Charlotte, North Carolina — Gearing up for a weekend of expansive learning and professional development, the veterinary community is setting its sights on Charlotte for the upcoming Fetch conference in January 2025. Scheduled less than a month from now, the event boasts a diverse program of workshops, networking opportunities, and practical ‘wet labs’, for practitioners looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Amid the anticipation for the conference, this week’s trending news on a leading veterinary portal highlighted a variety of significant health alerts and scientific findings impacting pet care. Notably, a grave concern has emerged regarding the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two raw pet food products. This outbreak has not only affected several cats, leading to multiple illnesses and a confirmed death, but additional fatalities have been linked to similar infections through raw milk consumption.
In a related health advisory, veterinary toxicologists at the Pet Poison Helpline have issued warnings about the risks of pets being accidentally exposed to semaglutide, a medication primarily used for weight loss in humans. Reports indicate an increase in emergency calls after pets were mistakenly given this drug instead of their prescribed insulin.
Adding to the week’s significant news, recent research spearheaded by Penn State University has uncovered that household dogs could be an overlooked vector in the spread of antimicrobial-resistant nontyphoidal Salmonella, among other zoonotic pathogens. This revelation emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and preventive strategies in managing pet health to curb cross-species transmission of dangerous bacteria.
Furthermore, the veterinary community is buzzing with excitement over new insights shared on the popular Vet Blast Podcast. In its latest episode, Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, and a new member of the editorial board, explored the complexities of managing and understanding leptospirosis, a disease affecting both animals and humans.
Reflecting on the educational advancements within the field, an interview with Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia) revealed details about her upcoming workshop at the Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida. She, along with her colleagues Tami Lind and Darci Palmer, will focus on the critical role of mechanical ventilation in patient care, offering profound insights and hands-on training.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has also been proactive in enhancing crisis response measures. They recently launched a novel initiative designed to streamline the connection between trained veterinary first responders and state officials during emergencies. This tool aims to facilitate rapid deployment and coordination of veterinary expertise in disaster-stricken or emergency areas, ensuring timely and effective animal care and public health response.
As the veterinary field continues to adapt to new challenges and scientific advancements, events like Fetch Charlotte and ongoing professional discussions are crucial in fostering a more informed and resilient veterinary community. With each of these developments, professionals are better equipped to handle the increasing demands and complexities of veterinary medicine and animal care.