While the spread of avian influenza in the U.S. dairy herd has been unprecedented and rapid, to date, there have been no cases in Canada.
Jamie Rothenburger, DVM
Stories by Jamie Rothenburger, DVM
Avian Influenza causing alarming impact on wild birds and mammals
The ongoing outbreak of avian influenza in North America has featured a number of unusual developments.
Producers should check regularly for signs of cancer eye
The disease known as cancer eye in cattle is an important economic and animal welfare issue.
Viruses significantly damage the brain of cattle fetuses
When pregnant cattle get infected with pathogens, there can be severe consequences for their fetal calves. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD) is an important example of this.
Nervous system’s strong protection can cause problems
The nervous system is a truly remarkable biological achievement. However, the features that protect it can also contribute to harm in cases of disease.
Climate change will have negative effects on animal health
We can expect climate change to have effects on animal health in many different ways. Indeed, there is already evidence that the warming and altered climate affects disease dynamics in important ways. At its most basic level, climate change has increased global temperatures, and this will continue and accelerate, given our current trajectory. Heat stress […] Read more
Sustainability becomes critical factor in vet medicine
Without a doubt, environmental issues such as pollution, climate change and habitat loss impact animal health. Our collective future depends on finding new and better ways to tread lightly on our delicate planet. Environmental stewardship is a key pillar of the veterinary profession. The Canadian veterinary oath even includes the provision that “I will strive […] Read more
Horses’ complex sinuses make them susceptible to disease
The head of a horse contains a shockingly small brain. There is far more space dedicated to teeth, a muscular tongue, long nasal passages and the sinuses. The massive, complex sinuses in horses are prone to disease. Sinuses are like a series of interconnected caves that occupy the front and sides of the face in […] Read more
Genetic testing useful for selecting breeding animals
The Human Genome Project should receive partial credit for giving us the technological advancement and innovation necessary to conduct widespread genetic research. The project, which completed the first sequence of the human genome, finished in 2003. This massive undertaking led to the development of rapid and automated genetic sequencing. It has trickled down into many […] Read more
Animal personality can impact welfare and production
It is obvious to anyone who spends time with animals that each is an individual with a unique personality. Experts define personality as an individual’s behavioural traits that are related and remain unchanged throughout time and situations. The term is sometimes used interchangeably or slightly differently than temperament. As with many things in science, personality […] Read more
