While we all were irritated to some extent by the massive amounts of caterpillars in 2001 and 2002–stepping on them, having them climb our fences, houses, cars, gates, and everything else around our homes and farms–there is new evidence that the setae (hair-like projections) on the caterpillars can become embedded in the lining of the alimentary tract (GI tract) of animals and cause
Studies to determine the cause of mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) have led investigators to associate the syndrome with exposure to the Eastern tent caterpillar. Although the exact cause of MRLS remains unknown, some component of the outer covering of the caterpillar (its “exoskeleton” or “integument”) appears to be involved.
In the first study to implicate the integument
Even with a conditionally approved treatment for West Nile virus (WNV) available, prevention is still key. As of Sept. 9, WNV equine cases had been reported in 37 states, and only four of the continental United States (Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington) had not reported WNV detection in any species. Official reports and suggestions from veterinarians experienced with the disease give
Novartis Animal Vaccines announced Aug. 19 the conditional licensing and availability of the only antibody product approved by the USDA to help control disease caused by West Nile virus (WNV) in equids. This product helps an exposed animal by increasing the antibody level in the circulatory system, which enhances an animal’s ability to neutralize virus already in the blood.
For a
Veterinarians have been using an antibody product to treat West Nile virus (WNV) clinical signs, but its use for this purpose is currently off-label (not approved by the USDA). Currently, the hyperimmune plasma product HiGamm-Equi, by Lake Immunogenics, is being examined by the USDA for conditional approval.
HiGamm-Equi is typically used for failure of passive transfer in foals–the
A total of 379 veterinary students from 27 vet schools in the United States and four from Canada gathered Aug. 29-31 in Lexington, Ky., to learn about the ins and outs of being an equine veterinarian at the first annual Opportunities in Equine Veterinary Practice conference. (Click Read More
Crucell N.V., a Dutch biotechnology company, and the Israel-based Kimron Veterinary Institute are anticipating the approval of their veterinary West Nile Virus (WNV) in Israel in early 2004. Based on encouraging results from their early work,
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has been notified of three suspected cases of encephalitis in horses in Rhode Island. All three horses are from Washington County and are being investigated for possible West Nile Virus
Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) caused fetal loss in domestic pigs based on a recent study, according to a press release issued Sept. 5 by the University of Kentucky. The experiment demonstrated for the first time that ETC could
Allen’s Prospect, sire of 57 stakes winners and a hallmark of consistency, was euthanized Wednesday, Sept. 3, at age 21 following surgery at New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania for removal of a tumor under his jaw.
He had a fast-growing”P>Allen’s Prospect, s
Auburn University has completed construction on its new John Thomas Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital, which was dedicated on August 29.
See images of the facility and its dedication Auburn Univer
Morris Animal Foundation recently announced the appointment of 15 new Ballard Students, serving as Foundation representatives at veterinary colleges across the United States and in Canada. As Foundation ambassadors, Ballard Students educat
Two Northern California men pleaded guilty Sept. 3 to felony animal cruelty stemming from the torture death of a Thoroughbred mare in Northern California.
Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Robert Boyd set Oct. 9 for sentencing of
Novartis Animal Vaccines announced Aug. 19 the conditional licensing and availability of the only antibody product approved by the USDA to help control disease caused by West Nile virus (WNV) in equids. This product helps an exposed animal by
On Aug. 30, Luitpold Pharmaceuticals hosted a soon-to-be published roundtable discussion on the illegal compounding of equine veterinary drugs.
We have seen an alarming increase in the amount of compounded medications sold to equine”P>On Aug. 30, Luitpold Pharmaceuticals hosted a soon-to-be published roundtable discussi
The traditional Italian bareback race known as the Palio has claimed another equine life, prompting protests from animal rights activists, according to the Associated Press.
Alghero, a 6-year-old sorrel, was kicked by another horse before the Aug. 16 race. Municipal veterinarians checked the horse over and allowed Alghero to run, however at the first curve he went down with a fracture
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