- The FDA approved Ayradia (metronidazole oral suspension) for the treatment of Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs. According to the FDA, Ayradia is the first FDA-approved treatment for Giardia duodenalis for any animal species. Giardia duodenalis is a common protozoal parasite that can infect the intestinal tract in dogs, leading to gastrointestinal infections that commonly cause diarrhea, and can be spread to other animals and people. Metronidazole has both anti-bacterial and anti-protozoal activities. Veterinarians have historically prescribed a metronidazole product intended for humans when treating their animal patients for Giardia duodenalis.
- The number of veterinarians entering the workforce can be anticipated to grow substantively over the next decade as the profession’s educational pipeline continues to expand, according to the AVMA. Three new veterinary medical schools are graduating their first classes in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and at least 12 additional schools are in various stages of development. In addition, class sizes in existing U.S. veterinary colleges are growing at an increasing pace. The latest enrollment data from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges also suggests that while first-year enrollment has increased an average of 2% annually since 1980, annual increases were significantly above that level for the last three years, reflecting larger class sizes at existing veterinary colleges, as well as new veterinary colleges that have begun enrolling students. Overall enrollment at U.S. veterinary colleges hit 15,157 for the 2022-23 academic year, up from 11,255 in 2012-13, according to AAVMC.
- Five states reported more highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks in poultry, including Minnesota and South Dakota, where the virus struck again at commercial turkey farms, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said in its latest updates. Four of the states—South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota—recently reported detections, which began picking up in early October after very low levels over the warmer months. Also, Washington reported its first detection in poultry since February. The state’s new outbreak involves backyard poultry at a location with 10 birds in King County. The latest outbreaks in Montana and North Dakota also involve backyard birds. In Minnesota, the virus struck another turkey farm in Meeker County with 72,100 birds. South Dakota reported turkey farm outbreaks in two counties, one affecting 49,700 birds and one housing 65,000 birds, CIDRAP reports.