Anyone who’s ever set foot on a farm has most likely encountered the plaguelike presence of Stomoxys calcitrans–otherwise known as stable flies. These pests are both an annoyance and a health risk for horses, but the results of a recent study indicate that a common treat for cats might be the answer barn managers are looking for.

Residing in horses’ skin are microorganisms known as skin flora–generally nonpathogenic bacteria that can cause skin disease, joint infections, and life-threatening illnesses if they enter the bloodstream or a joint, such as through an incision in the skin. According to the results of a recent study performed by researchers at Colorado State University’s (CSU) College of Veterinary Medicine and

Nominations for the 2011 Penn Vet World Leadership in Animal Health Award, currently the largest award in the veterinarian profession, are officially open. The award, which was first issued in April 2008, is given annually to “the most influential veterinarian in the world,” as described by Joan C. Hendricks, VMD, PhD, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary

“Is it abuse or neglect?” Sometimes law enforcement officials unfamiliar with horses or proper horse care have to make that call in an equine welfare case. Three equine researchers in California recently published a booklet to arm California law enforcement agents who might not be familiar with horses in detecting and describing neglect cases.