Taiwan wants to regulate the pet industry to ensure animal welfare
The Asian nation expects to reach 12 million dogs and cats by 2040. Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture (COA) department seeks to propose some amendments to the legislation that would give incentives to local manufacturers to invest in more natural pet food options. According to the Taipei Times, the authorities are considering promoting the use of local agricultural grain options such as corn. COA Minister Chen Chi-chung claimed that pets deserve welfare protection “just as people do.” Official data show that the Taiwanese pet industry is worth NT$50 billion ($1.74B) annually and that 2.3 million pet dogs and cats are officially registered in the country. In April, the Taiwanese government established a pet management division responsible for the regulation of the pet industry, pet ownership and welfare. The department has an annual budget of NT$130 million (US$4.5M).[Source: GlobalPETS][Image: GlobalPETS news team]
Robots to the Rescue of Animals
Animal testing in the human medical field has come at the high price of many lives. Could AI be the next step in product testing? Animal testing has resulted in major medical innovations, such as vaccines, antibiotics, and drugs like insulin, but they have come at a high cost paid by the animals involved. Additionally, the majority of such testing often fails to be of any benefit. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimated that 92% of drugs that pass preclinical tests, including animal tests, do not reach the market. Despite efforts to improve the predictability of animal testing, the failure rate is now closer to 96%.1 A review of treatment trials for specific human diseases, such as head injury, respiratory distress syndrome, osteoporosis, and stroke, found that the animal experiments accurately predict how they will behave in people only 50% of the time.1 The marketing of drugs and other pharmaceutical products in the U.S. is controlled by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), which empowers the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research to require extensive toxicity testing on animals before a new drug is deemed “safe” for marketing. It typically takes 10 to 15 years and an investment of an average of $1 billion for a new drug to come to market. This antiquated process slows progress, drives up drug costs, and sacrifices countless animals. Efforts to reduce, refine, and replace testing on animals have been making progress over the last decade. Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency committed to eliminating all mammal study requests and funding by 2035, and the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the FDA Modernization Act, strengthening the chance of enactment of a measure that would eliminate a statutory animal testing mandate for new drug development and reform the drug approval process. An amendment to the FFDCA would allow manufacturers to use alternatives to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a drug. [Author: Simon R. Platt, BVM&S, MRCVS, DACVIM (Neurology), DECVN] [Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice] [Image: ]
Clinical Application of Renal Biomarkers
Authors: Autumn N. Harris, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), & Eleanor Brown, DVM While new biomarkers may help in the detection of kidney disease, it is unlikely that a single biomarker will be able to provide a global picture of kidney function or injury in an individual animal. idney disease in dogs and cats is common; estimated prevalence ranges from 7% to 20%.1 The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) has established guidelines for clinical staging and grading of kidney disease with criteria for acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These guidelines have helped veterinarians identify cases in which there is kidney injury or disease that might be mitigated by therapeutic intervention. Despite the clinical significance of kidney disease, however, early detection of kidney injury remains challenging. The most accurate assessment of renal function is considered to be measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR).2,3 However, this procedure is labor-intensive and time-consuming, making it an impractical test in daily clinical practice. Indirect assessment of renal function using serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is easy to perform, and these tests are widely available. However, both analytes have well-established limitations, resulting in a lack of sensitivity and specificity for detection of kidney disease.4 These values typically do not increase until approximately 75% of the functional renal mass is lost.5,6 Identifying novel biomarkers for kidney injury and disease is appealing and would provide additional tools for diagnosing and monitoring affected dogs and cats. Ideal biomarkers for the detection of kidney disease would be specific (i.e., not affected by comorbidities), strongly correlated with GFR, and more sensitive than serum creatinine for detecting disease. In addition, ideal biomarkers could be used to determine severity and location of the injury as well as to monitor disease progression or response to therapy, and testing would be readily available from a reference laboratory or as an in-clinic assay. A few promising candidates have been found to be useful for evaluating kidney disease in clinical and research settings (FIGURE 1). This review describes the current evidence with regard to widely available renal biomarkers for dogs and cats and their potential utility in clinical practice. Read more… [Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice] [Image: GaiBru Photo/shutterstock.com]
Human-to-dog monkeypox transmission case reported
he first potential case of human-to-dog monkeypox transmission has been documented by researchers in France. The viral disease was declared a public health emergency of international concern on July 23 by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization. On. Aug. 4, the Biden administration declared monkeypox to be a public health emergency in the United States. As of Aug. 17, there were 39,434 reported human cases globally and 13,516 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first case of the current outbreak of monkeypox was found May 6 in the U.K. in a person who had traveled to Nigeria. Subsequent cases of the virus have generally occurred among humans through close contact with lesions, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets from infected individuals. On June 10, a team from Sorbonne University in Paris recorded two human cases of infection with monkeypox virus connected with a case in a dog. The researchers described their findings in an article published Aug. 10 in The Lancet. The article states that two men who were living together had anal skin ulcers about a week after sex with other male partners. Twelve days after the onset of monkeypox symptoms, their 4-year-old male Italian Greyhound tested positive for the virus. The dog, who co-slept with the men, had red, tender bumps with white pus on its abdomen and an anal skin ulcer. [Source: AVMA]
Parvo kills dozens of pups in Michigan
Despite initially screening negative for the highly contagious disease, affected dogs were later found to have canine parvovirus. As many as 60 unvaccinated dogs in northern Michigan have died of parvovirus in recent weeks, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reports. Concerns surrounding incidents of a mysterious “parvo-like” illness were fist shared by the department earlier this month. Experts were initially challenged after dogs with symptoms of the disease (i.e. vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite) tested negative for parvo during initial screening by veterinarians, the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) says. “This situation is complex because, although the dogs displayed clinical signs suggestive of parvovirus, they consistently test negative by point-of-care tests performed in clinics and shelters,” says the lab’s director Kim Dodd, DVM. “While those tests are valuable in the clinical setting, they are not as sensitive as the diagnostic tests we can perform here in the laboratory,” she adds. “We continue to further characterize the virus in hopes of better understanding why those animals were testing negative on screening tests.” The affected dogs do not have a history of complete vaccination, MDARD reports. “Dogs that are not fully vaccinated against this virus are the most at risk,” says Michigan State veterinarian, Nora Wineland, DVM. “Dog owners across Michigan must work closely with their veterinarians to ensure their dogs are appropriately vaccinated and given timely boosters to keep their pets safe and healthy. Protecting Michigan’s dogs is a team effort.” Veterinarians are encouraged to inform pet owners that canine parvovirus is not contagious to people or other species of domestic animals. Source: Veterinay Practice News Image: Veterinary Practice News
Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are on the rise. But why?
The complex interplay of ticks, their habitats and hosts — along with changes in land use and climate — may be enabling the spread of the pathogens they carry On a warm spring day, disease ecologist Daniel Salkeld is hiking the hills of coastal scrub and chaparral of Marin County, north of San Francisco. It’s his favorite spot to collect ticks. As he walks, he trails a white flannel blanket attached to a pole, and every 20 meters, he stops, scrutinizes the flannel and picks off any ticks that have latched on. Ticks are passive predators of blood — they wait for an unsuspecting mouse, deer or person to brush past the blade of grass they are clinging to. And luckily for the scientists who track them, they are easily fooled by wool fabric. Salkeld tallies his haul as he walks and carefully places the ticks in vials for further examination back in his laboratory at Colorado State University. He is curious to know what areas in California are high risk or low risk for tick-borne diseases. Even when his tick count for the day is zero, “that’s a useful insight,” he says. Elsewhere in North America and internationally, blanket-dragging tick biologists like him are uncovering an unsettling trend: Many tick species are expanding their ranges, swelling in number and picking up new pathogens that can deliver disease to people should a tick latch on and bite. That’s reason to worry, because ticks are prodigious vectors — they bring more types of pathogens over to people from animals than any other creature. And they’re on the march. In the United States, the annual number of cases of six tick-borne diseases has roughly doubled since 2004, with most of the increase dominated by Lyme disease cases. From a public health perspective, it’s important to know when ticks have spread to new places, says Rebecca Eisen, a research biologist focused on vector-borne bacterial diseases with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We want to make sure that people are aware that there is a risk that maybe they didn’t have as they were growing up in these communities,” she says. [Source: Know Able Magazine] [Image: DANIEL SALKELD]
New indications approved by FDA for topical treatment of tick infestation in cats
Both fluralaner topical solution (Bravecto) and fluralaner and moxidectin topical solution (Bravecto Plus) are now indicated for the treatment and control of Asian longhorned tick infestations in cats. Merck Animal Health has announced the new label indication for both fluralaner topical solution (Bravecto) and fluralaner and moxidectin topical solution (Bravecto Plus) for the treatment and control of Asian longhorned tick infestations in cats. Both products are the first US products labeled for both the treatment and control of Asian longhorned tick infestations. The Asian longhorned tick is an invasive ixodid tick that is native to Japan, China, eastern Russia, and Korea. As of December 2021, the species has been located across more than a third of the United States, according to Merck. These ticks have the potential to quickly become an important tick species within pet populations and are known for carrying various viral, bacterial, and protozoal agents. “We’re committed to protecting pets and pet owners alike from parasites that pose risks to both animal and human health. With the new indication [for these products], we can expand our ability to care for pets by offering an even broader range of parasite protection for cats,” said Dominique Sims, DVM, associate director, scientific affairs, Merck Animal Health, in an organizational release. “Veterinarians can now recommend a treatment option that provides more versatile protection than traditional flea and tick offerings, while giving cat owners peace of mind in knowing their pet is safe from infestations.” Merck’s fluralaner topical solution for cats was previously indicated for treatment and prevention of flea infestations, treatment and control of black-legged ticks and Asian longhorned tick infestations for 12 weeks, and treatment and control of American dog tick infestations for 8 weeks. Additionally, the fluralaner and moxidectin topical solution is also indicated for prevention of heartworm, treatment of infections with intestinal roundworm and hookworm, the ability to kill adult fleas, the treatment and prevention of flea infestations for 2 months, and treatment and control of black-legged tick infestations, American dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks for 2 months. Reference US FDA approves new indication for Merck Animal Health’s Bravecto (fluralaner topical solution) for cats and Bravecto Plus (fluralaner and moxidectin topical solution) for Cats. News release. September 6, 2022. Accessed September 8, 2022. https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/newsroom/fda-approves-new-indication-for-bravecto Source: dvm360.com Image Credit: lesichkadesign/Adobe Stock
BVA calls for extra vigilance and stricter pet import measures after first confirmed dog-to-human case of Brucella canis in the UK
BVA has issued advice for vet teams and members of the public following confirmation of spread of infection from an imported rescue dog to the foster carer and her pets. We have issued a strong reminder to members of the public about the serious disease risks from importing dogs from abroad and are urging all prospective dog owners to protect the health of dogs and humans in the UK by rehoming dogs from within the country instead. BVA is also asking vet teams to take extra precautions and for the Government to tighten pet import rules. The advice follows news earlier this month about a positive Brucella canis test in a rescue dog imported from Belarus in March this year. The woman fostering the dog was hospitalised after coming into close contact with it, in the UK’s first confirmed dog-to-human transmission of this zoonotic disease. The foster animal and four pet dogs who were exposed to the disease, three of whom also tested positive, all had to be euthanised. Data released by the Government shows a steep rise in confirmed Brucella canis cases since the start of 2020, rising from just three before that year to 107 till July this year. The dogs were all either imported, had returned from holiday overseas, or been bred with an imported dog. BVA President Justine Shotton said: “This recent case of Brucella canis in a foster dog is extremely tragic and highlights why vets have long raised concerns over the real and serious risks of importing ‘Trojan’ rescue dogs with unknown health histories into the UK. “We know there is an added public health risk too, including for veterinary teams who treat and handle these animals, from contact with an infected dog’s contaminated body tissues and fluids. “BVA continues to call on the Government to take urgent action to introduce stricter pet import measures, including mandatory pre-import testing, so we can minimise the spread of Brucella canis and other emerging diseases. We are also calling for the strengthening of enforcement provisions and checks on dogs brought into the country through the commercial route.” Read more. Source: British Veterinary Association (BVA) Image: BVA
Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics Market projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.84% between 2022 and 2032 – Future Market Insights, Inc.
The Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics Market in the US is expected to accumulate the highest market share of 34.6% in 2022. The Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics market in Germany is expected to accumulate a market share of 9.7% in 2022, and is expected to continue to maintain the trend over the forecast period as well NEWARK, Del, Sept. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The global Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics market size is expected to be valued at US$ 182.1 Million in 2022. With the adoption of multiple testing panels, coupled with the growing consolidation in the veterinary diagnostics industry, the overall demand for Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.84% between 2022 and 2032, totaling around US$ 352.8 Million by 2032. Factors such as the growing pet animal population around the globe, increased animal health spending and advancements in veterinary molecular diagnostics are expected to propel the growth of the veterinary molecular diagnostics market over the analysis period. Developments in the animal farming sector and changing societal attitude toward pet animals have resulted in an increased demand for fast and reliable diagnostic techniques. Molecular diagnostics possess the potential to address this growing demand. Request Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6742 As of 2018, more than 60% of the US population owned a pet/companion animal. There is an increasing trend of treating pets as family members, which has increased the healthcare demands for veterinary applications. The increasing pet population is one of the reasons for the rising health expenditure on animals, globally. As per the estimates of the American Pet Products Association, the total American pet industry expenditure is expected to reach USD 75.38 billion by end 2019, up from USD 72.56 billion in 2018. The rise in animal health expenditure is expected to drive the growth of the veterinary molecular diagnostics market, as a significant portion of pet owners are expected to use advanced diagnostic modalities for animals, for various disease conditions. Furthermore, there is an increase in the livestock population, owing to the huge demand for animal-derived products. This is expected to increase the demand for molecular diagnostic tests in the next coming years. The Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics Market in the US is expected to accumulate the highest market share of 34.6% in 2022. The United States is expected to dominate the market, attributed to factors, such as rising pet adoption and increasing per capita animal healthcare expenditure. In addition, the rise in the prevalence of various animal diseases and injuries is another major factor that is anticipated to fuel the market growth during the forecast period. The high growth in the number of veterinary practitioners and rise in income levels in developed economies is amongst the important factors intensifying the growth and demand of veterinary molecular diagnostics market. In addition, the increasing demand for pet insurance and growing animal health expenditure is also contributing to the growth in the global market during the forecast period. In addition, the increasing demand for animal-derived food products and rising incidence of animal zoonotic diseases are also enhancing the growth of the market. Likewise, the high growth in companion animal population is also lifting the market growth in the forthcoming years. Source: Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
American Association of Feline Practitioners/EveryCat Health Foundation 2022 FIP Diagnosis Guidelines
EveryCat Health Foundation and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) released the 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines to the veterinary community. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease that can affect any organ in the body, and it is caused by the feline coronavirus (FCoV). In publishing these Guidelines, the AAFP and EveryCat aim to provide veterinarians with the essential information necessary to provide a FIP diagnosis in cats. “First recognized over 50 years ago, feline infectious peritonitis has been one of the most important infectious diseases and causes of death in cats, especially affecting young cats less than two years old,” said Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Task Force Co-Chair. “Further, FIP can be challenging to diagnose in some cases and is often considered an enigma by the veterinary profession. Today, diagnosis relies upon evidence from signalment, history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic testing. The 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines serve as a critical resource for veterinary practitioners diagnosing FIP in their cat patients.” Given the fact that FIP is fatal when untreated and nearly every small animal veterinary practitioner will see FIP cases, the ability to obtain a correct diagnosis is critical. FIP can be challenging to diagnose due to the lack of clinical signs or laboratory changes, especially when no physical symptoms are present. These Guidelines will provide veterinarians with essential information to assist their ability to recognize cats presenting with FIP. “These Guidelines were written with the intent of providing the most current knowledge available in one comprehensive format combined with extensive supplemental resources all in one location,” adds Susan Gogolski, DVM, PMP, DABVP (Canine/Feline), Task Force Co-chair. “The Guidelines will be an invaluable resource to veterinary teams around the world as a clinician builds the index of suspicion of FIP brick by brick.” The Guidelines detail characteristics and pathogenesis of FIP, as well as numerous diagnostic testing factors to understand when testing for FIP. They offer the most current knowledge in an easy-to-read format and provide clear clinical images, diagrams, and tables to help the reader better understand and build a case for FIP. In addition, the Guidelines feature an extensive supplemental library of videos, figures, instructions, and a printable health questionnaire. 2022 Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines Source: EveryCAT.org