Charlotte, North Carolina — With less than a month until the first Fetch conference of 2025, veterinary professionals are gearing up for a weekend of educational and networking opportunities in Charlotte. The event promises an array of activities including wet labs and introductions to ten new faculty members, making it a pivotal event for those in the veterinary field looking to enhance their expertise and professional networks.
In recent veterinary news, there has been a significant health alert concerning two raw pet food products found to contain highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The presence of HPAI has been linked to multiple infections in cats, including one fatality. Further concerns have been raised following reports of additional fatalities associated with the consumption of infected raw milk. These developments underscore the ongoing risks posed by raw pet food diets and the need for rigorous safety standards.
Meanwhile, the Pet Poison Helpline has issued warnings to pet owners about the risks associated with accidentally administering semaglutide, a medication intended for weight loss, to pets. This warning comes after the helpline received multiple calls about pets that were mistakenly given these medications instead of their intended insulin treatments. The mix-ups pose a significant risk to pet health, prompting calls for increased vigilance in medication administration.
The latest episode of The Vet Blast Podcast featured Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, a new member of the dvm360 editorial advisory board. During the episode, Dr. Lee offered his expertise on leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that affects both animals and humans, discussing prevention strategies and the importance of educating pet owners about the disease.
A study conducted by researchers at Penn State University has shed new light on domestic dogs as potential carriers of nontyphoidal Salmonella and other zoonotic pathogens. The findings highlight the often-overlooked role that household pets can play in the transmission of infectious diseases, emphasizing the need for preventative measures to protect both animal and human health.
In preparation for the upcoming Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida, Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia), gave insights into her forthcoming workshop focused on mechanical ventilation. McNerney, along with co-presenters Tami Lind, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), and Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), aims to enhance the skills of veterinary professionals in this critical area of pet healthcare.
In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association has introduced a new resource designed to link trained veterinary first responders with state officials during emergencies and disasters. This tool is expected to significantly improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of emergency services during crisis situations by quickly mobilizing qualified veterinary professionals.
As the field of veterinary medicine continues to evolve, these developments and initiatives highlight the ongoing commitment within the community to advance animal healthcare and safety. The upcoming Fetch conference in Charlotte and other educational events play a crucial role in fostering knowledge exchange and professional development amongst veterinarians.