The US Department of Agriculture recently announced it is investing up to $100 million in projects on avian influenza prevention, therapeutics, research, and vaccines. According to the USDA, the decision was made in consultation with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The USDA will provide funding to eligible entities through a competitive process. Eligible establishments include

For-profit organizations (including manufacturers and vaccines, biologics, and therapeutics), non-US organizations, and non-domestic components of US organizations

State, national, allied, or regional producer organizations with a direct or significant economic interest in poultry production

State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organizations or specialty boards recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association

Nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than higher education institutions

Proposals that focus on one or more of the following areas will be prioritized

Development of novel therapeutics to address highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry

Development of novel vaccines to protect poultry from HPAI

Research to better understand risk pathways of avian influenza for producers and to inform improved biosecurity and response strategies

Therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing avian influenza and treating infected flocks will be tested for efficacy by the USDA. Additionally, the USDA and the HHS will research prevention strategies to encourage biosecurity in humans and agriculture. The move is aimed at lowering the impact of avian influenza on American farmers, according to the USDA.

The deadline to submit a proposal and apply for funding is May 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Applicants must have a Login.gov account and be registered with the US Government System for Award Management, which can take at least 10 business days to process. Applicants will also need to create an ezFedGrants account, where the application forms will be completed.

 Additional application instructions can be found on the 

 by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-VSSP0000-25-0015.

The USDA is also looking for vaccine candidates. Candidates must be

Compatible with the ability to differentiate vaccinated from infected animals (DIVA), as well as with serologic testing schema

Providing sterilizing or long-duration immunity

Requiring hands-off delivery for protection in chickens and turkeys

“While USDA is exploring the viability of vaccinating poultry for HPAI; the use of any vaccine has not been authorized at this time,” wrote the USDA in its announcement.

 “Before making a determination, USDA, in consultation with HHS, CDC, NIH, and FDA will solicit feedback from governors, State departments of agriculture, veterinarians, farmers, the public health system, and the American public.”

The funding plan, which is aimed at curbing HPAI, protecting the US poultry industry, and lowering egg prices, comes after the USDA announced in February a $1 billion strategy focused on combating avian influenza. Of this funding, $500 million will support biosecurity measures, $400 million will offer financial relief for affected farmers, and $100 million will go toward vaccine research, action to decrease regulatory burdens, and exploring temporary import options.

USDA announces next steps in the effort to support the fight against avian influenza. News release. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. March 20, 2025. Accessed April 7, 2025. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-announces-next-steps-effort-support-fight-against-avian-influenza#:~:text=USDA%20will%20invest%20up%20to,support%20America's%20farmers%20and%20ranchers.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poultry innovation grand challenge funding opportunity. April 2, 2025. US Department of Agriculture. Accessed April 7, 2025. 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/funding/hpai-poultry-innovation-grand-challenge

USDA invests up to $1 billion to combat avian flu and reduce egg prices. News release. US Department of Agriculture. February 26, 2025. Accessed April 7, 2025. https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/26/usda-invests-1-billion-combat-avian-flu-and-reduce-egg-prices

Articles

The US Department of Agriculture will prioritize proposals focusing on therapeutics, vaccines, and research

USDA announces $100M funding opportunity for avian influenza solutions

The Philadelphia Zoo’s 2 oldest residents, Mommy and Abrazzo, who are estimated to be around 100 years old, welcomed 4 hatchlings. Mommy is currently considered one of the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) and one of the oldest first-time mothers in her species.

Mommy at the Philadelphia Zoo (Image courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo)

Galapagos tortoises can be found on the Galapagos Islands located in the Pacific Ocean right off the coast of Ecuador and are the largest living species of tortoises. A small Galapagos tortoise can grow to be about 500 pounds, and females can average around 250 pounds. Because they are cold-blooded, they spend 1-2 hours laying in the sun before spending another 8-9 just grazing and relaxing. It is estimated by scientists that these tortoises can live between 100-200 years, and there are only 13 living species native to 7 of the islands.

According to the Philadelphia Zoo, the hatchlings are being held behind-the-scenes in the Reptile and Amphibian House, eating and growing appropriately, each weighing between 70-80 grams. Out of the 4, the first one hatched on February 27, 2025, and the team at the zoo continued to monitor the other eggs that could hatch following the first. Each of the hatchlings will make their debut to the Philadelphia public on Wednesday April 23, 2025, which is also the 93

 anniversary of Mommy’s arrival to the Zoo.

“As an AZA accredited institution, we take great responsibility participating in the Galapagos Tortoise SSP and are thrilled for this successful pairing of Mommy and Abrazzo,” expressed Rachel Metz, vice president of animal well-being and conservation, in the organizational release.

“At one point, each of the Galapagos Islands had its own unique Galapagos tortoise, but sadly, several of them are now extinct. These hatchlings not only protect the species from extinction, but serve as important ambassadors to inspire guests to save wildlife and wild places.”

Each of the hatchlings are part of the AZA SSP breeding program, which works to help ensure the survival of this species while also maintaining a genetically diverse population. The Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation due to human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and the introduction of invasive species.

 Besides the 4 born at the Philadelphia Zoo, the last clutch of these tortoises to be hatched in an AZA accredited zoo was at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina in 2019. Other zoos across the United States have also shared they have breeding pairs of the species, including Honolulu Zoo, San Diego Zoo, and Zoo Miami. 

The 4 hatchlings at the Philadelphia Zoo (Images courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo)

Galapagos Tortoises at the Philadelphia Zoo

Abrazzo was brought to the Philadelphia Zoo in December 2020 on a SSP breeding recommendation from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. The Zoo then made donations on its Giving ZOO Day 2021 to buy a new substrate for Mommy to be able to lay her eggs in. The following year, the animal care team worked with its conservation education team to study the animals and create an ethogram of Abrazzo’s behaviors to see how he was spending his time. Then, starting in 2023, Mommy laid 4 clutches of eggs, with 3 resulting in no viable eggs, but this group of hatchlings came from the 4

Typical female tortoises lay 2-20 white, hard-shelled, spherical eggs about the size of a billiard ball in a hole they dig, according to the release.

 In November 2024, Mommy laid 16 eggs, and the reptile and amphibian team dug them up to incubate 8 as male and 8 as female. The sex of the hatchlings is determined by the incubation temperature, with temperatures below 82.4°F producing males and above 85.1°F producing females, and they hatch after 4-8 months. Each of the baby tortoises hatched were incubated as female in the Philadelphia Zoo.

“The Galapagos Tortoise SSP program is thrilled to help Philadelphia Zoo welcome Mommy’s offspring,” said Ashley Ortega, Galapagos tortoise SSP coordinator and studbook keeper at Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas. “This feat is even more incredible considering that Mommy is the oldest first-time producing female of her species in any US zoo. Prior to the hatchlings, there were only 44 individual Western Santa Cruz Giant tortoises in all US zoos combined, so these newest additions represent a new genetic lineage and some much-needed help to the species’ population. We are excited to learn more about how we can replicate this success at other accredited zoos since the team in Philly has accomplished something that was seemingly impossible.”

Philadelphia is home to 2 adult Galapagos tortoises, Abrazzo, Mommy, and another female, Little Girl, plus the 4 newest additions. The public will be able to see the 4 new hatchlings beginning on April 23. The hatchlings will remain at the Philadelphia Zoo for at least 5 years. After 5 years, the team at the zoo will work with the AZA SSP to determine if and when they will be moved to different facilities.

Four Critically Endangered Galapagos Tortoises Hatch at Philadelphia Zoo, First Successful Hatching of this Species in Zoo’s History. News release. Philadelphia Zoo. April 3, 2025. Accessed April 7, 2025. 

https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/news/four-critically-endangered-galapagos-tortoises-hatch-at-philadelphia-zoo/

Four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos Tortoises hatched earlier this month, the first time in the zoo’s 150+ year history 

Philadelphia Zoo announces historic births 

Advancements in careers within the veterinary and animal health industry provide opportunities for individual growth and organizational progress. As individuals step into new leadership roles, they have the opportunity to bring innovative ideas, diverse perspectives, and a drive for change, not only benefiting their own practices and organizations but also contributing to the overall evolution of the veterinary sector.

Moreover, notable career achievements can result in recognition and celebration. These awards highlight the contributions and leadership of individuals who create change and progress.

The following individuals are being spotlighted in this week’s “Paws and profits” column:

Eric Enderle, MBA, CEO, PetVet Care Centers

In an announcement this March, PetVet Care Centers, a network of veterinary practices in the US, shared Eric Enderle’s, MBA new appointment as CEO of the organization. Enderle has more than 20 years of leadership experience in patient care. In prior roles, Enderle was the COO and, consequently, the CEO of CareSpot Urgent Care.

“Gino [Volpacchio, former PetVet Care CEO,] and the PetVet team have built something truly special, and I am excited and honored to join this incredible team of dedicated professionals that play such a vital role in the health and well-being of pets and their families," said Enderle in a company release.

 "I see substantial potential for further growth as we build on this strong legacy of empowering our veterinary and support teams to provide compassionate, high-quality care to pets across the nation."

Sarah Dodd, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVN, advisor and formulator, Petaluma

Sarah Dodd, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVN. (Image courtesy of Petaluma)

Sarah Dodd, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVN has joined Petaluma—a sustainable pet nutrition company—as an advisor and formulator. Dodd has created hundreds of therapeutic diets for dogs and cats with specialized nutritional needs in addition to crafting commercial plant-based products for pets. Known for her work in plant-based pet nutrition, Dodd will work with Petaluma to transform pet food for a more eco-conscious future.

“Dr Dodd brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience as a credentialed veterinary nutritionist, and we're thrilled to have her join Petaluma," said Garrett Wymore, CEO of Petaluma, in a news release.

 "Her deep expertise in plant-based nutrition, combined with her commitment to both scientific advancement and animal welfare, makes her the perfect partner as we create a more sustainable and humane future for pet food.

Kristen Lombardi, CVPM, chief operating officer, Small Door Veterinary

The membership-based veterinary care provider, Small Door Veterinary, recently announced Kristen Lombardi, CVPM, is its first chief operating officer (COO). Before her appointment at Small Door, Lombardi was COCO at Veterinary Emergency Group.

According to Small Door, Lombardi, with an expertise in veterinary operations and a track record in high-growth, de novo expansion, will be instrumental in scaling the veterinary’ differentiated model.

 "I’ve spent my career building and scaling veterinary organizations, and I couldn’t be more excited to join Small Door at such a transformational time," said Lombardi in an organizational release.

 "Small Door’s membership model is redefining veterinary care, and the company has done the hard work of proving its model, achieving profitability, and setting new industry standards. I look forward to working with the team to bring this vision to more pet parents, veterinarians, and hospitals nationwide."

Jessica Vogel, BFA, cofounder, chief brand officer, Scenthound

Jessica Vogel, BFA, cofounder and chief brand officer, Scenthound. (Image courtesy of Scenthound)

In recognition of her commitment to challenging the status quo and transforming the pet industry, Jessica Vogel, BFA, cofounder and chief brand officer of Scenthound, was named to the Inc. 2025 Female Founders 500 List. Scenthound, the first dog wellness franchise concept in the US, secured more than 1 million dog appointments under Vogel’s leadership. The organization’s team is predominantly comprised of women, with more than 50% of its franchise system being women. According to a company release, Scenthound’s wellness approach is gaining traction with pet owners, particularly women who represent the majority of its target demographic.

“Female founders know what struggle is, but they're also experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity. The women featured on this year's list exemplify these qualities," Diana Ransom, executive editor of Inc., said in a news release.

 "Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V.

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V, has joined the team of advocates at Veterinary Ownership Advocates, an educational resource on practice ownership. Marks has more than 20 years of veterinary experience, which includes co-owning and managing Chicago’s largest small animal practice, and a background in veterinary business management, client communication, and media engagement.

“Veterinary practice ownership is one of the most rewarding career paths, but too many veterinarians feel unprepared for the business side of ownership," said Marks in a news release.

 “I’m thrilled to join Veterinary Ownership Advocates to help bridge that gap and mentor my colleagues as they build thriving, sustainable practices.”

PetVet announces appointment of Eric Enderle as CEO. News release. PetVet Care Centers. March 4, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petvet-announces-appointment-of-eric-enderle-as-ceo-302392239.html

Petaluma welcomes board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Sarah Dodd as advisor and formulator. News release. Petaluma, Inc. March 5, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petaluma-welcomes-board-certified-veterinary-nutritionist-dr-sarah-dodd-as-advisor-and-formulator-302392496.html

Small Door Veterinary appoints first chief operating officer, Kristen Lombardi, to drive expansion amid record growth and profitability. News release. March 5, 2025.

Jessica Vogel, co-founder and chief brand officer of Scenthound, named to Inc.’s 2025 Female Founders 500 List. News release. Scenthound. March 11, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jessica-vogel-co-founder-and-chief-brand-officer-of-scenthound-named-to-incs-2025-female-founders-500-list-302398296.html

Dr. Natalie Marks joins Veterinary Ownership Advocates to empower future practice owners. News release. Veterinary Ownership Advocates. February 24, 2025.

New leadership moves, recognition, and achievement

Paws and profits: Recognition in the animal care industry

In this video interview with dvm360, Craig Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), and Christine Mullin, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology), explain more about the recently USDA product ELIAS 

Video interview with Craig Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), and Christine Mullin, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology)

Last month, ELIAS Animal Health, a companion animal cancer therapeutics company, announced that its ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI) received full approval from the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics.

 With the approval of ECI, it became the first autologous prescription product to receive this approval for treating canine osteosarcoma. So, how does it compare to a more traditional treatment?

, Craig Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology) and Christine Mullin, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology), both from BluePearl Malvern in Malvern, Pennsylvania, explained how this new therapy works for treating this form of cancer and how it differs from chemotherapy and radiation. 

Below is a partial transcript, lightly edited for clarity:

Craig Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology): 

So to go back to your question, where it's different is when we give, say, something like chemotherapy, we have a select dose that we use. It goes in the body, it does its thing, and then it's metabolized and gone. The beauty of immunotherapy is that, theoretically, once it starts rolling the immune system, it's almost like having a draft for a war. The immune system just keeps pumping out those cells, so the anti cancer efficacy for it can continue for a prolonged period.

Christine Mullin, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology): 

One of the other strategies or mechanisms of progression that cancers possess is that they can find ways to evade the immune system. So that's one of the other hurdles that we have to overcome with immunotherapy is we know these tumor antigens are present, we need to find a way to show them to the immune system and remind the immune system and give the immune system all the tools it needs to be able to recognize and attack those antigens, or tumor proteins on an ongoing basis. So it's some of the things that we really like about this new product is that it uses multiple different angles of attack or strategies to enhance that immune recognition and attack and ongoing memory.

McCafferty C. USDA approves new canine cancer therapy. DVM 360. Published March 19, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/usda-approves-new-canine-cancer-therapy

Want to learn more from Clifford and immunotherapy in veterinary oncology? Join Clifford and all of our amazing faculty this May in Nashville! Learn more and register 

Videos

What is the difference between ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy and traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation?

A new tool treating canine osteosarcoma

As part of a new partnership, students, residents, interns, and faculty of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) will begin using VetRec, a veterinary artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. According to a Texas A&M news release, the collaboration is an effort to improve clinical efficiency, patient care, and veterinary education at the VMBS Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH).

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping veterinary medicine, and this relationship positions Texas A&M at the forefront of that transformation,” Audrey Cook, BVMS, DACVIM, DECVIM, DABVP (Feline), MSc Vet Ed, VMBS professor, said in the release.

 “VetRec’s technology will enhance the way we document cases, communicate with clients, and manage medical histories, all while maintaining the highest standard of care.”

VetRec automates the creation of  Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (SOAP) notes. Following a recording of a veterinary consultation, VetRec processes the recording and generates clinical notes in 30 seconds using either a built-in or a custom SOAP template. These notes are then incorporated into the hospital’s practice management systems (PiMS).

The AI can summarize up to 1500 pages of patient history, including handwritten notes and lab results. VetRec also has a built-in AI assistant that can help users with research, questions, and more.

The VMTH community will leverage the AI-powered platform to simplify medical documentation, automate the creation of medical notes, and improve workflow efficiency and, by extension, record-keeping accuracy, said the teaching hospital in a news release.

“By reducing administrative burdens, the technology enables veterinary professionals to focus more on patient care while ensuring accurate, comprehensive records,” wrote Megan Bennet, assistant director of marketing and communications at VMBS, in the release.

“Integrating AI into our clinical environment represents a significant and potentially transformative step forward,” Stacy Eckman, DVM, associate dean for hospital operations and chief executive officer of the VMTH, said in the release.

 “VetRec’s platform will help optimize workflow efficiency while giving our veterinarians more time to focus on what matters most — providing exceptional patient care.”

VMBS is not the first institution to work with VetRec. Last fall, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine 

 a partnership with the AI company, granting unlimited access to the VetRec platform for Cornell students and faculty.

The AI company has also partnered with veterinary clinics. In January 2025, VetRec entered into another partnership, with Bond Vet—a veterinary clinic group. “VetRec's remarkable AI-powered technology enhances our ability to provide compassionate care by reducing administrative burdens, enabling our staff to focus on what truly matters—strengthening the human-animal bond,” said Renee McDougall, DVM, MPH, DACVS (SA), vice president of Bond Vet and head of medicine, in a Bond Vet release.

Bennet M. New Taxas A&M, VetRec collaboration to support increased efficiency at Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. News release. Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. March 26, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/internal-news/texas-am-vetrec-collaboration/

AI powered clinical notes for veterinarians. VetRec. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

Bautista-Alejandre A. Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine partners with AI-powered scribe VetRec. 

. November 6, 2024. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/cornell-college-of-veterinary-medicine-partners-with-ai-powered-scribe

Bautista-Alejandre A. Veterinary clinic group partners with AI veterinarian assistant, Bond Vet and VetRec to team up. 

January 24, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/veterinary-clinic-group-partners-with-ai-veterinarian-assistant

Texas A&M is partnering with VetRec, giving students and faculty access to artificial intelligence-powered tool 

Texas A&M to use veterinary AI assistant

Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), discusses her Fetch On-Demand presentation about felines with icterus and other types of hepatic disease.

Demystifying the liver in cats

Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), vice president of medical excellence and education at Thrive Pet Healthcare, presented a continuing education (CE) session “The icteric cat: Demystifying feline liver disease” at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. This CE session was also recorded for upcoming Fetch On-Demand programming via the dvm360 

interview in Charlotte, Cairns discussed her lecture on felines with icterus and other types of hepatic disease, what Fetch On-Demand learners can expect and what she hopes attendees will take away from the presentation.

The following is a transcript of the video:

: I love my session on the icteric cat, because cats are not small dogs in the most delightful ways. So what we're going to do is we unpack the minimum database and how we can demystify the liver with really important clues you're going to find on a [complete blood count], a chemistry profile, urinalysis and basic imaging. Then, we're going to talk about the types of liver disease that cats get, how they're different than dog liver diseases, and how we can use a clinically focused lens to move the needle for patient outcomes surrounding targeted treatments.

One of my biggest takeaways that I'm hoping that folks will bring into their clinical practice is the recognition that any cat who is not eating, especially if they're overweight, is at risk for developing hepatic lipidosis, and how you can identify that condition early through specific markers on a urinalysis and a chemistry profile.