Articles tagged with Animal Health
A new study by Australian veterinarians has exposed the challenge of identifying pain in horses with gastric ulcers. The researchers tested a potential new blood-based method but found it to be unreliable. The study highlights the need for better diagnostic methods to improve horse welfare and treatment.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture launches F.U.S.E. Animal Science, a five-year fellowship program that integrates research, Extension, and professional development for undergraduate students. The program will provide students with hands-on experiences and mentorship to develop skills in areas such as animal nutritio...
A new study found that certain carp species, such as goldfish and silver carp, are resistant to the devastating Koi herpesvirus (CyHV-3) and do not easily transmit it to common carp. This discovery offers a hopeful perspective on managing the disease in fish farms and freshwater ecosystems.
A recent study has confirmed the presence of human herpesvirus 1 in four privately owned lemurs that died from the illness. The detection marks the first time researchers have been able to confirm human herpes virus in lemurs via molecular analysis.
Researchers at Penn State and the USDA have identified 10 genomic variants associated with increased virulence in Marek's disease virus, a deadly illness affecting chickens. The study could inform the design of more effective vaccines that can prevent future breakthroughs.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Researchers at Göttingen University found that virtual fences lead to a more even distribution of animals across the pasture and reduced movement near edges. Virtual fences also elicit similar behavior from cattle as conventional electric fences.
Darwin's Ark has established the world's largest community-powered pet research initiative, combining genetic data with owner information to explore questions about pet health, behavior, ancestry, and evolution. Researchers can collaborate by submitting a request form, accelerating discoveries that benefit animal and human health.
Researchers found a correlation between cognitive decline in geriatric dogs and reduced thoracic limb stride length, with higher Canine Dementia Scale scores associated with decreased stride length. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between gait patterns and canine cognition.
The Laboratory in Northern Kenya (LiNK) improves conservation-led veterinary medicine by providing accessible diagnostic infrastructure. The lab, established through a collaborative partnership, serves the northern Kenya landscape and enhances the country's national wildlife health infrastructure.
A 2021 dog daycare outbreak in LA County revealed critical gaps in vaccinations and animal-to-human transmission. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, can cause severe illness in dogs and flu-like symptoms in humans.
Researchers detected airborne virus, wastewater contamination, and asymptomatic cows on infected dairy farms, suggesting multiple modes of transmission. This finding highlights the need for mitigation strategies to reduce viral spread in herds and humans.
A global study led by UBC researchers found that pet cats allowed to roam outside unsupervised carry infectious diseases at rates comparable to feral cats. The study analyzed data from over 174,000 cats across 88 countries and identified nearly 100 pathogens that can infect humans.
Australian scientists have developed an injectable therapy called Snoretox-1 to help clear blocked airways in flat-faced dogs suffering from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). The treatment shows early success in improving breathing difficulties in bulldogs.
African elephants' genetic history shows they once moved across large distances, exchanging genes throughout the continent. However, current patchy habitats and human activities have led to genetic consequences of isolation, affecting conservation approaches.
A small Dutch survey found that more than half of veterinarians believe they will see cases of animal abuse by falsification, akin to Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This recognition is alarming and warrants further investigation into animal welfare practices among veterinary professionals.
Researchers discovered that mutations in a key protein make yeast found in dogs with common outer ear infections more resistant to topical antifungals. The team recommends using shorter-tailed azoles as initial therapy for dogs with yeast ear infections, reserving longer-tailed azoles for recurrent or non-responsive cases.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that gentle human interactions trigger positive emotions in young chickens. The study's results suggest that early-life handling can shape animals' affective experiences and improve their welfare.
Cats are prone to kidney disease due to a unique biological quirk, accumulating modified triglycerides with special ether-linkages. This study proposes that these fats may be an early sign of long-term stress within the kidney, potentially contributing to tissue damage over time.
The team has created a unified resource to explore patterns previously hidden by fragmented reporting. Early analyses have raised questions about the influence of neutering practices on cancer risks in pets.
A study analyzing tumours from almost 500 pet cats identified genetic changes that could help treat breast cancer in humans and animals. Similarities were found between feline mammary cancers and human breast cancers, suggesting potential avenues for therapy.
A new study has identified the most affected dog breeds when it comes to breathing difficulties, revealing that certain characteristics like a flat face and overweighed physique are associated with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The research found that Pekingese and Japanese Chin are at high risk, while others such ...
A study from the University of Cambridge identified twelve dog breeds at risk of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, a condition causing serious breathing problems. The breeds include Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with narrow nostrils and short head shapes being significant risk factors.
A global DNA study suggests that Australian heartworms may share ancestry with parasites from Asia, potentially linking their origin to dingoes that migrated from the continent thousands of years ago. The research has implications for developing treatments given the rise in drug resistance to heartworm disease.
A new AI tool, CattleFever, uses artificial intelligence and thermal cameras to estimate cattle body temperature from a photo. The system can automatically determine an animal's body temperature within 1 degree of the reading from a thermometer.
A study on experimental microneedle painkiller patches in pigs has shown that the drug concentrations reached only about 2 micrograms per liter, which is 1,500 times less than the required effective dose. The patches work better on the neck than the ear and have shown safety and tolerability.
A new study reveals that elephants, giraffes, and rhinos are unable to get enough salt from their habitats, leading to sodium deficiency. The researchers found that larger-bodied species are more affected by sodium scarcity, which influences their habitat selection and behavior.
A recent study found that dogs given CBD supplements show below-average levels of aggression over time, with the most aggressive changes observed in male dogs. The study, which used data from almost 50,000 dog owners, also found a link between CBD use and health conditions such as dementia and osteoarthritis.
Research found that most people are poor at recognizing pain in horses, but those with more experience are better equipped to identify subtle cues. Higher levels of social anxiety also influenced pain recognition, particularly in humans, highlighting the need for education and training on equine welfare.
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
Two pioneering studies explore consumer acceptance of vegan and alternative protein-based pet diets among dog and cat guardians worldwide. Overall, 43% and 51% of respondents would consider at least one type of more sustainable diet for their pets, with cultivated meat-based and vegan options gaining popularity.
Current PRRSV vaccines offer protection through a T cell response, rather than antibody production. Vaccination induces an immune response that identifies and attacks conserved parts of the virus.
A new study introduces a conceptual model for improving animal disease surveillance, highlighting the link between genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. The findings show that human-driven ecological change exacerbates chronic diseases in animals, such as obesity and cancer, with potential implications for human health.
A recent study found that access to veterinary care is generally good in the US, but rural areas experience significant delays and increased travel distances. The study used a secret shopper survey approach to assess appointment availability and wait times across six states.
Veterinarians warn that anthropomorphising pets leads to animal welfare problems, including overdiagnosis and overtreatment. They advocate for a shift towards care that considers individual circumstances and quality of life.
INRAE's work prioritizes agroecological practices to ensure animal health and sustainability in livestock farming. The PREZODE initiative aims to prevent future pandemics by bringing together over 170 partners, while research focuses on developing new tools for early disease diagnosis and prevention strategies.
Researchers have found a clear relationship between koala stress and increased risk of disease, including Chlamydia. The study suggests that high KoRV loads may be weakening the immune system, making koalas more susceptible to diseases such as blindness and infertility.
A new Virginia Tech study establishes a baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale, tracking trends in fear, attention, aggression, and trainability over four years. The research found that dogs are adaptable and not significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some notable exceptions related to trainability.
The Center for Food Animal Wellbeing's 11th annual symposium will focus on improving welfare outcomes in food animal production. The event, themed 'Boots on the Ground: Animal Welfare from the Veterinary Perspective,' will feature real-world veterinary insights and case studies on animal welfare.
A new Virginia Tech study analyzes four years of owner-reported data from over 47,000 dogs to establish a baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale. The research reveals that dogs are adaptable and shows no substantial changes in behavioral profiles despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study from Mizzou's College of Veterinary Medicine analyzed the effects of radioactive iodine therapy on thyroid cancer in dogs. The research found that tailoring the dose of radiation more precisely for each dog could improve outcomes and potentially lead to more targeted care.
Researchers developed an AI tool to assess tambaqui fish stress levels based on their lower half body coloration. The study found that stressed fish became darker, and the trait is heritable, impacting animal welfare and farming practices.
Researchers from academia and industry join forces to improve outbreak modelling readiness and inform policy decisions during disease outbreaks. The initiative provides datasets simulating real-time outbreak scenarios, enhancing global preparedness against HPAI's significant threat to animal and human health.
Dr. Jake Johnson explains the challenges of studying canine cocaine toxicosis, including limited data and messy clinical reality. He shares insights on diagnosing symptoms, prevention measures, and the importance of owner honesty in seeking veterinary help.
The H5N1 virus has defied control, spreading to other species and disrupting every stage of the dairy sector. A One Health approach is necessary to mitigate the outbreak, taking into account animal and human health with environmental factors.
A study of over 26,000 dogs reveals which diseases tend to co-occur and provide insights into canine healthcare. The network analysis suggests new connections between diseases, such as low iron and protein in the urine, and helps guide veterinary practice.
A new Virginia Tech study reveals that toxic well water primarily affects household pets, with 64% of dog drinking water samples containing high levels of potentially toxic heavy metals. Researchers found a correlation between untreated well water and poor health in dogs, highlighting the need for households to test and treat their water.
A six-month study tested precision fermented brewed chicken protein in dog kibble and found beneficial changes in fecal metabolites and gut microbiota. The protein was highly digestible, with no adverse effects on body weight or blood chemistry.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused different long-term consequences in lean and obese macaques, with obesity increasing risks like persistent lung damage. Lean animals also experienced signs of metabolic disruption, suggesting long COVID may be more common than reported.
A new study finds that Salmonella Dublin causes increased calf mortality, lower milk yield, and higher medication costs in dairy farms. The disease leads to hidden financial losses due to gradual infection without visible symptoms.
A team of researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University has successfully generated induced pluripotent stem cells from canine somatic cells and produced high-quality mesenchymal stem cells with high proliferation capacity. The study found that the highest quality MSCs were obtained from urine cells, offering a promising approach for reg...
Researchers found that video telehealth visits can help pet owners understand their cat's needs, increasing confidence in care. The study also suggested elevated food and water dishes, larger litter boxes, and additional steps to ease a cat's mobility issues.
A new film series, 'The Deadly Five,' is launched to raise awareness of five critical animal infectious diseases affecting animal and public health. The series explores disease surveillance, prevention, and control through scientific insights and global collaborations.
Researchers have shed light on how a new type of antibody treatment works against ovarian cancer by reactivating patients' immune cells. The study shows that MOv18 IgE reverses the suppression of immune cells and induces them to kill cancer cells, providing new insights into this therapy.
A study in Brazil's Caatinga biome found that removing animals from degraded pastures did not restore soil health after three years. Green manure and strategic tree planting are recommended to accelerate ecological recovery. Soils show severe degradation, with carbon loss and decline in holistic soil health index.
A small study found 19 types of microplastic particles in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy. The researchers suggest that microplastics may accumulate in cat placentas and potentially impact fetal health, highlighting the need for limits on plastic use and mitigation strategies.
A French study found that chronic exposure to the fungicide tebuconazole impairs offspring growth and survival in farmland birds. Sparrow chicks exposed to realistic concentrations of tebuconazole showed reduced growth and doubled mortality rates, particularly females.
Research by University of Missouri researchers uncovers microplastic pollution generated by polymer-coated fertilizers, threatening human and animal health. The study suggests biodegradable alternatives and effective stormwater management to mitigate the risks associated with PC-CRFs.
Red panda researcher Sarah Huskisson is analyzing fecal samples to understand gut health and its relation to diet. Her study, funded by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, may improve conservation breeding programs for the species.
A recent study found that autophagy, a natural defense mechanism in cells, is less efficient in female eggs with moderate or severe DNA damage. Boosting autophagy can improve egg quality and reduce the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. The study's findings offer new directions for improving reproductive health.