., and […]
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Source: CBS News Massachusetts has banned cat declawing, making it the third state to do so, alongside New York and Maryland. Governor Maura Healey signed the legislation, which animal advocates call a significant step toward preventing what they describe as an inhumane practice. Declawing, which involves removing the first bone of a cat’s toes, is compared to […]
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Source: AVMA The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) is seeking public feedback on proposed updates to specific educational skills within accredited Veterinary technology programs. Comments must be submitted via an online survey by October 15, 2025. The proposed revisions focus on Standard 11 (Outcomes Assessment), specifically Section 11a example surveys, and Appendix G, which addresses […]
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Source: CBS News A group opposing Colorado’s wolf reintroduction plan is pushing for a 2026 ballot initiative to repeal the program. Patrick Davis, campaign manager for Colorado Advocates for Smart Wolf Policy, is leading the effort, citing increased opposition to wolf reintroduction due to predation incidents affecting ranchers. Davis plans to gather 20,000 petition signatures by mid-March to […]
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Source: Pet Business Professor The Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program (RVIP) encourages veterinarians to practice in designated rural Texas counties by offering up to $180,000 in educational loan repayment or tuition assistance. Participants may receive up to $45,000 annually for four years of full-time service. Eligible applicants include recent graduates or current students of Texas Tech or Texas A&M Veterinary programs, certain Texas high […]
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Source: Pet Age The FDA has issued warning letters to six companies selling unapproved drugs claiming to treat seizures in dogs and cats. These products, available online and lacking FDA approval or veterinary oversight, have not been evaluated for safety or effectiveness. The companies, including Nutrition Strength, Evolution Pets, and Doc Ackerman’s Pet Products, have 15 days to […]
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Source: CTV News The Dartmouth SPCA in Nova Scotia has launched a pilot program called “Operation Hit Snooze,” introducing a daily nap time for shelter dogs between 11 a.m. and noon. During this period, lights in the dog rooms are dimmed, and soothing music or audiobooks are played to create a restful environment. Research suggests that rest during the […]
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Source: dvm 360 The human-animal bond offers numerous health benefits, including reduced anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improved mental health, and has been studied extensively in relation to dogs and cats. However, a new UK study, supported by HABRI, aims to explore the bond between humans and smaller pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and rodents, a […]
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Source: dvm 360 The northern giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia, has been successfully eradicated from the United States, according to the USDA and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This milestone marks the culmination of a 5-year collaborative effort involving federal agencies, researchers, and the public. Native to Asia and the largest hornet species in the world, this invasive pest […]
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Source: CBS News As wildfires in Los Angeles County subside, evacuees are reuniting with their pets, thanks to shelters like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (SPCALA). May Wong, displaced by the Eaton Fire, was separated from her cat Nico and parrot Ducky for nearly a week before reuniting with them. SPCALA housed 50-60 pets during […]
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Source: VHMA The Veterinary Hospital Management Association (VHMA) has announced Victoria Lattig and Kaitlyn Behling-Mikesell as recipients of the 2025 Emerging Leader Program Scholarship, recognizing their leadership and commitment to advancing Veterinary practice management. Kaitlyn Behling-Mikesell, a hospital administrator in Chattanooga, TN, transformed a struggling clinic into a thriving practice by streamlining operations, improving communication, and fostering employee engagement. Her efforts reduced turnover and […]
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Source: PR Newswire The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and blendVET will host the third annual Believe & Belong in Veterinary Medicine program on January 28, 2025, during the 42nd Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in Orlando, FL. This initiative introduces 70 middle school students from underrepresented communities to Veterinary medicine through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Participants will explore diverse areas such as general […]
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Source: Lancaster Farming The shortage of large-animal veterinarians remains a long-term challenge, as most Veterinary graduates opt for small-animal practices due to better pay, work-life balance, and less physical strain. At a Lancaster Farming panel during the Pennsylvania Farm Show, veterinarians Dr. James Holt and Dr. Erin Luley highlighted the hurdles and potential solutions. Recruitment difficulties stem from […]
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Source: The Guardian The Icelandic sheepdog, an ancient breed mentioned in Icelandic Sagas and Shakespeare’s Henry V, will be officially recognized by the Kennel Club as a pedigree breed in the pastoral group starting April 1, 2025. Known for its intelligence, friendliness, and herding capabilities, this spitz-type breed has been used historically to herd livestock, guard […]
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Source: DVM 360 Bird flu has been found in raw pet food, with cases reported in cats across multiple states, including California and Oregon. Affected products include Monarch Raw Pet Food and Northwest Naturals, with the latter recalling turkey-based food linked to a cat’s death. Cats, especially those fed raw diets or exposed to infected wildlife, are highly susceptible […]
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Source: Health Day A new study highlights the effectiveness of trained dogs in detecting invasive spotted lanternfly egg masses, a major threat to crops like grapes, apples, and hops, as well as trees like maples and walnuts. Researchers found that dogs, including a Labrador retriever and a Belgian Malinois, were 3.4 times better than humans at locating egg masses […]
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Source: The Rio Times Argentine scientists from Kheiron S.A. have achieved a world-first by genetically editing five horses using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. By targeting the MSTN gene, which regulates muscle growth, the researchers aim to enhance equine athletic performance, such as speed and endurance, while potentially preventing hereditary diseases. This breakthrough positions Argentina as a leader in genetic editing […]
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Source: Arkansas Advocate Arkansas will establish its first two Veterinary schools at Lyon College and Arkansas State University (ASU), set to open in 2026 pending accreditation. These initiatives address the state’s shortage of veterinarians, particularly in rural areas, where 10 counties lack a single vet. Lyon College will offer a three-year, year-round program, while ASU will follow a […]
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Source: Business Wire Traini, an AI-driven pet tech start-up, launched its groundbreaking iOS app in November 2024, transforming pet-human communication and care through emotional intelligence and generative AI. The app’s core feature is a GenAI dog-human translator, decoding pet sounds and behaviors into emotional insights. It also includes PetGPT, an AI chatbot for pet-related advice, and social […]
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