How much does biodiversity loss contribute to the spread of new infectious diseases?
Researchers widely agree that loss of biodiversity due to factors such as human interference with ecosystems contributes to the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans, which is known as a zoonosis. But how large is this effect? Quantifying this phenomenon is the goal of an international team of researchers headed by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The researchers hope their findings will contribute to identifying an elevated risk of emerging zoonoses early on. Their newly launched project, titled “Zoonosis Emergence across Degraded and Restored Forest Ecosystems” (ZOE), is receiving about four million euros in funding from the European Commission for a period of four years.
Socialization for success: Two recent studies expand our understanding of how early social housing helps dairy calves thrive
Dairy industry professionals continuously work to ensure the highest possible welfare for dairy calves, including fine-tuning their housing to improve overall health, well-being, and performance. Two new studies in JDS Communications are illuminating our understanding of paired housing in the critical newborn and pre-weaned stages of dairy lives by showing that housing designed to facilitate early socialization can build behavior skills, shape calf personalities, and ultimately, set up animals for success in the herd.
Chicken whisperers: humans crack the clucking code
A University of Queensland-led study has found humans can tell if chickens are excited or displeased, just by the sound of their clucks.
African One Health network launched to prevent disease
The targeted involvement of local, regional and national stakeholders from the participating countries in the network over the entire project period (2023 to 2027) is intended to enhance their technical expertise and thus increase the efficiency of the network as a whole. “We involve policy-makers and other key stakeholders in the ministries of health and other institutions in the network countries in our work. This is how we hope to achieve the project’s objectives,” explains Abd El Wahed.
The Unseen Ceiling: Addressing the Disparity of Women and People of Color in Veterinary Leadership
In the heart of the modern veterinary profession, an unseen ceiling exists. Despite significant progress in diversity and inclusion across many sectors, there remains a notable disparity in leadership and executive roles within the veterinary field, particularly concerning women and people of color. This issue isn't just about professional hierarchy; it reflects broader systemic challenges and underscores the need for a more inclusive, equitable approach to leadership in veterinary medicine.
Boosting Your Veterinary Practice's Bottom
In the ever-evolving world of veterinary healthcare, practice managers are facing an array of challenges. These challenges, compounded by the ongoing shortage of veterinary professionals and the relentless rise in operational costs, require innovative and resourceful strategies to ensure the financial strength of their clinics. It's time for veterinary practices not just to survive financially but to do so while maintaining the highest standards of care. This well-kept industry secret, known as the hidden profit booster, revolves around a simple yet powerful shift from national brands to Covetrus brands.