The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) recently announced that it has expanded its Disaster Relief and Reimbursement Grants program to provide more support to veterinary professionals that have been affected by floods, hurricanes, wildfires, oil spills, tornadoes and other disasters.

 The program aims to assist animals and the veterinary community who require basic necessities following an event that has been declared a disaster area at the local, county, state, or federal level.

“Given the frequency of natural disasters, we wanted to provide more support to our members and those within the veterinary community,” said Rena Carlson, DVM, chair of the AVMF board of directors, in an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) news release.

 Many of our donors support disaster relief, and we decided we could increase our support when people need it the most.”

The updated grant program now allows practice owners, veterinary professionals, or veterinary responders to request up to $3000 to help cover basic needs created by a disaster. These may include necessities such as food, clothing, or medical care. “Modest” housing costs may also be covered for emergency temporary shelter, according to the AVMF.

 Previously, the grant amount limit was $2000.

Experts are providing animal care in flooded disaster areas of Texas

For members of the AVMA, up to $7500 can now be claimed to offset emergency veterinary medical care and boarding for animals that were affected by a disaster, marking a $2500 increase from the program’s original $5000 limit.

The AVMF reimburses the direct purchase cost of medical supplies from vendors. The organization also requires copes of receipts or other approved documents in addition to an application form.

Be a licensed veterinarian, veterinary technician, veterinary or veterinary techician student, or staff member at a veterinary practice

Have incurred emergency expenses for necessities as a result of the disaster listed on the application, such as expenses related to food, bottled water, clothing, medication or medical supplies, toiletries, blankets, or temporary shelter.

Only one application can be submitted per individual. Veterinarians from the same practice that have been affected by the disaster must apply separately.

Applicants who have already received a disaster relief grant from the AVMF for the same disaster may not reapply. Additionally, current officers, directors, and employees of the AVMF or AVMA, including their spouses, dependents, and parents, are not eligible to apply for the program nor receive disaster grants provided by it.

To be considered for a grant, applications should be submitted no later than 6 months following the disaster.

“The AVMF credits this expansion to donors who believe the profession rises and falls as one,” wrote the AVMA in the release, quoting public health expert and educator Gary Vroegindewey’s, DVM saying, “It’s the power of the profession, all together.” In 2022, following Hurricane Ian, Vroegindewey was given an AVMF disaster relief grant after the event destroyed his home in Florida’s west coast.

The organization offers larger grants for major disasters. Between 2023 and 2024, the foundation granted $50,000 to Maui, Hawaii following the devastating wildfire that caused approximately $5.5 billion in damages. The disaster was the fifth deadliest wildland fire in the history of the US and the worst natural disaster in the island state’s history.

The foundation also gave out $720,000 in aid to Ukraine and $50,000 to Turkey’s veterinary association following the earthquakes that occurred during this timeframe. Additional grants include

$10,000 to Guam in the wake of Typhoon Mawar

$25,000 to the North Carolina VMA and $20,000 to Lincoln Memorial University and Greater Good Charities after Hurricane Milton

$10,000 to Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ Vet Emergency Team in the aftermath of the Texas wildfires

This year, the AVMF has donated $65,000 for recovery efforts associated with the wildfires in California.

AVMF increases disaster grants to support veterinary community. American Veterinary Medical Association. News release. June 30, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/avmf-increases-disaster-grants-support-veterinary- community?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news

Disaster relief grants for veterinary professionals. American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Accessed July 10, 2025. 

https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/disaster-relief/disaster-relief-grants-for-veterinarians-veterinary-students/

Preliminary after-action report: 2023 Maui wildfire. News release. US Fire Administration. February 8, 2024. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/blog/preliminary-after-action-report-2023-maui-wildfire/

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Veterinary professionals can now request up to $3000 to help cover basic needs.

AVMF expands disaster relief grant program

Nicole Westfall, Senior VP of Marketing at Zomedica, explains how integrated non-pharmacologic technology and fast-acting hemostatic gel can help veterinary dental professionals manage patient pain and bleeding before, during, and after oral surgery.

Non-Pharmacologic Solutions for Pet Dental Health From Prevention to Recovery

 presented by dvm360, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, speaks with Nicole Westfall, Senior VP of Marketing at Zomedica, about innovative tools transforming veterinary dental care. They explore a synergistic approach that combines non-pharmacologic, targeted pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with fast-acting hemostatic solutions like VETIGEL® Hemostatic Gel and Static Gel to better manage dental complications. Westfall explains how the Assisi DentaLOOP™ device can be used before, during, and after surgery to reduce pain and inflammation, improve healing, and support more proactive care—even at home. The conversation also covers how VETIGEL® works to quickly stop bleeding, its versatility across clinical settings, and what dental practices need to know to enhance surgical care and patient outcomes.

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The FDA has approved fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension (Bravecto Quantum; Merck Animal Health), for protection against fleas and ticks in dogs. The drug is indicated for canines ages 6 months and older, and is the first long-lasting product approved by the agency for flea and tick protection in dogs aged 8 to 12 months.

Fluralaner is an isoxazoline antiparasitic drug. Several products containing isoxazolines are approved for the treatment and control of fleas and certain ticks in dogs and cats, according to the FDA. However, these products generally provide protection against fleas and ticks for 1 month.

 Fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension is also FDA-approved for the treatment and control of lone star tick infestations for 8 months in canines ages 6 months and older.

The product is approved in more than 50 other countries. It was first approved in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 and in the European Union the following year.

Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health, said the company takes pride in its leadership with long-acting preventive parasiticides. “[We] are excited to offer a convenient option that gives dogs year-round

 comprehensive protection from fleas and ticks in one easy injection they can receive from their veterinarian,” Royal said in a news release.

 “The approval of Bravetco Quantum sets a new standard in pet care by providing veterinarians and pet parents with a safe and effective option when it comes to flea and tick protection for dogs.”

Pet owners are encouraged to consult with a veterinarian to determine whether a product in the isoxazoline class is appropriate for their pet. Veterinarians should review a patient’s medical history before deciding on a drug therapy. 

Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats, according to the FDA. Other adverse reactions observed in dogs and cats include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, pruritus, lumps or swelling at the injection site, and a hypersensitivity reaction. However, these products are commonly used, and the agency has determined they are safe for most dogs and cats.

Veterinary teams should also advise dog owners about using fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension in breeding dogs and define the appropriate treatment interval (8 vs 12 months) based on the species of ticks the dog is likely to encounter.

“Though people often think of flea and tick season during the summer months, studies have shown that while fleas and ticks are most active from early spring through the fall, they can be a threat year-round, especially knowing it only takes a few warm days for ticks to become active,” Frank Guerino, PhD, associate vice president of global pharmaceutical development, Merck Animal Health, said in a news release.

 “With Bravetco Quantum, a single dose provides year-long, continuous protection, simplifying care for both pet owners and veterinarians, and promoting compliance.”

Fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension is available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian, who then administers the drug.

 Merck Animal Health expects the therapy to become available on the veterinary market by August 2025, through clinics and hospitals.

FDA approves first long-acting flea and tick treatment for dogs. FDA. July 10, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-first-long-acting-flea-and-tick-treatment-dogs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Freedom of Information Summary: New Animal Drug Application. FDA. July 10, 2025.

FDA approves Bravetco Quantum (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) from Merck Animal Health. News release. Merck Animal Health. July 10, 2025. Accessed July 11, 2025. 

Fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension (Bravecto Quantum) is also indicated for treatment of lone star tick in dogs.

First long-acting flea and tick treatment is FDA-approved for dogs

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced earlier this week that the USDA approved its TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 (TruCan Ultra CIV) vaccine, which is designed to provide broad respiratory disease protection from canine influenza. With the USDA approving TrueCan Ultra CIV, Elanco’s Tru Portfolio is complete, and it is also the first vaccine line to be recommended by Fear Free.

"This vaccine not only offers broad protection against canine influenza but also integrates seamlessly into our Tru Portfolio. Our commitment to delivering safe, effective, and advanced solutions reaffirms our position as a trusted partner in animal health, driving forward our mission to enrich lives through the health of animals,” said Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US pet health and global digital transformation, in an organizational release.

According to the release, in a study conducted by Elanco, and its data on file, TruCan Ultra CIV was shown to be highly effective in protecting dogs, plus improving clinical signs such as:

None of the vaccinated canine patients developed lung lesions post H3N2 challenge

There was 100% percent neutralization of 33 currently circulating canine influenza field isolates

Proven safe across multiple ages and breeds of the dogs in the field safety study

A case of canine respiratory virus can be devastating for veterinary clinics, patients, and clients, and in some cases, can cause the clinics to shut down, causing a massive financial impact. There is also the risk of canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRDC), also known as kennel cough,

, a collection of respiratory diseases caused by various agents, such as canine influenza virus.

In cases of CIRDC, a classic sign is frequent, honking coughing that comes on suddenly and is sometimes also described as gagging or retching. For patients with CIRDC, the coughing can worsen with activity or exercise. Patients with CIRDC mostly recover within 7 to 10 days, but depending on the infecting organism(s) and the patient’s ability to fight it, dogs can develop more severe signs such as decreased appetite, lethargy, productive cough, and rapid or labored breathing. When it comes to CIRDC, some breeds are also at a higher risk for those more severe symptoms, especially brachycephalic dogs.

"Fear, anxiety, and stress in pets can stem from many factors, including illness," said Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free.

 "When veterinarians have effective tools to help protect pets from diseases like canine influenza, it can contribute to a smoother, less stressful experience for both pets and their people. Solutions like TruCan Ultra CIV support the goal of reducing fear, anxiety and stress by keeping pets healthier and more comfortable in the veterinary setting."

You can learn more about TruCan Ultra CIV on the Elanco website.

Elanco receives USDA approval for TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 (canine influenza vaccine) bringing to market a high standard of respiratory protection. News release. July 9, 2025. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.elanco.com/us/newsroom/press-releases/elanco-receives-usda-approval-for-trucantm-ultra-civ-h3n2-h3n8-canine-influenza-vaccine-bringing-to-market-a-high-standard-of-respiratory-protection

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (Kennel cough). American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed July 10, 2025. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough

TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 will broadly protect canine patients from canine influenza.

USDA approves canine influenza vaccination 

 presented by dvm360, our host, Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes Jennifer Edwards, DVM, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP, to chat about transferable skills veterinarians need for leadership roles. Throughout the episode, Christman and Edwards highlight the skills and traits effective leaders should highlight in their team members, the need for leaders to recognize and cultivate leadership abilities in their team members, and ways to create a culture of growth and success at your veterinary practice. 

Below is a partial transcript that has been edited lightly for clarity.

We also talk about in vet med about leadership positions and qualities that make a good leader. And you and I know we've been in this field for a long time, sometimes we'll see individuals be promoted just because they've been there for 5 years, or just because they've been there for 10 years, or maybe they have a potential relationship with someone and I'm curious to get your perspective in terms of what specific behaviors or qualities should we be looking for when we're trying to identify leadership potential in our teams?

Jennifer Edwards, DVM, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP: 

I agree with you that so often the best surgical tech or the person with the most seniority is put into that role, and while they may be good at that role, they also may not be and they, quite honestly, they may not even want it. The characteristics that I would recommend managers looking for are things like noticing, paying attention, kindness, being able to hold space for people, supporting people, tolerance, taking responsibility and not blaming. Yes, it's helpful if they also know a bit about what they're leading. Like say they're going to be leading the surgical team, probably is a good idea, that they have some skill, but they don't actually have to be the best surgical tech. 

When you put people into leadership positions that either don't want to be there or have no leadership skills whatsoever, what happens is that the people that they're leading, they can become resentful. They can again start to feel like they don't matter, like they're unheard, and then you end up with disengagement. And from disengagement, it's just a downward spiral, and that's not anything a practice manager wants. 

Yeah, I would say. And the other thing for team members is just to remember, from your perspective, you don't have to be the best surgical tech to want to be a leader that you know. Think about the imposter syndrome there—that "Well, who am I?" Kind of shrinking back. You very well, maybe if you're kind, you're compassionate, and you care, period, you can become a great leader. It's all learnable. You just need to want it, and you need to care about people.

Discover essential leadership skills for veterinarians as experts discuss fostering growth and engagement within your veterinary team on this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360.

From patients to teams: Veterinary skills that make great leaders 

An equine hospital known for treating Olympic-level sport horses has announced plans to expand its campus to include advanced imaging technology found only in a handful of facilities around the US. Meanwhile, the USDA has rolled out plans for an $8.5 million New World screwworm (NWS) facility in Texas and is exploring options for additional facilities to prevent the flesh-eating parasite from entering the US.

Continue reading to learn more about those new or upcoming facility openings.

NWS fly. (Image courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association and USDA)

With increasing detections of NWS in Mexico, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is escalating its detection and containment efforts to prevent the spread of the parasite into the US. As part of a 5-part eradication plan, the USDA has announced an $8.5 million sterile fly dispersal facility to be constructed at the Moore Air Base in Mission, Texas. The facility, situated close to the border with Mexico, will be completed by the end of 2025.

According to Buck Wehrbein, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, having a “sufficient supply of sterile flies” is the only way to push NWS away from the border.

 “To accomplish that, we need a sterile fly production facility of our own in the United States. Moore Air Base was previously part of our nation’s screwworm eradication effort in the 1960s and now this base will be the cornerstone of our renewed fight against this parasite,” Wehrbein said.

In addition to the Moore Air Base facility, the USDA is reviewing options for another sterile fly production facility in the US capable of generating 300 million sterile flies each week. The federal agency is also exploring the possibility of building modular sterile fly production facilities along with other technologies to provide faster construction and surge capacity in the future.

Moreover, the USDA is investing $21 million to help renovate a sterile fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico. The project, which is estimated to generate 60-100 million sterile flies weekly, is anticipated to be completed in 18 months.

Currently, 100 million sterile flies for dispersal in Mexico are being produced at the Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) facility in Pacora, Panama. All facilities are built to raise large numbers of flies at every life stage and include spaces for insect rearing, sterilizing male flies with irradiation, and supporting functions like waste treatment and security.

Equine hospital treating Olympic-caliber horses expands

Fairfield Equine Associates surgery and imaging facility rendering. (Image courtesy of Bohler)

Fairfield Equine Associates, a nationally and internationally-media recognized equine hospital, is building an 8132 sq ft, single-story surgery and imaging facility on its 14-acre Newtown, Connecticut campus.

The facility will also house a 3-bedrom apartment for interns and visiting veterinarians, as well as a 74 ft x 150 ft covered riding ring. The hospital, which has treated horses from the US Equestrian Team and competitors in various Olympic games and other international events, also has a second location in Wellington, Florida.

“We have local roots with a global reach,” said Kimberly J. Harmon, VMD, owner and managing partner of Fairfield Equine, during a public hearing, according to 

 “We’re able to provide care for a donkey that’s a beloved pet in someone’s backyard all the way to helping a horse that was bound for the Paris Olympic Games and had a setback; our team reached out and got the latest cutting-edge treatment for that athlete, and got them jumping and competing in Paris.”

The hospital currently offers advanced imaging technology which includes a magnetic resonance imaging system, but the new facility will allow for a Qalibra computed tomography (CT) machine designed specifically for horses. Currently, similar CT systems are only found in Tufts University in Massachusetts and in the Mid‑Atlantic region.

 The new wing will also feature 15-foot-high ceilings to accommodate a trolley system for hoisting horses up as they are moved from a gurney to a table.

Construction is slated to start in Fall 2025.

USDA unveils Texas screwworm facility, eradication strategy amid reopening of southern ports. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 2, 2025. Accessed July 9, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/news/usda-unveils-texas-screwworm-facility-eradication-strategy-amid-reopening-southern-ports?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news

Helping to enhance the standard of care for Fairfield Equine Associates. News release. Bohler. July 2025. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://bohlerengineering.com/blog/news/helping-to-enhance-the-standard-of-care-for-fairfield-equine-associates/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#

Ryser R. Newtown OKs expansion for equine hospital that has treated Olympic-caliber horses. 

https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/newtown-oks-horse-hospital-equine-surgery-imaging-20381002.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fairfield Equine Associates. Fairfield Equine Associates. Accessed July 9, 2025. 

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