Deer may be reservoir for SARS-Cov-2 variants, study suggestsFebruary 6, 2023The evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans to white-tailed deer, and its transmission ability in the deer population is the driving force behind the study conducted by the Cornell Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The study, "White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) May Serve as a Wildlife Reservoir for Nearly Extinct SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern," published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, looks into the role of the white-tailed deer in the epidemiology and ecology of the virus. The study focused on the deer population in New York. "One of the most striking findings of this study was the detection of co-circulation of three variants of concern–alpha, gamma and delta–in this wild animal population," says Diego Diel, DVM, MS, PhD, associate professor of population medicine and diagnostic sciences and director of the Virology Laboratory at the Cornell University CVM Animal Health Diagnostic Center. While the exact cause remains unknown, research indicates that over the course of the pandemic, deer have become infected with SARS-CoV-2 through contact with humans, possibly from hunting, wildlife rehabilitations, feeding of wild animals or through wastewater or water sources. This study was made possible …
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Heartworm survey aims to educate on deadly diseaseFebruary 3, 2023Veterinarians from across the U.S. are asked to submit data from their clinics to be included in the 2022 American Heartworm Society (AHS) Heartworm Incidence Survey.
$2.25M pledge keeps owners, pets together amidst domestic violenceFebruary 2, 2023An initiative aimed at protecting domestic abuse survivors and their pets, as well as preserving the human-animal bond, has received a significant, multi-year commitment from PetSmart Charities.
Feline facial recognition tool, dental diagnostic selected for Purina programFebruary 2, 2023From an oral swab that provides at-home age estimates for pets to an app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to measure how a cat is feeling, the utilization of forward-thinking technology seemed to be top of mind for the startup companies selected for this year’s class of Purina’s Pet Care Innovation Prize program.
Brain Teaser: Can you solve this puzzle?February 1, 2023Test your veterinary knowledge with our monthly challenge.
$510,000 grant helps address shortage of shelter veterinariansJanuary 27, 2023Shelter pets are soon to have access to timely and essential veterinary care with the funding of a shelter medicine internship program.
Hands-on learning aims to inspire budding DVMs at junior vet campJanuary 26, 2023Teens and tweens interested in a career in veterinary medicine are invited to submit an essay and win a spot in Auburn University’s seventh annual junior vet summer camp.
Noninvasive procedures, microsurgery, and pain management among leading trends at VMX 2023January 19, 2023The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) concluded its 40th annual Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX) on Jan. 18 at the Orange County Convention Center. The multi-day event saw several introductions and demonstrations of new veterinary healthcare innovations.
Genetic screening aims to reduce heart disease in Newfoundland dogsJanuary 19, 2023Reducing instances of a serious heart disease commonly found in Newfoundland dogs is the goal of new research underway at Michigan State University.
Reducing pet anxiety during travel aimed at music therapy collaborativeJanuary 16, 2023Delivering high-quality pre- and post-travel animal care and veterinary services is the driving force behind the new creative partnership. The ARK at JFK partners with Zoundz Music For Pets in incorporating music therapy across ARK's facilities to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. The project involves installation of Zoundz music in ARK's reception, kennel, veterinary exam area, and in transit vehicles. "The ARK is committed to the comfort, safety, and well-being of pets and their owners throughout boarding and while in transit," says Elizabeth A. Schuette, ARK president and CEO. "We are dedicated to implementing industry best practices and utilizing innovative tools and solutions to provide an ongoing superior experience for our animal and human clients alike." Zoundz music is created by a multi-disciplinary team of music composers, producers and engineers, animal behavior researchers and specialists, and veterinarians, who evaluate and interpret calming attributes from animal behavior studies. "Helping animals live less anxious, joyous lives is first and foremost," says Derrick L. Garrett, Zoundz founder and CEO. "We've composed an extensive library of songs carefully created with species-appropriate tempo, sound frequency and instrumentation to deliver maximum calming effects to dogs …
