Latest News From Jennifer Shike

Is the U.S. pork industry prepared for a Japanese encephalitis virus outbreak? Here's how a newly developed diagnostic test could help.

Now that the mystery illness impacting some dairy herds has been revealed as the same strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza that has been impacting the U.S. poultry flock, pork producers are asking questions.

Dr. Angela Baysinger, DVM, passed away on March 8. Baysinger was well known throughout the pork industry for her contributions to veterinary medicine and empowering those around her every day.

A new collaborative effort is helping fund rapid investigations of unexplained morbidity or mortality events in animals – unexpected deaths or illnesses that could signal emerging animal disease threats.

The latest MetaFarms reports show sow death loss in 2023 was at an all-time high at 15.3%. That’s up 1% from a year ago – a trend that continues to move in the wrong direction. 

A new act aims to boost transparency and clarify labeling requirements for plant-protein and cell-cultured protein products so consumers know what they are buying. Here's what you need to know.

The latest Veterinary Wellbeing Study shows greater levels of job satisfaction and pride in work across veterinary teams, but challenges like student debt and a shortage of qualified veterinary team members remain.

PRRS has been holding the pork industry hostage for far too long. A new study shows improvements in swine herd biosecurity can reduce the incidence risk of PRRS.

Methodical grind. There’s no question talent makes a difference, but what makes the biggest difference is commitment -- the daily decision to choose to work hard and show up. 

Former basketball coach John Wooden and swine health leader Paul Sundberg share at least one thing in common. They both define success by “never quite getting there.” Sundberg says trying to "get there" makes life fun.

One of the things I love most about Christmas trees is the power they evoke to simply remember. Here are some special livestock-themed Christmas trees filled with memories to last a lifetime. 

The animal health industry continues to face challenges of new and emerging diseases as well as improvements in current commercial vaccines. Here are 5 things Mike Roof wants you to know about mRNA vaccines.

"We got fat and lazy," Tyson Foods Inc.’s leader candidly shared about his company’s underperformance in an interview following the opening of Tyson's new $300 million plant in Virginia, Bloomberg reported.

In his Value Creation in Cell Ag class, Tufts senior Adham Ali was tasked to work with a group of peers to design a product using cellular agriculture (or cell ag for short) to make life easier for consumers.

The U.S. pork industry has learned its lesson about paying attention to disease outbreaks in other countries. That's why a new website has been created about Japanese Encephalitis Virus that wreaked havoc in Australia.

A recent American Veterinary Medical Association study found less than 4% of veterinarians nationwide predominantly practice production animal medicine. Here's what Iowa State University is doing to help change that.

Fewer unique genotypes than the ASF research community first believed means there is less diversity of ASF virus affecting communities across the globe, USDA researchers say.

Animal activist Wayne Hsiung was found guilty of one felony and two misdemeanor charges after nearly a week of deliberations before a Sonoma County jury for his role in "open rescues" on two farms.

What does veterinary care look like in the 21st Century? That question drove hours of conversation during the 21st Century Animal Health Symposium at the University of Illinois.

One may argue teenagers have a lot of learning left to do, but I could argue they are wiser than they get credit for. After all, they are in a period of life where they hear a lot of advice from well-meaning people.

“Is this a buffalo?” asked a young 20-ish fairgoer as he stood before the Grand Champion Market Steer in the Hall of Champions at the Illinois State Fair. He looked at me – dead serious – awaiting my response.

KENT Corporation will celebrate the grand opening of the Iowa State University KENT Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex on Sept. 8.

Explosive numbers, deadly destruction, devastating economic impact. Is it possible to control the spiraling feral hog population in Texas? A new study shows a warfarin-based toxicant could help.

We try to be good parents by setting boundaries for our kids. We want to raise decent humans who are kind, make good choices and respect others. But let’s be real. During fair week, that all goes out the window.

Everyone knows communication is key to animal agriculture's future success. That's why the Animal Agriculture Alliance and National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) are teaming up.

Annoying. Bothersome. Irritating. Inconvenience. Pest. No matter how you describe Musca domestica, aka the house fly, and its friend the gnat, one thing’s for sure – they are a nuisance and a threat to your swine herd.

Are you interested in being more effective in business and personal interactions? Are you tired of butting heads with that annoying person on your team? JD Fiechtner, DVM, shares tips to “Be Better Than Before.”

USDA's APHIS is awarding more than $3.2 million to create antimicrobial resistance dashboards to improve access to information on antimicrobial resistance in domesticated animals.

USDA announced on June 14 that it is implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims.

A majority of Americans regularly eat meat and believe that it's a healthy choice, according to a recent poll that has some critics up in arms.

As I approached the site of my first animal activist rally, I kept my distance. I watched two people beside a small megaphone and a bag, checking their phones constantly. I leaned in anticipating what would happen next.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is awarding $2.29 million through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network Farm Bill program to advance APHIS’ animal health preparedness.

USDA researchers have engineered sustainable machine-washable antimicrobial wipes that can be used at least 30 times for cleaning hard and nonporous surfaces.

As a veterinarian, Jeremy Pittman, senior director of U.S. veterinary services for Smithfield Foods, says he is constantly tasked with, asked about and challenged on biosecurity processes or protocols. 

Former “Baywatch” star Alexandra Paul and activist Alicia Santurio were found not guilty of misdemeanor theft after “rescuing” two chickens in 2021. Although they faced jail time, Paul says it was worth the risk.

On June 11, FDA’s Guidance for Industry #263 brings 91 over-the-counter antimicrobial products from OTC to prescription oversight. Three experts weigh in on why you need to prepare for this change now.

EPA is proposing changes to rodenticides that would result in canceling products and uses, adding more requirements to labels, and reclassifying some products to restricted use pesticides. Here's what you need to know.

A coalition of public health advocacy groups and online activists have filed a lawsuit against the FDA and its Center for Veterinary Medicine, challenging the decision to keep important antibiotics in animal ag.

Although the likelihood of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) being found in the U.S. is low, here's why USDA is taking this virus seriously.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced $40 million in funding to help complete Phase 2 of Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Here's why it matters to all of animal agriculture.

Domestic sales and distribution of medically important antimicrobial drugs approved for use in food-producing animals decreased by less than 1% between 2020-21. Compared to 2015 (peak year), 2021 sales decreased 38%.

Antimicrobials are some of the most critical tools for treating infections and saving people and animals. That's why APHIS is making up to $3 million in funding available to create antimicrobial resistance dashboards.

PRRS continues to be the most economically significant disease affecting the U.S. swine industry. Boehringer Ingelheim is launching a PRRS Knowledge Manual, chronicling years of research and best practices for control. 

Veterinarians are on alert as supply interruptions unfold for liquid amoxicillin, a first-line antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals.  

The first 10 days were hell, says Kyle Baade, a Nebraska pork producer. After that, if a visitor showed up, he says they would have no idea the farm had any issues. Here's his PRRS story and how it changed his life.

Today is World Mental Health Day. Here are some resources that can help you and other people you know and care about!

A book about why eating a plants-only diet won't improve your health or save the planet is turning heads. A British-based investigative journalist digs into the concept that plant-based food is better for your health.

United Animal Health, Johnsonville Ventures and the Iowa Corn Growers Association commit support to Genvax Technologies, a startup dedicated to advancing self-amplifying mRNA vaccine production in animal health.

USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced an investment of more than $5 million to mitigate antimicrobial resistance across the food chain.

Dr. Joan Arnoldi, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's first female female Deputy Administrator and Chief Veterinary Officer of the United States, passed away on May 10.