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Source: The Guardian  Scientists are exploring the use of contraceptives to control wildlife populations humanely and effectively. Trials in the UK and Europe aim to deliver contraceptives to pigeons, wild boar, grey squirrels, and potentially other species like rodents, invasive parakeets, and deer. This approach could replace traditional methods like poisoning, shooting, or trapping, which […]

Source: Health Day  A study has found elevated mercury levels in dolphins off the coasts of Georgia and Florida, posing potential risks for human residents. Led by Colleen Bryan, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology analyzed 175 skin samples from bottlenose dolphins collected between 2005 and 2019. Dolphins from St. Joseph Bay, […]

Source: The Oregonian  An outbreak of salmonella infections linked to pet bearded dragons has been reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fifteen cases across nine states, mostly affecting children under 5, have been documented. The CDC advises against keeping bearded dragons as pets for young children, older adults, and immunocompromised […]

Source: Health Day  Two cases of a diphtheria-like illness caused by Corynebacterium ulceran were reported in the U.S., involving transmission between humans and pets. In 2022, a Utah resident with a non-healing leg wound, diabetes, and multiple pets was found to have C. ulceran. The patient, spouse, and two cats carried the bacterium and were […]

Source: Washington Post  Max Segal’s cat, Desperado, received a kidney transplant that significantly impacted Segal’s life due to the emotional support Desperado provided during Segal’s illness. The procedure, costing up to $25,000, is viewed by many pet owners as worth the expense due to the strong bonds they share with their pets. For example, Segal […]

Source: Veterinary 33  A study published in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the use of positive reinforcement training (PRT) for dairy cows to reduce stress and improve handling experiences. Conducted at the University of British Columbia Dairy Education and Research Center, 20 Holstein heifers were trained using grain rewards and targeted behaviors. The results […]

Source: Pet Food Industry  In a recent analysis, Suzy Badaracco from Culinary Tides described the current economic situation, particularly in pet food markets, as in a “stall pattern.” Although inflation rates for pet food in the U.S. and some other countries have moderated from peaks seen 18 to 24 months ago, prices remain significantly higher […]

Source: Pet Age  RedRover has allocated $438,900 in Safe Housing grants across various shelters to enhance or establish pet-friendly accommodations. This cycle marks a significant first with $200,000 dedicated to homeless shelters for creating pet-friendly spaces, thanks to an anonymous donor. Domestic violence shelters received $222,800, and animal shelters received $16,100. Grants, which can reach […]

Source: Pet Age  Only An Ocean has launched Poochie-Post, a novel pet gifting concept: edible, bacon-scented greeting cards tailored for dogs. These unique cards allow pet parents to send heartfelt messages to their furry companions through mail. Dogs can also engage with each other using cards like “How to Train Your Human.” Designed with vegan, […]

Source: Pet Age  Dogtopia, a leading dog wellness franchise, celebrated a major achievement as its U.S. Dogtopia Foundation surpassed sponsoring 500 service dogs for veterans. This milestone highlights Dogtopia’s commitment to supporting veterans, having raised over $3 million through its daycares. Recently, the Foundation collaborated with institutions like The University of Arizona and K9s For […]

Source: 3 News  Veterinarians in Las Vegas are urging pet owners to give their dogs and cats heartworm preventive medicine due to a significant rise in mosquito activity, which can be deadly for pets. The Southern Nevada Health District reported an early season peak in mosquito activity, with over 20,000 mosquitoes tested and more than […]

Source: Futurity  A new study reveals that patients with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders are three times more likely to have Bartonella DNA in their blood than those without these disorders, suggesting a possible link between vector-borne pathogens and mental illness. Bartonella, typically transmitted by fleas, lice, and ticks, includes species like Bartonella henselae, known […]

Source: ABC 4 News  A hound dog named Twiggy is recovering after veterinarians at the Charleston Animal Society discovered and removed three-foot-long kidney worms during a spay-neuter surgery. Twiggy, found on Johns Island, was suffering from Dioctophyme renale, or giant kidney worms, typically found in mustelids like minks. Senior Veterinarian Dr. Margie Morris was shocked […]

Source: Vet Together Press Release  Vet Together, an innovative business development conference, will be held Nov. 18-20 at the Durango Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, bringing together representatives from top animal hospitals and Veterinary vendors. Unlike traditional trade shows, Vet Together introduces the Hosted Hospital model, covering travel and accommodations for attending hospitals with […]

Source: MedPage Today  The FDA has issued a warning letter to Safari Stem Cell, a Texas-based company producing stem cell and platelet-rich plasma products for pets. The agency noted that Safari Stem Cell claims its products can treat various animal diseases, including arthritis and kidney disease, without proper FDA approval. The company’s products, derived from […]

Source: JDSUPRA  Pennsylvania law currently treats pets as inanimate property during divorce proceedings, similar to furniture. House Bill No. 1108, introduced on May 5, 2023, aims to change this by defining pets as “companion animals,” a special category of personal property. The bill allows courts to decide pet custody based on several factors, including when […]

Source: The Guardian  The Jeremy Coller Foundation and Tel Aviv University have launched the Coller Dolittle Challenge, offering a $10 million prize for achieving interspecies two-way communication. AI is not required but could enhance proposals. The challenge draws inspiration from successful machine-learning algorithms that have translated bat and rodent communication. The Earth Species Project is […]

Source: University of Arizona News  Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gretchen Evans, who lost her hearing and sustained a traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan, struggled to adapt to civilian life. A service dog named Aura helped her regain confidence and independence. University of Arizona researchers have found that service dogs significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans, […]