Avian Influenza in Indoor Cats: A New Concern for Veterinary Medicine
A recent CDC report has confirmed that two indoor pet cats in Michigan developed severe neurological signs and died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). These cases are the first known instances of strictly indoor cats becoming infected without direct exposure to affected poultry or dairy farms, raising concerns about alternative transmission routes.
Legislation Reintroduced to Address Illicit Xylazine While Maintaining Veterinary Access
The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act aims to classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance, granting the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) greater authority to regulate its distribution and curb its illicit use. The bill is designed to maintain veterinarians’ legal access while providing oversight of the legitimate supply chain. Both the DEA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have expressed support for the legislation.
Silent Spread—Three Bovine Veterinarians Unknowingly Infected with H5N1
In the shadow of a growing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak among U.S. dairy cattle, a startling discovery has emerged: three bovine veterinarians were unknowingly infected with the virus. This revelation, uncovered through a recent serosurvey, underscores the silent spread of the disease and highlights the urgent need for systematic surveillance to protect those on the frontlines of animal care.
Are Your Clients at Risk? The Alarming Rise of Vaccine Hesitancy Among Pet Owners
In a world where vaccine hesitancy has already impacted human health, a new study reveals that the trend is now creeping into the pet world. Researchers adapted the Parent Attitudes About Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey to assess vaccine hesitancy among pet owners, uncovering a surprising reluctance to vaccinate furry family members.
Veterinarians Demand AVMA Revise Guidelines on Animal Depopulation
Hundreds of veterinarians and veterinary students across the country are speaking out against what they consider inhumane killing methods for farmed animals during emergency situations. In a letter sent to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 868 signers, including 504 AVMA members, are calling for revisions to the draft “Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals” to eliminate cruel methods such as heat stroke, suffocation with water-based foam, and bludgeoning.
The Hidden Emotional Struggles of Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians (VTs) are dedicated professionals who provide essential care to animals, but the emotional toll of their work often goes unnoticed. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association highlights a distressing issue: many VTs face significant moral distress due to administering treatments they believe to be futile, particularly in terminally ill pets.