Ohio Veterinary Medical Association

12/13/2024

After 60 years of searching, geneticists have finally identified the gene behind the marmalade coloration in domestic cats.

Two independent teams of researchers found any fiery-hued fuzz on our beloved clawed floofs is likely the result of a missing segment of DNA in a non-protein-coding part of the cat's genome.

After 60 years of searching, geneticists have finally identified the gene behind the marmalade coloration in domestic cats.

12/12/2024

Scientists have seen evidence that the carnivorous Ethiopian wolf occasionally consumes the nectar of a plant called the red hot poker and, in the process, may transfer pollen from one plant to the next as it feeds. In other words, this large carnivore could also be a pollinator.

The bees and ... the wolves? Turns out, the Ethiopian wolf may be a pollinator, too.

12/11/2024

Congratulations to our past Executive Director, Jack Advent, who is officially an honorary OSU CVM alum!

Congratulations to Jack Advent, CAE, on being recognized as a 2024 Honorary Distinguished Alumni. Jack served as the Executive Director of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) from 1998 to 2023. His 43 years in association management and dedication to the veterinary field have led to numerous impactful initiatives benefiting current students and the wider veterinary community.

Advent’s commitment to Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine students is evident in programs such as the Ohio Veterinary Student Loan Repayment Program, the Veterinary Student Debt Assistance Program, and the 5 for 5 program, which has provided critical scholarships through Midwest Veterinary Conference funds. He also mentors veterinary students in mock contract negotiations, guiding them with his wealth of experience and practical insights.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3Z6As9i

12/11/2024

The USDA announced Friday it will require dairy farms to share samples of unpasteurized milk when requested, in an effort to gather more information about the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. According to ODA, Ohio is expected to participate in the future, but a specific date has not been determined.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday it will require dairy farms to share samples of unpasteurized milk when requested, in an effort to gather more information about the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

12/10/2024

The New Zealand government said today that it would ban greyhound racing starting in 2026, citing concerns over the rate of injuries and fatalities among racing dogs.

Though the industry has made efforts to improve, the rate of injuries and fatalities among racing dogs remains “unacceptably high,” Racing Minister Winston Peters said.

12/09/2024

The oldest known wild bird – an albatross named Wisdom – has laid an egg at the ripe old age of 74, after finding a new mate earlier this year.

Having lost her partner of 60 years, Wisdom has found a new mate.

11/28/2024

Wishing everyone a safe and fun holiday 🍂

The OVMA team will be back in the office Monday.

11/20/2024

Walmart recently announced major expansions to its pet care services that include opening five new Walmart Pet Services Centers in Georgia and Arizona, veterinary telehealth, and veterinary prescription drug delivery.

11/15/2024

TGIF! The Preliminary Program is in the mail. If you haven't gotten yours yet, you can get a sneak peek now at mvcinfo.org/program. Registration is scheduled to open next week!

11/12/2024

A cloned black-footed ferret has successfully given birth, marking the first time a U.S. clone of an endangered species produced offspring—and highlighting an opportunity to rebuild the black-footed ferret population.

Black-footed ferrets are one of the most endangered mammals in North America with only an estimated 370 in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

11/11/2024

We already knew comb jellies were pretty special: Their regeneration abilities are unmatched, they can fuse together to survive major injuries, and they can reproduce sexually in their so-called larval stage. Now, scientists have learned that they can also age in reverse.

When things get tough in adulthood, it might seem appealing to return to simpler times.

11/08/2024

FREAKY FRIDAY: The scale at which the Burmese python is able to decimate the native wildlife population in South Florida continues to astonish biologists... and now they've proven that these invasive snakes are swallowing deer and alligators whole.

The scale at which the Burmese python is able to decimate the native wildlife population in South Florida is continuing to astonish biologists.

11/07/2024

To stave off extinction, 40 species of snails live in human care inside an unremarkable trailer near Honolulu. For some, it’s the only place they’re found, their wild populations having completely disappeared.

Hawaii's native tree snails, known as the "jewels of the forest," are rapidly disappearing. Some of the most imperiled only live in human care now, safeguarded 24 hours a day.

11/06/2024

Recently, Iowa conservation officials discovered a nest of bees that was once found in 28 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces but is now listed as endangered. Scientists are eager to study the bees to learn more about their nesting ecology.

A Johnson County Conservation staff member says they discovered an endangered species of bee in a small hole in the ground in their Iowa City yard in August.

11/05/2024

In certain areas and in very specific circumstances, the habitats of orcas and moose—two very different species—can virtually overlap. In these situations, killer whales have actually been known to hunt and prey on moose.

Under these circumstances, killer whales have been known to hunt and prey on moose.

11/04/2024

Passenger pigeons have been extinct for over a century now, but researchers are testing trees in Wisconsin to look for signs of the birds’ role in the ecosystem. The plan is to bring the bird back and slowly reintroduce it to the forests they once inhabited.

Passenger pigeons have been extinct for over a century, but conservation groups want to bring them back for their role in forestry management. Their hordes were thought to create exceptionally green forests and fertile farmland.

11/01/2024

In a remarkable encounter off the coast of Alaska, human scientists had what they describe as a “conversation” with a humpback whale named Twain using AI technology.

In a remarkable encounter, human scientists had what they describe as a "conversation" with a humpback whale named Twain.

10/31/2024

A new analysis shows that the average amount spent per household on veterinary care decreased by 4% over the last year, even while pet populations continue to increase.

The average amount spent per household on veterinary care for pets decreased by 4% from last year to this year, according to preliminary data from the 2024 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, which was presented during the 2024 AVMA Veterinary Economic and Business Forum.