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Here is what was popular this week on dvm360.com:

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been 

 in 2 raw pet food products, which is linked to several infections in cats and one death. Additional deaths have also been reported following the ingestion of infected raw milk.

Veterinary toxicologists at Pet Poison Helpline are warning pet parents about the dangers of accidental exposure to semaglutide weight loss medications, like 

, after multiple calls to the helpline were made after pets received these medications instead of insulin.

 of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, the newest addition to the dvm360 editorial advisory board, shares insights into leptospirosis with host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA.

 through a recent study that household dogs are an overlooked transmission source for nontyphoidal 

 with dvm360, Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia) shared an inside look into her upcoming workshop which she will be presenting on mechanical ventilation. She will be co-presenting with Tami Lind, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), and Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) at the upcoming Veterinary & Meeting Expo in Orlando, Florida.

The American Veterinary Medical Association 

 its new tool that will connect trained veterinary first responders with state officials that are in need of their services during emergencies and disasters.

Articles

Wrap up: Multiple feline deaths reported after HPAI exposure through raw milk and pet food, and other veterinary news

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in 2 raw pet food products, resulting in several infected cats and one death. According to public health officials, additional cat deaths have been reported following infected raw milk consumption. As of December 24, 2024, more potential cases of H5 bird flu in cats are under investigation.

Northwest Naturals recalled 2 lb Feline Turkey Recipe front. (Photo courtesy of Northwest Naturals)

Northwest Naturals recalled 2 lb Feline Turkey Recipe back. (Photo courtesy of Northwest Naturals)

Northwest Naturals, based in Portland, Oregon, voluntarily recalled its Northwest Naturals brand 2 lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for H5 bird flu.

 The product comes in a blue-colored plastic bag with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1.

Distributors in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington in the United States, as well as British Columbia, Canada, sold the product nationwide.

Testing was conducted by the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) and the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ODVL) at Oregon State University following the death of a cat in Washington County, Oregon who contracted H5N1 and died after consuming the raw pet food product.

 A genetic match between the H5N1 virus found in the pet food and the infected cat was confirmed.

“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” Ryan Scholz, DVM, MPH, Oregon Department of Agriculture state veterinarian, said in a state government release.

“This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other.”

Clients who have bought the recalled product should discard it right away and contact the retailer for a full refund, wrote the ODA in a release.

 Northwest Naturals of Portland can be contacted at info@nw-naturals.net or at 866-637-1872, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM PST for additional information or questions.

Monarch Raw Pet Food. (Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County Department of Public Health)

H5 bird flu was also detected in Monarch Raw Pet Food product samples.

Following detection, county officials from the Los Angeles (LA) County Department of Public Health are urging residents to avoid feeding their pets this product, which was sold at California farmers markets in Laguna Niguel, Orange, San Jacinto, Fountain Valley, Beaumont, Corona, and Palm Springs.

A house cat that consumed Monarch Raw Pet Food was confirmed to be positive with H5 bird flu, according to LA County Department of Public Health. “Four other house cats from the same household are presumed to have also been positive for H5 bird flu after consuming the product,” the department wrote in a news release.

“Residents who fed their pets Monarch Raw Pet Food products or other raw meat or dairy products and notice their pet is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their veterinarian,” they continued. “Residents should avoid consumption of all raw milk and raw meat products, and not feed these to their pets.”

Monarch Raw Pet Food released a statement on January 3, 2025 in response to the H5 bird flu claims, asserting the safety of their product. “We want to assure our customers and the public that these claims are not substantiated by any scientific evidence at this time,” the company wrote.

“At Monarch Raw Food Pet Company, we adhere to the highest industry standards when it comes to quality and safety,” the company continued. “The ingredients that we purchase for our products undergo rigorous testing and quality assurance processes to ensure they are safe for pets.”

According to Monarch Raw Food Pet Company, they are monitoring the situation and will work with veterinary and health professionals to investigate the claim.

LA County health officials are also investigating a separate case of H5 bird flu in 4 house cats. The virus was confirmed in these felines after they consumed raw milk contaminated with the virus and became sick and died, according to the department.

The state health department is also looking into additional potential H5 bird flu cases in 3 house cats from a different household. One cat was confirmed to have Influenza A, a rare finding in felines that suggests the potential presence of H5 bird flu, wrote the state health department.

The agency also reported the death of 2 more cats after a “worsening respiratory illness.” Testing is still pending, but these felines are presumed to have also been infected with Influenza A.

“These cats were not known to be exposed to raw milk, however public health is investigating other possible sources of infection, including raw meat,” wrote the agency.

The state health department published a comprehensive 

guidance document for veterinary practices with suspect cases of H5 bird flu in pet patients

 that includes guidance for communicating with clients about H5 bird flu risks, what to do in the case of a potential H5 bird flu case in a patient, and instructions for H5 bird flu sampling of animals with veterinary public health test kits.

 The document advises veterinary professionals to urge clients to not consume nor feed their pets raw dairy, raw meat, raw poultry, or raw pet food diets; stay informed about recalls, sharing information with clients; and more.

Public Health warns against feeding pets raw food following H5 bird flu virus detection. County of Los Angeles Public Health. December 24, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubdetail.cfm?unit=media&ou=ph&prog=media&cur=cur&prid=4918&row=25&start=1

Northwest Naturals of Portland voluntary recall of Northwest Naturals brand 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food due to HPAI contamination. News release. Oregon Department of Agriculture. December 26, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODA/Posts/Post/morasch-meats-voluntary-recall-feline-raw-pet-food-hpai

Public Health warns against feeding pets raw food following H5 flu virus detection. News release. County of Los Angeles Public Health. December 31, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubdetail.cfm?unit=media&ou=ph&prog=media&cur=cur&prid=4923&row=25&start=1

Monarch Raw Pet Food. Monarch Raw Pet Food. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

https://www.monarchrawpetfood.com/where-to-buy

Monarch Raw Food Pet Company addresses allegations regarding bird flu claims. News release. January 3, 2025. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d89ce7b18a3bef5ade55c6/67789acebe437367772eee7e_Monarch%20Statement%20v1.1%2001-03-25.pdf

Guidance for veterinary practices with suspect cases of H5 bird flu in pets. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

http://ph.lacounty.gov/vet/docs/GuidanceForVets_H5BirdFluSuspectAnimals.pdf

Government officials are urging pet owners to avoid feeding pets raw diets amid multiple cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in felines and raw pet food recalls

Several cat deaths reported following bird flu exposure through raw pet food and milk

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia), discusses the upcoming VMX workshop on mechanical ventilation, which she will co-present with Tami Lind , BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), and Darci Palmer , LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia).

Mechanical ventilation lab coming to VMX 2025

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia), director of training and staff development at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey, and a founder of the Anesthesia Nerds organization, discusses the upcoming Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) workshop on mechanical ventilation, in an interview with 

. McNerney will co-present the workshop with Tami Lind, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), and Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), for a VMX audience of veterinary professionals who are new to mechanical ventilators or who are considering a ventilator purchase in the future. It will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025; 8 am to 12 pm, at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida. 

The following is transcript of the video:

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia)

: The mechanical ventilation lab is going to be really interesting. It's taught by myself, and then 2 other VTS techs, Tammy Lind, [BS, RVT, VTS (ECC),] out of Purdue [University], and then Darcy Palmer, [LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia),] who is out of Tuskegee [University]. Pretty amazing, amazing faculty. 

So, we are going to walk people through a case-based approach to when am I going to need to use a mechanical ventilator. I'm watching this patient under anesthesia. At what point do I say, 'hey, this patient needs more support than what I can just give manually.' And when should I throw on that mechanical ventilator? 

Then, we're going to take it a step further, and we're going to look at different types of mechanical ventilators, because you might go into one practice, and they may have a very basic, volume-driven mechanical ventilator, but then you might go into, say, our downstairs [at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital], and you may have a very advanced mechanical ventilator that has 6 different settings and different modes. And how do you choose one over the other? When do you increase your tidal volume. When would you increase your respiratory rate?... 

Because Tammy is a VTS in emergency and critical care, we're also then going to be exploring long-term mechanical ventilation and how that long term mechanical ventilation plays in the ICU. So she's going to be going over the ICU ventilator in particular, and how, again, you can change different settings based on the way your patient is presenting to you.

Videos

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia), discusses the upcoming VMX workshop on mechanical ventilation, which she will co-present with Tami Lind, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), and Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)

Guiding technicians using mechanical ventilation in patient care

(Image courtesy of The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)

After the recent discovery of New World screwworm (NWS) infection in a cow located in Southern Mexico, the United States federal government has begun to take action to prevent NWS from entering the country. The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released $165 million in emergency funding to protect pets, livestock, and wildlife in the US.

NWS can infect any living mammal, including humans, and birds in rare cases. The infestation occurs when a female fly lays eggs on a host’s open wounds and other vulnerable areas. The larvae then burrow themselves into the flesh, causing severe damage, infection, and in many cases, death.

In 1966, the United States declared that NWS had been eradicated through sterile insect techniques, which involves the release of sterile male flies to disrupt reproduction and gradually reduce the pest population.

 There was one outbreak since this, which took place in the Florida Keys in 2016 but was limited to only the Key islands 

Although eradicated in the US, screwworm is endemic in Central and South American countries, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and has recently spread rapidly throughout Panama and into Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Then, in November 22, 2024, The chief veterinary officer of Mexico notified APHIS that the country had a positive detection of NSW in southern Mexico, near the Guatemalan border.

“The current outbreaks in Central America demonstrate the need for USDA to increase its investment in NWS eradication and prevention,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA under secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, in an APHIS release.

 “If NWS were to spread to the United States, it would result in significant economic losses and threats to animal health and welfare. This funding will allow for a coordinated emergency response to control the outbreak and prevent NWS from spreading to the United States.”

The funding from APHIS will help support intensified surveillance, animal health checkpoints, and working with Mexico and Central American countries to help establish a new barrier on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as well as reestablish the Panama Barrier. The measures will also involve eradicating areas affected by NWS through the sterile insect technique.

Along with funding, APHIS will tighten restrictions on imports of animal products originating from, or transitioning through, Mexico. APHIS is also urging livestock producers located on the US southern border to monitor their animals for signs of NWS, which include enlarging or draining wounds, discomfort, and the presence of larvae or eggs near superficial injuries.

The USDA is encouraging pet owners and producers to report any potential cases to their local animal health authorities immediately and any person who suspects they have a screwworm infection should seek immediate medical attention.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Screwworm maggots inflict significant damage to its host by tearing its tissue with the maggots sharp mouth hooks.

 When compared to normal maggots that only feed on tissue that is either dead or dying, the screwworm feeds on healthy living tissues. If infected, more larvae hatch and will continue to feed, potentially expanding and deepening the wounds that can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, harm. If these infections are left untreated, NWS-caused myiasis can be fatal within 7-10 days.

NWS-infested wounds usually include discharge of blood and serum, drainage, suppuration, and has a distinctive odor. Secondary infections are also common, and a close examination could show shingle-like deposition of fly eggs in marginal or peripheral masses.

The third day of infection is when the larvae are visible and are positioned head-down with their posterior ends at the surface of the wound.

 If the wound is deep, pocket-like, and the opening small, minor movement within the wound could be the only indication of infestation.

Anyone interested in learning more about NWS should visit the APHIS website.

USDA Approves Emergency Funding to Protect U.S. Livestock and Animals from New World Screwworm. News release. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. December 13, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-approves-emergency-funding-protect-us-livestock-animals-new-world#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20December%2013%2C%202024%20%E2%80%93,and%20to%20increase%20USDA's%20ongoing

Nolen RS. Mexico screwworm case triggers US emergency response. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published December 20, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/mexico-screwworm-case-triggers-us-emergency-response

Veterinarians in the United States are asked to be on the lookout for signs of possible infections 

Screwworm case in Mexico prompts emergency response in the United States

The Veterinary Hospital Management Association (VHMA) has launched a new scholarship program to support veterinary management professionals who aspire to earn the organization’s Certified Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) credential. The Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program also honors the founder and visionary behind the certification.

In 1981, Opperman founded the VHMA, which has grown to serve more than 5000 members with training, education, and resources. He led the efforts to create the CVPM certification program, which was launched in 1989. The CVPM certification is only available through VHMA, and is highest credential that a veterinary practice management professional can achieve, according to the association.

“We hope to continue Mark Opperman’s legacy by paving the way for more practice management professionals to attain the CVPM certification,” Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA executive director, said in a news release.

CVOM: VHMA’s new veterinary management certification program

Prior to taking the CVPM exam, applicants need to meet practice management experience requirements and demonstrate that they have earned sufficient formal education and continuing education credits, according to VHMS. The CVPM exam is rigorous, testing management knowledge in the areas of human resources, law and ethics, marketing, organization of the practice, and finance. Candidates can access the exam electronically throughout North America.

Recent CVPM credential earners were announced by VHMA last month. The following 15 individuals were named to the certification class of November 2024: Brooke Aicher, Erik Amador, Crystal Bear, Justina Cutler, Lauralee Dorst, Scarlett Fox, Diane Franklin, Maggie Holcomb, Becca Hollis, Jennifer Knap, Abbey Oldani, Nancy Schwartz, Danielle Wholey and Rebecca Wilson.

Each year, the Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program will recognize 1 practice manager and financially assist them by covering the cost of its application fee. The annual deadline to apply for the scholarship is September 1 with applications submitted through the VHMA 

To qualify for the award program, candidates must be a paid VHMA member in good standing, meet the current CVPM program qualifications, have active employment as a practice manager for a minimum of 3 years within the last 7 years, have completed 18 college semester hours in management-related courses, provide 4 letters of recommendation and submit a 250-word essay on mentorship. Applicants who have already taken and passed the CVPM examination do not qualify, according to VHMA.

VHMA announces the Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program. News release. Veterinary Hospital Management Association. January 16, 2024.

Veterinary practice managers earn prestigious CVPM designation. News release. Veterinary Hospital Management Association. December 12, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

https://www.vhma.org/blogs/vhma-admin/2024/12/12/cvpmnovember2024class

The Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program honors the association's founder and visionary behind the CVPM certification.

New scholarship program for practice managers is launched

Purina announced it has selected the 5 pet care startup finalists from across the United States for its 9

 annual Pet Care Innovation Prize out of almost 150 applicants. Each of the chosen finalist represented startups across from the pet care industry will receive $25,000 and Purina will provide them mentorship support.

"At Purina, our commitment to enriching the lives of pets and their people is strengthened through collaboration with innovative startups, such as the incredible cohort of this year's Pet Care Innovation Prize finalists," Patrick Mullen, co-lead of Purina's 9 Square Ventures group and vice president of strategic planning at Purina, said in a news release.

 "These passionate pet care entrepreneurs are tackling challenges in a variety of areas that all have the opportunity to help pets and those who are passionate about them thrive. We are excited to partner with these companies to foster their growth and success in the continuously growing and competitive pet care landscape."

: An artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to predict disease, generate diagnostic plans, and support nutrition for longevity. The company also is working to solve workflow and documentation challenges for staff and reduce the number of clicks it takes to finish exams, allowing teams to focus more on patient care.

: Maven is a veterinary-recommended health sensor that is capable of continuously monitoring a patient’s wellbeing as well as identify early, and clinically relevant, changes.

: Ten Lives produces clean animal protein for cats. The company uses microbes to convert sugar to protein to develop the same proteins that are found in prey naturally, such as fish, lamb, and rabbit. Ten Lives is also made without any animals in human-grade precision fermentation facilities.

ShopDot Pet is a platform allowing neighborhood pet care providers, such as veterinarians, groomers, and trainers, to generate additional revenue by spelling pet essentials with no heavy cost of inventory shipping. The platform allows pet service business and pet brands to sell more and collaborate.

 Yak9 Chews is a pet brand dedicated to long lasting and all-natural cheese chews for dogs.

According to the release, in addition to the $25,000, each winning startup winner will also receive mentorship from the Pet Care Innovation team at Purina and Active Capital.

 Each winner will also participate in an accelerator boot camp in St. Louis, Missouri at Purina’s headquarters which will feature sessions with top pet experts at Purina as well as influential voices across the pet care industry.

In March 2025, each winner will compete for an additional $25,000 during a pitch competition at Global Pet Expo and each startup will present to Purina executives, industry influencers, and investors. Last year's finalists included Swiftpaws, BetsyBnD, Arch Pet Food, RYERCAT, and VetChip.

Purina Awards $125,000 to Five U.S.-Based Pet Startups through 2025 Pet Care Innovation Prize. News release. Nestlé Purina PetCare. January 15, 2025. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

https://newscenter.purina.com/2025-01-15-Purina-Awards-125,000-to-Five-U-S-Based-Pet-Startups-through-2025-Pet-Care-Innovation-Prize

dvm360 staff. 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize finalists announced. 

. January 9, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/2024-pet-care-innovation-prize-finalists-announced

These United States-based companies were the selected winners of Purina’s 2025 Pet Care Innovation Prize 