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Not a lot of farts, just a soupçon of farts, a light crop-dusting perhaps. Why is this? Our many bacterial nemeses do not like their DNA with farts, so it keeps ours separate. As you may have guessed, a bit of creative license exists here, but you won’t forget this mnemonic device. When do our bodies need to keep bacteria
It’s crunch time! We are one month out from the big day. All travel plans should be finalized. We arrived at the hotel a few days ahead of the exam to allow for a “settling in” period. We didn’t want a stressful day of travel, with little rest and feeling rushed, the night before the test. Bring necessary comforts of
Despite life, work, and intense studying, you have taken time to purchase flowers for that all-important holiday that occurs near the ides of February. We are talking of course, about Lupercalia, the ancient Sabine celebration which the Romans later renamed as Februa. During this time, we purify evil I-can’t-possibly-pass-this-test self-doubts and rejuvenate our health and cognitive fertility. With
If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the player above. Podcast: Thanksgiving Food SafetyLength: 2 min 14 secondsWritten and read by the author
“What do you feed your dog?” you perfunctorily inquire, while completing your examination. “Cooked chicken and rice,” the pet owner boasts. “Is that on top of the kibble?” “No. Just chicken and rice. I buy premium, cooked chickens at Costco. I make sure it is lean, white meat, no skin, no bones, no fat. Then I cook some white
Raw oysters on the half-shell. Just the words invoke strong responses. For some, these trigger dreamy-eyed memories of Beausoleil or Bluepoint delicacies garnished with favorite toppings. Others wrinkle their lips at the idea of eating a chilled, living, or recently dead filter feeder with the consistency of sturdy phlegm. Neutral feelings on eating raw oysters appear rare. About fifteen years
Not a lot of farts, just a soupçon of farts, a light crop-dusting perhaps. Why is this? Our many bacterial nemeses do not like their
It’s crunch time! We are one month out from the big day. All travel plans should be finalized. We arrived at the hotel a few
Despite life, work, and intense studying, you have taken time to purchase flowers for that all-important holiday that occurs near the ides of February.
If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the player above. Podcast: Thanksgiving
“What do you feed your dog?” you perfunctorily inquire, while completing your examination. “Cooked chicken and rice,” the pet owner boasts. “Is that on
Raw oysters on the half-shell. Just the words invoke strong responses. For some, these trigger dreamy-eyed memories of Beausoleil or Bluepoint delicacies garnished with favorite
As we trudged knee-deep through the course of this year, we witnessed dramatic adjustments in our life. In scientific measurement terms, we experienced a “shift-ton”
Together, my rounded, asymmetric face, flirtatiously irregular hairline, upturned nostrils, and small, almost beady, eyes create a visage that Chris Hemsworth and Keanu Reeves envy.
Have you ever asked, “What are my odds?” For most people, this question seeks information different from what an epidemiologist, mathematician, or gambler inquires after.
Have you ever read a vaccine study and quickly tried to skip to the heart of the matter? Perhaps there is someone there, a teacher,
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First described in Missouri in 1970, Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-transmitted protozoan within the family Theileriidae. Bobcats and recovered domestic cats act as reservoir hosts
In the last post, we introduced the components of a livestock ration. Here, we delve a little deeper into what happens when the diet is
Have you ever read a vaccine study and quickly tried to skip to the heart of the matter? Perhaps there is someone there, a teacher,
If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the player above. Podcast: CHNOPS,
“Comparison is the death of joy.” People have been shifting their concept of human beauty over the centuries, and with this, their view of an
Are goats man’s second best friend? They certainly hold the qualifications. In addition to companionship, they have been providing resources to humans for thousands of
How do you pronounce “proboscis?” One of my favorite teachers, a forensic entomologist, held a pet peeve for pronouncing the mosquito’s mouthparts as “pro-baa-skus (prəˈbɑːskɪs)”
You are what you eat. The same goes for your livestock. If they are to perform to their greatest potential, you must provide them with
Together, my rounded, asymmetric face, flirtatiously irregular hairline, upturned nostrils, and small, almost beady, eyes create a visage that Chris Hemsworth and Keanu Reeves envy.
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kjerv-816c3a What are Free Radicals and Oxidants? How exactly do they cause harm? In this short, fun podcast we dive into the weeds using a
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A new type of infection first described in Australia in 1930 is in the news again. Known by many names, including Buruli ulcer, Barnsdale ulcer
Ah, spring. It is the best of times, it is the worst of mosquitoes. It is the season of light, it is the season of
Have you noticed some days there seems to be a “haze” in the air? Does it seem harder to breathe on those days? Ever wondered
It’s springtime again, and you should already have your mare booked to a stallion. If you have a Quarter Horse, you have the advantage of
Clean water is the key to maintaining any civilization. John Snow is credited with linking a cholera epidemic to contaminated drinking water in 1855. According
Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) on December 11, 1980. Commonly referred to as Superfund, the Act created a tax
How much poo do you want to make? Sounds weird but this is an important evolutionary question. A food-to-poo ratio appears pre-set, but it isn’t.
In the last post, we introduced the components of a livestock ration. Here, we delve a little deeper into what happens when the diet is
Maggots are gross. No two ways about it. Tiny little creatures with a voracious appetite consuming flesh. But, did you know that there are different
All life depends on the hydrologic cycle. Life and death cycle, as does water. Today’s rain will be tomorrow’s groundwater.
Have you ever asked, “What are my odds?” For most people, this question seeks information different from what an epidemiologist, mathematician, or gambler inquires after.
Baylisascaris procyonis is the name of the roundworm found in raccoons. It does infect other wildlife species (e.g., skunks, bears) and domestic dogs. People are
If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the player above. Podcast: Rabbit
If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the player above. Podcast: ♫
In our last podcast, we introduced our listeners to the basics of farmed Pacific white shrimp. But, with any commercial livestock operation comes increased risk
So far, we have covered reproduction and lactation. Now we move on to growing and weaning stages. A common practice in many Midwestern states involves
The most powerful woman in the world blinded her own son to uphold her beliefs Gorgeous, brilliant, and powerful, the Empress Irene perched upon her
Great stories require great villains, which implies three-dimensional, well-developed characters. Often, they generate more interest and fascination than the hero, hence, the prevalence of antiheroes
Adult livestock tend to resist the effects of mineral deficiency better than young animals. Increased demands from growth and decreased body reserves put young animals
Like the ancient Roman army, cytokines are a formidable force When facing Carthaginian forces on the field of battle, Roman infantry proved devastating and impactful.
No one wants to deal with a medical emergency. They are never planned, and always seem to occur at the least opportune time. You can
We are in a continual battle to protect our fragile alveoli every day. Escaping into a climate controlled building can protect us from criteria air
No one wants to experience a disaster. But, disasters happen every day. Most people plan ahead of time, to limit the impact the disaster has
I love capers! When I see these tasty little delicacies included in the description of a savory dish, my mouth is already watering. Being a
NOx is an EPA Criteria Pollutant We often abbreviate nitrous oxides as NOx, where the “x” implies varying numbers of atoms to collectively refer to
We covered the basics of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in our previous post. We will delve a little deeper into the three economically significant diseases in
“Thou shouldst say regarding him: ‘One having a gaping wound in his head penetrating to the bone, perforating the sutures of his skull; he has
The Red Queen Hypothesis In the second chapter of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass, Alice encounters the Red Queen who personifies the archetypal chess
Have you been recommended to have your goat vaccinated for rabies? Perhaps you don’t have a goat but own other livestock or even pets. Have
A closer look at Predictive Values When waging war and winning battles, successful generals consider timing a critical factor. Shall we move at dawn or
Few people have been affected first hand by disaster like the residents of California right now. Devastation of that magnitude is thankfully rare in the
In the previous two posts, we learned about the criteria air pollutants, and the harm they cause to your health and the environment. In the
In our third installment of prion diseases, we will discuss the oldest of the TSEs: scrapie. Scrapie affects sheep, goats, and their close relatives. Scrapie
Ancient Romans knew that lead posed risk Contrary to popular belief, the ancient Romans understood that lead could be harmful. During the reign of the
Brainerd disease isn’t just for the smart. Brainerd disease almost sounds like something that you want to have doesn’t it? “How did I ace that
While many people take St. John’s Wort as an herbal treatment for depression, the plant induces painful sunburns in goats when eaten. Sound crazy? Wondering
We are going to step back from the normal informational post and test your foreign animal disease (FAD) knowledge. This post’s onus stems from my
Pliny the Elder’s beliefs on ticks Since people have looked out at their natural world, they have sought to classify and understand all life, including
Sea lions in California are once again battling a debilitating and fatal disease. This disease affects multiple species, including humans. It may sound like the
Imagine a beautiful summer evening. You are sitting in your chair, listening to the birds and watching deer move in. Such a peaceful, serene, relaxing
If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the player above. Podcast: Rabies
Cattle herds of all sizes benefit from the protection of herd immunity. This is achieved by annual vaccination of all animals against diseases that are
Podcast: Free Audio File If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the
Napalm vs Greek Fire When recalling the horrors of WW II, Vietnam, and the Korean war, we can hardly do so without including the haunting
Winter has arrived in many parts of the country. For many, this means months of snow and below freezing temperatures. Here are a few things
Are goats man’s second best friend? They certainly hold the qualifications. In addition to companionship, they have been providing resources to humans for thousands of
Some animals don’t poop Most everyone has heard of the Japanese book titled, “Everybody Poops.” It tackles the issue of shame that surrounds defecation but
This subject is a little more obscure for the majority of our readers, but to those affected by it, understanding the risks and required safety
Good husbandry practices continue to eliminate many diseases that have plagued livestock owners for many generations. We have seen the eradication of rinderpest, brought many
It’s crunch time! We are one month out from the big day. All travel plans should be finalized. We arrived at the hotel a few
Does Karenia Mean “Pure Evil?” The name Karen comes from the Greek word for “pure.” Pure what though, can be interpreted. In the case of
Podcast: Free Audio File If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the
Terms of Venery In the late Middle Ages, the terms of naming groups of animals rapidly expanded. After all, without Netflix or Twitter, what else
The weather around the globe continues its unpredictable pattern. Many areas of the US are experiencing unusual flooding for this time of year. With flood
Hopefully after Dr. Lee’s series of Goatcasts, you are seriously entertaining the thought of adding goats to your operation. There are many benefits to having
Don’t French Kiss Animals… (just in case you were wondering) If you are tuning in because you wonder if you should stop French kissing animals,
“Would you bathe with these people?” “Would you bathe with these people?” That is what you are doing. You are about to jump into chlorinated
Tick sex is gross but other aspects are more disturbing As I studied the respiration of ticks, I found the process uncomfortable. At first, I
We are at the peak of summer equine activities: fairs, rodeos, trail rides, weekend ropings. Unfortunately, many horse owners elect to stay home to protect
When flipping through a news article involving infectious disease, it’s likely you have some across the terms of incidence and prevalence. “There is an alarming
The US is currently battling another foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak. Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND) made its way into southern California and continues to spread.
It’s a beautiful spring afternoon. The grass is lush and green, the cattle are contentedly grazing. Calves chase around the pasture. It was a hard
Differential Diagnosis The ACVPM exam is over, and you decide to reward your hard work with a relaxing night out. While at supper, you are
Ticks might be one of the original and best scuba divers I got my scuba diving certificate roughly around the same time as my driver’s
Omnivorous opossums creep quietly through the night, in search of a meal of just about anything. Many benefits come from having opossums for neighbors, including
In the last podcast, we discussed cyanogenic plants – plants that create cyanide. Some trees are consistent risks, other plants like Sudan grass depend upon
Canning your own foods at home is a great way to preserve extra food, and provide meals for your family. If the process is not
One of my all-time favorite TV shows is Frasier from the ’90s. In one episode, Frasier’s brother Niles reminds us of the axiom, “Less is
I have always undervalued vomiting. I hate vomiting. When I say “hate,” I am not using this in our culture’s overused version of the term.
Love at First Sight I believe in love at first sight. I remember staring into the eyes of Effany. It was as if our souls
Paraphrased, Nietzsche said, “There are no facts, only interpretation.” This could apply to malarial species. If you do some intense data searching, that is, you
Spring Break has passed, and it’s time to hit the books again. In just 10 rapidly approaching weeks, all your hard work will be put
Welcome back. In the last malaria podcast, we covered the background and challenges malaria presented regarding vaccines. Today, we will lightly touch upon some of
Nutrition remains a complex and fluid subject for most producers. Keeping livestock at peak production means providing the best nutrition possible. For ease of discussion,
In the last post, we introduced the six criteria air pollutants. In this installment, we delve deeper into their malicious nature, and the damage they
If you prefer to listen to podcasts, feel free to play the audio version of this blog by clicking on the player above. Podcast: AnthraxLength:
I remember being a small child and my father took me to the Los Angeles Zoo. Having been raised in the suburbs, livestock represented cute
Superfamilies. The answer is yes! As an ape, you are a card-carrying member of the superfamily Hominoidea. Taxonomy classifies all living beings from three domains
Which are you? Are you right or left-handed? What about your DNA? That’s right, your DNA has handedness or what chemists call chirality. Unlike human
When we discuss foreign animal diseases, we usually think of mammals, with the occasional bird outbreak. But, in the field of veterinary medicine, we treat
As we trudged knee-deep through the course of this year, we witnessed dramatic adjustments in our life. In scientific measurement terms, we experienced a “shift-ton”
The Gram Stain differentiates gram-positive bacteria, which have one membrane, from gram-negative, which have two. We glean significant information from gram-typing, whether you are a
“Comparison is the death of joy.” People have been shifting their concept of human beauty over the centuries, and with this, their view of an
There have been a few articles in the news recently involving cases of human illness from drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk or consuming dairy products made
So, you have decided to sit for the ACVPM board exams and have been accepted. Congratulations! What now? Well, with more than a few months
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler” – Einstein “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler,” wise
Weaning will be upon us sooner than expected. Are your calves ready? Are they protected from blackleg? All breeds of calves are susceptible to blackleg,
In the last segment, we introduced the Incident Command System (ICS). In this post, we will cover the day-to-day workings of the Incident Command Post
Oligodynamics: Copper, element 29, perches atop the eleventh column of the periodic table above some extraordinary transition metals. Leading the way with oligodynamic, or bacterial
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kjerv-816c3a What are Free Radicals and Oxidants? How exactly do they cause harm? In this short, fun podcast we dive into the weeds using a
If you are outside of the medical field, the term half-life may conjure thoughts of radioactivity or carbon dating. Within the medical field, half-life tells
Together, my rounded, asymmetric face, flirtatiously irregular hairline, upturned nostrils, and small, almost beady, eyes create a visage that Chris Hemsworth and Keanu Reeves envy.
I’ve always loved the story about the tortoise and the hare. Born a glacial thinker, the story gave me hope. As a child, I worried
The USDA recently announced a transition to Single Tier Label Claim for all veterinary biologics. Effective for all newly licensed vaccines, the decision retroactively applies
This has been an unprecedented year for hurricanes. A total of three Category 4 storms made landfall in the US. Hurricanes are rated using the
In our last podcast, we tackled the common question of why you might give a rabies vaccine that is labeled for one species to an
Typhus sounds remotely familiar, right? It is another one of those diseases from the past? Not so fast. It is actually an emerging disease is
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of over 70 species of wild and domestic cloven-hoofed mammals. From the OIE Technical
What Lurks Beneath the Sand? Sand fleas and beach fleas, jigger or chigger? Red bugs or bed bugs. Who do you figure? Can ya tell
Bacteria have evolved some very unique methods of transferring genes amongst themselves. One trait that is of high concern is antibiotic resistance. How is it
