Latest News From Industry News

Since its initial identification in Côte d'Ivoire in 1942, PPR has spread to over 70 countries in Africa, the Near and Middle East and Asia.
Countries Reaffirm Will to Globally Eradicate PPR

Over 45 countries this week renewed their commitment to globally eradicate by 2030, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious disease responsible for the death of millions of sheep and goats each year.

Dr. Keith Poulsen
WVDL Names Dr. Keith Poulsen Director

The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) has a new director as of September 1, 2018.

John Maday
Perspective Pays in BSE Response

Last week, the USDA confirmed a case of atypical BSE in a Florida cow. The industry assessed the situation appropriately, while American consumers and our export partners responded with a collective shrug.

John Maday
Perspective Pays in BSE Response

Last week, the USDA confirmed a case of atypical BSE in a Florida cow. The industry assessed the situation appropriately, while American consumers and our export partners responded with a collective shrug.

The T-HEXX lines of products are based upon innovative hydrophilic polymer technologies for animal health, primarily in the dairy and equine markets.
Huvepharma acquires T-HEXX Animal Health

Huvepharma®, a fast-growing global pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, and marketing human and animal health products, announces the acquisition of T-HEXX Animal Health.

Five Kansas State University students have been awarded National Bio and Agro-defense Facility Scientist Training Program fellowships funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The fellowship recipients, from left: Kaitlynn Bradshaw, Laura Constance, Chester McDowell, Victoria Ayers and Christian Cook.
University Selects First Cohort of NBAF Fellowships

When a federal laboratory comes to town, it fuels demand for highly educated and trained workers.

Dr. Dale Woerner
Meat Scientist Dale Woerner to Return to Texas Tech

Dale R. Woerner, a meat science researcher who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas Tech, will start this fall as the Cargill Endowed Professorship in Meat Science Sustainability

Daniel E. Little, MS, DVM, President & CEO, Precision Health Technologies, LLC.
Precision Health Technologies Acquires Grazix Marketing Rights

Natural phytobiologics company establishes presence in key animal health markets.

With animal health and welfare among its core principles, the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) has long recognized antibiotic stewardship as a key component for sustainable beef production worldwide.
GRSB Issues Statement on Antimicrobial Stewardship

The statement places high priority on the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and the need for more veterinarian involvement in treatment decisions.

AVMA sees the act as vital for increasing veterinary access to drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
AVMA Welcomes Passage of Animal Drug User Fee Legislation

​The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) applauds House and Senate lawmakers for their passage of the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2018 (H.R. 5554/S.2434.

The Teat Condition Portfolio (TCP) is a user-friendly tool that helps individuals evaluate teat health cowside.
Association Update: NMC Develops Cowside Diagnostic Tool

National Mastitis Council (NMC) provides a forum for education and international exchange of information related to udder health, milking management, milk quality and milk safety.

The bill, HR 5554, includes an important improvement in the FDA process by allowing the agency to grant conditional approval to products where additional time is needed to collect efficacy data once the safety of the product has been demonstrated.
AHI Statement on House Passage of H.R. 5554

The Animal Health Institute expressed appreciation to the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of the Animal Drug and Generic Animal Drug User Fee Amendments of 2018.

Mature cows are grazing pearl millet cover crop in the foreground. Grain sorghum for cash cropping is shown in the background.
Integrating Crops and Livestock Still Makes Sense 

New twist brings back traditional farming practice.

Indiana State Board of Animal Health
Indiana Modifies Bovine TB-Testing Requirements for Cattle Entry

The blanket requirement for bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing of dairy cattle entering Indiana has been lifted, effective July 11.

For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact the FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth.
FDA Warns of Health Risks to People Exposed to Altrenogest Products

Synthetic progesterone product commonly used in horses and pigs may cause reproductive system disorders and other adverse effects in people.

Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer addresses the crowd at Barton County Feeders to announce the creation of Cattle Trace, a pilot project to develop and test a cattle disease traceability system. Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey (standing on right) helps oversee the public-private program.
Kansas Announces Cattle Trace Pilot Program for Disease Traceability

Cattle Trace is a public-private partnership which will develop and test a purpose-built cattle disease traceability infrastructure in Kansas and guide discussion and development of traceability on a national scale.

The new test enables Angus seedstock producers to make selection, breeding and marketing decisions earlier and with confidence.
Enhanced HD 50K for Angus Available from Zoetis

New advanced genotyping platform developed in partnership with Angus Genetics, Inc.

Animals – from mice to monkeys – continue to play a crucial role in both basic and applied research.
Nobel Prize Winners Call for Greater Openness in Animal Research

Nearly 600 members of America’s science community, including four Nobel Laureates, have signed a letter calling for increased openness about the important role of animals in health research.

Feral swine are an invasive species causing extensive and costly damage and disease threats to crops, property, native ecosystems, livestock health, and human health.
APHIS Tests Bait Stations for Feral Swine

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently conducted the first of two field trials of a sodium nitrite toxic bait on free-roaming feral swine.

The transition from a traditional data center to AWS allows GVL to better support current users, certificate creation, advances in technology and feature enhancements.
GlobalVetLINK Shifts to New Data Platform

GlobalVetLINK (GVL) announced it has migrated its online animal health documentation platform to Amazon Web Services (AWS), a third party cloud solution, to assist in customer data security and system functionality.

Dr. Tricarico has been involved with CAST since 2014 as the board representative for the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.
Dairy Scientist Tricarico to Lead CAST

In a recent election at the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), Juan Tricarico--VP of Sustainability Research at the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy--was chosen as the President-Elect for 2018-2019.

Professor Ermias Kebreab with the UC Davis Department of Animal Science is conducting research with dairy cows to find out if seaweed will reduce methane emissions from cattle. Results are promising, but not final.
Seaweed Additive Could Reduce Dairy Emissions

Early results from research at the University of California, Davis, indicate that a small amount of an ocean algae in cattle feed could dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions million dairy cows.

The panel, “Establishing trust in the multilateral trade system through transparency and Standard’s implementation monitoring,” hosted by the OIE on 22 May 2018.
OIE Stresses Importance of International Animal Health Standards

Measures to prevent and control animal diseases and build strong Veterinary Services are essential not only to protect animal health and welfare, but also human health, the economy and social well-being of populations.

USRSB Releases National Framework for Beef Sustainability

The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) this week opened a 60-day public comment period on the group’s Sustainability Framework.

The USRSB’s mission is to continuously improve, meaning we will always need to evaluate, assess, and adapt to ensure the U.S. beef value chain remains the trusted global leader in sustainable beef production.”
USRSB Releases National Framework for Beef Sustainability

The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) this week opened a 60-day public comment period on the group’s Sustainability Framework.

Norbrook Appoints Steve Schram to Lead Sales & Marketing

Norbrook has appointed Steve Schram as VP Sales & Marketing for The Americas.

Steve Schram will lead Norbrook's sales and marketing activities across both the North American and Latin American businesses.
Norbrook Appoints Steve Schram to Lead Sales & Marketing

Norbrook has appointed Steve Schram as VP Sales & Marketing for The Americas.

The genetically engineered AquAdvantage salmon grows about twice as quickly as conventional Atlantic salmon.
FDA Approves Facility for GMO Salmon

While genetically modified crops have become commonplace, regulations and consumer concerns have slowed use of genetic engineering in food animals, in spite of potential for improving production efficiency.

Webinar to Feature FDA Answers VFD Audit Questions

GlobalVetLINK (GVL®) is hosting VFD Audit Process Q&A, a free webinar to help the industry better understand the VFD inspection process, on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. (CDT).

Merck Taps Justin Welsh, DVM, to Lead Food Animal Technical Services

Justin Welsh, DVM, has been named Executive Director of Food Animal Technical Services for Merck Animal Health’s U.S. Food Animal Team.

Dr. Welsh oversees the technical services and pharmacovigilance groups for the company’s ruminants, swine and poultry businesses.
Merck Taps Justin Welsh, DVM, to Lead Food Animal Technical Services

Justin Welsh, DVM, has been named Executive Director of Food Animal Technical Services for Merck Animal Health’s U.S. Food Animal Team.

Dr. Brad White (left) passes the gavel to new AVC president K. Shawn Blood.
Dr. Shawn Blood Takes Over as AVC President

Zoetis technical services veterinarian K. Shawn Blood accepted the 2018 presidency of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) during the group’s recent spring conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

USDA Proposes New Branding Requirements for Cattle from Mexico

The changes would simplify the branding requirements, making the brands easier to apply and read, reducing errors.

The USDA proposal aims to simplify branding requirements for cattle imported to the United States from Mexico.
USDA Proposes New Branding Requirements for Cattle from Mexico

The changes would simplify the branding requirements, making the brands easier to apply and read, reducing errors.

TAHC Marks 125 Years

Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has reached an historic milestone as the agency celebrates 125 years of service to Texas animal agriculture.

Two men stand next to the Texas Livestock Sanitary Commission van, whose purpose was to dispose of carcasses, and other materials that would be in danger of contaminating the water, wind or the ground
TAHC Marks 125 Years

Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has reached an historic milestone as the agency celebrates 125 years of service to Texas animal agriculture.

The diversity of AVMA membership requires communication of up-to-date content, information, and cutting-edge strategies for use by veterinarians in research, academia, food animal medicine, and companion animal medicine.
John Eckroth Joins AVMA as Communications Director

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has hired John Eckroth to lead the association's Communications Division.

The AVMA-AAVMC Veterinary Futures Commission will hold its first meeting April 8-9 in conjunction with the Innovation Summit at Texas A&M University.
AVMA, AAVMC form Veterinary Futures Commission

A Veterinary Futures Commission has been established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

Gene editing could rapidly introduce new crop varieties that otherwise take years or decades to develop.
USDA Clarifies Gene Editing Oversight

As methods and applications for biotechnology in agriculture continue to advance at a rapid pace, regulators work to maintain a balance between safety and potentially rapid progress in food production.

Both organizations have formed a joint task force to identify areas of engagement as well as explore potential pilot projects.
Field to Market and USRSB Announce Partnership

Two leading sustainable agriculture initiatives combine forces to offer solutions to deliver continuous improvement in sustainability of beef production.

Representatives from 37 states and every veterinary school in the country, will meet with their congressional offices.
Veterinarians Head to Capitol Hill to Discuss Farm Bill, Student Debt

Nearly 100 veterinarians and veterinary students are heading to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, March 27 as part of the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) annual legislative fly-in.

The Animal Health Institute funded the study, which was conducted by the research firm ndp Analytics.
Study Illustrates Impact of Animal Health Industry

Protecting and improving the health of nearly 10 billion food animals and companion animals in the United States, and many more around the world, supports over 1 million jobs and generates billions in revenue and taxes.

Safety training will cover safety considerations and risks at various stages of silage production, storage and use.
Groups Partner to Improve Silage Safety

Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the Progressive Agriculture Foundation are teaming up to offer silage safety education for up to 100,000 children and adult volunteers through Progressive Agriculture Safety Days.

Farm tours provide conference participants a first-hand look at innovations in dairy management.
‘One team. Gold dreams.’ focus of upcoming DCHA conference

Learn how to take your calf and heifer program to the next step on the podium by attending the 2018 Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) annual conference.

The AVMA Economics Division offers a number of resources for veterinarians, including personal finance tools, a program to increase practice profitability and a series of AVMA Veterinary Economic Reports, which provide analyses on veterinary income, educational debt and employment.
Dr. Matthew J. Salois Joins AVMA as Chief Economist

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has hired Dr. Matthew J. Salois to lead the association’s Veterinary Economics Division.

Geneticist Bob Weaber, PhD, along with Megan Rolf, PhD, both from Kansas State University, will present practical information on profitable crossbreeding systems.
NCBA Schedules Crossbreeding Success Webinar

A profitable crossbreeding program should be simple, structured, successful and sustainable.

Brown comes to Texas Tech after serving as dean for research and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture.
Texas Tech Names Bill Brown Dean of of Ag College

William F. “Bill” Brown, a researcher and administrator at the University of Tennessee, has been named the new dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources (CASNR) at Texas Tech University.

Noble Plans Market Incentives for Soil Health

Farmers, ranchers set to gain new market opportunities for improving soil health.

A national coalition convened by the Noble Research Institute announced its intent to create a new voluntary environmental services market that benefits agricultural producers and improves the environment for society at large. The program aims to incentivize farmers and ranchers to improve soil health on working agricultural lands.
Noble Plans Market Incentives for Soil Health

Farmers, ranchers set to gain new market opportunities for improving soil health.

Moving cattle requires time and labor, as does traditional fencing. Virtual fencing could reduce some of those costs.
Virtual fencing for cattle management

We’re all familiar with “invisible fence” devices used to train dogs to stay within pre-set boundaries. A new California-based company aims to market similar, but enhanced technology to cattle producers.