A set of parasite reference genomes for companion animals and wildlife has been released by MiDOG Animal Diagnostics. Available to the public through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), these tools represent a milestone for DNA-based veterinary diagnostics and are MiDOG’s first of their kind for parasite reference genomes.

Eukaryotic parasites affect a wide range of domestic, zoo, and wild animals, causing intestinal and neurological disorders. "Over 20% of dogs and cats in the US are infected with intestinal parasites, many with recurrent disease," Mark Yacoub, PhD, microbiome scientist at MiDOG, said in a news release.

With more than 200 species known to infect humans, these organisms pose a significant zoonotic threat, especially as pets are part of the family. Parasites are traditionally identified by their morphological appearance or limited polymerase chain reaction panels, and genomic resources for accurate detection, identification, and prediction of drug effectiveness remain scarce. The overuse of anthelmintic drugs has already led to increased drug resistance, according to MiDOG. The company’s work helps bridge the drug resistance gap by providing genomic references to diagnose parasites, detect antibiotic resistance, reduce diagnostic errors, and guide veterinarians for treatment options.

"Our mission is to transform veterinary diagnostics by empowering clinicians with the tools and insights they need to treat patients effectively and ultimately save animal lives," Janina Krumbeck, PhD, CEO of MiDOG, said in the release.

MiDOG has contributed a large share of high-quality, publicly available parasite genomes. Currently, 50% of the thorny-headed worm parasite genomes and 12% of the flatworm parasite genomes available on NCBI were provided by the MiDOG team, according to the company, strengthening global databases and filling key knowledge gaps.

These references are applied in real-world cases, helping veterinarians to solve their cases. These cases include 

, a single-celled protozoan that causes severe gastrointestinal signs and can lead to death,

, an elongated flatworm that was found in aquarium-housed lemon sharks

, a single-celled coccidia parasite that causes diarrhea in animals such as the endangered black-footed ferrets

, an anaerobic protozoan that causes diarrhea and fecal incontinence,

These novel genomes track tropical and emerging parasites in nonendemic regions, such as the US. They also advance One Health initiatives by linking parasite genetics with hosts, vectors, geographic spread, and co-occurring pathogens, according to MiDOG.

In the past year, MiDOG has partnered with the Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology (HWML) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Many of these specimens were derived from National Science Foundation–sponsored fieldwork that has taken place since 1986, including samples from the US, Bolivia, Mexico, and throughout the Neotropics. The MiDOG scientist team is also accepting other parasites relevant to veterinary medicine for whole genome sequencing.

By combining MiDOG's sequencing with HWML's long-term parasite archives, the collaboration helps ensure genetic databases are both technically robust and scientifically grounded. "The collaboration with MiDOG has already resulted in several novel parasite genomes with annotations now hosted on NCBI," Scott Gardner, PhD, of HWML, said in the release. "As public trust resources, these specimens must be accessible to qualified researchers, which has been achieved through this collaboration. We look forward to continuing the collaboration to expand the genomic databases even further."

Hunting parasites to save animal lives—from the deep sea to the family dog: MiDOG expands veterinary genomics with first set of parasite reference genomes in collaboration with the University of Nebraska’s Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology. News release. MiDOG Animal Diagnostics. October 8, 2025. Accessed October 9, 2025. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hunting-parasites-to-save-animal-lives---from-the-deep-sea-to-the-family-dog-midog-expands-veterinary-genomics-with-first-set-of-parasite-reference-genomes-in-collaboration-with-the-university-of-nebraskas-harold-w-manter-labor-302577918.html

Cryptosporidium serpentis in snakes. Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. August 14, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2025. 

https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/case-studies/cryptosporidium-serpentis-in-snakes/

Poynton SL, Campbell TW, Palm HW. Skin lesions in captive lemon sharks, 

(Carcharhinidae) associated with the monogenean 

. 1997;31:29-33. Accessed October 9, 2025. 

https://www.int-res.com/articles/dao/31/d031p029.pdf

Andrews AH, Overview of coccidiosis in animals. 

. September 2024. Accessed October 9, 2025. 

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/coccidiosis/overview-of-coccidiosis-in-animals

Leib MS. Giardia and Tritrichomonas foetus: an update (proceedings). 

. August 1, 2010. Accessed October 9, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/giardia-and-tritrichomonas-foetus-update-proceedings

Articles

These diagnostic tools were developed by MiDOG Animal Diagnostics and the Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology in Nebraska.

Parasite reference genomes are publicly released

The Scotland-based veterinary diagnostics company MI:RNA has received funding from Scotland’s national and international economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, to support the development of a tool that can help detect osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs earlier. In the United Kingdom, approximately 10 million dogs—about 20% of the canine population—are affected by OA, and an estimated 14 million dogs are affected in the United States.

In a news release announcing the funding, MI:RNA said the funds will help advance research and the development of a noninvasive diagnostic tool that integrates advanced modeling with a novel microRNA expression panel.

 According to the company, the technology aims to provide a more accurate, accessible, and cost-effective method for detecting OA early in dogs.

MicroRNAs are cellular RNA fragments that regulate gene expression. For this project, researchers with MI:RNA will use blood samples from dogs with OA and from healthy control dogs to validate a blood-based biomarker panel that, when paired with advanced modeling, may lead to more accurate OA diagnoses.

New diagnostic approach may help detect Johne disease in cattle earlier

Current OA diagnostic methods rely on clinical observation and imaging, such as x-rays, arthroscopy, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. During a physical exam, veterinarians observe the patient’s gait and posture, palpate for abnormal changes to the joints, and look for signs of pain.

MI:RNA noted that these methods can be costly, invasive, and open to interpretation, adding that the project “will address these limitations” through its blood-based biomarker panel. “This project represents benefits for the wider veterinary world by combining the precision of microRNA profiling with the power of advanced modeling. We aim to give veterinarians a smarter and faster way to detect osteoarthritis, improving outcomes for dogs. The tool will improve diagnosis without the need for complex imaging or subjective interpretation,” Robert Coultous, chief scientific officer of MI:RNA, said in the announcement.

“For the estimated 10 million dogs and their owners in the UK, this means earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment and happier pets,” he continued. “It also strengthens the market position of veterinary practices that adopt advanced diagnostics and reinforces the role of biotechnology in driving value across the sector.”

Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study will provide support for the research. One of the largest’s canine health studies in the US, the Lifetime Study aims to identify nutritional, environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors for diseases in dogs.

Scottish company awarded grant to use advanced modelling to diagnose osteoarthritis earlier in dogs. News release. MI:RNA. October 9, 2025. Accessed October 9, 2025.

Understanding osteoarthritis in our senior pets. Morris Animal Foundation. July 3, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/osteoarthritis-in-dogs-and-cats#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20about,top%20health%20concern%20for%20owners.

Osteoarthritis. Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/osteoarthritis#:~:text=OA%20is%20diagnosed%20after%20a,diagnose%20any%20underlying%20orthopedic%20conditions.

McGivney C, Diehl K. Advancing compassion and science. dvm360.  March 14, 2025. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/advancing-compassion-and-science

The study, based in Scotland, aims to create a diagnostic tool using a novel microRNA expression panel and advanced modeling.

Researchers to develop blood-based panel to detect canine osteoarthritis earlier

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) has launched its 2025 Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey, which gathers insights from veterinary professionals and pet owners on how obesity and nutrition are viewed and managed in companion animals. Additionally, APOP and the World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA) together released new tools for veterinarians and pet owners to better manage pets’ weight and energy needs.

APOP’s announcement coincided with the start of World Pet Obesity Week on October 6, which runs through October 12. “The Global Pet Obesity Initiative is about bringing together veterinary teams, pet owners, and organizations worldwide to address one of the most common health challenges facing our pets,” Laura Ward, executive director of APOP, said in the organization’s announcement.

 “By sharing knowledge and resources, we can create a more consistent and compassionate approach to preventing and treating obesity in companion animals.

2025 Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey will remain open through December 31, 2025. APOP and WPOA noted that the tools and resources they recently launched are free. These include

 for dogs and cats to help determine the appropriate calorie intake to maintain a healthy body condition.

 to guide veterinary teams through safe, gradual weight loss programs.

, which provides breed-specific weight ranges with a 3-step check for pet owners.

Multilingual Body Condition Score Charts 

that use a standardized 9-point system for dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. According to APOP, multilingual translations are available at worldpetobesity.org.

 for veterinary professionals to create customized feeding plans based on patient life stage and activity level.

“A toolkit of educational materials and shareable graphics is also available at petobesityprevention.org for veterinary teams, universities, and organizations to use during World Pet Obesity Week and beyond,” APOP wrote.

 The website also contains individual weight loss guides for cats and dogs, low-calorie dog treats and recipes, and more. and APOP’s guidelines on best practices for pet obesity communication.

“The owners of pets affected by obesity or excess weight often face stigma and discrimination, which can affect their access to veterinary care and their pet’s overall well-being. Veterinary professionals should be aware that these negative experiences may lead to emotional distress in both pet owners and their pets, resulting in anxiety, withdrawal, or refusal to accept medical recommendations,” APOP wrote in its introduction to 

“By adopting principles of "pet-first language" and guidance from veterinary and animal welfare organizations, this document provides a framework for empathetic, accurate, and respectful communication about animal obesity,” the association continued.

According to APOP’s 2022 survey, 61% of cats and 59% of dogs were overweight or had obesity.

 According to the association, the findings marked an increase from previous surveys carried out in 2018 and 2017. The survey also found that less than half of veterinary professionals discussed healthy body condition in patients with clients on an annual basis.

One ongoing challenge in assessing body condition scores in patients, the association noted, is accurately scoring patients with long or thick fur, or cats with prominent primordial pouches.

“APOP is working with organizations to create improved methods for measuring body condition and body fat in pets,” the association said.

World Pet Obesity Week launches with 2025 Survey and new resources for pet owners and veterinary teams. News release. September 24, 2025. Accessed October 9, 2025.

Guidelines for Pet Obesity Communication. Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Accessed October 9, 2025. 

https://www.petobesityprevention.org/media-guide-for-pet-obesity-communication

Ward E. 2022 survey reveals alarming rates of pet obesity in the US. News release. May 11, 2025. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.petobesityprevention.org/articlesandnews/new-survey-reveals-alarming-rates-of-pet-obesity-in-the-us

A 2022 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 61% of cats and 59% of dogs were overweight.

Pet obesity survey and free resources for veterinary teams and clients launched

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) evaluated the educational equivalency of veterinary schools graduating from non-AVMA Council on Education–accredited institutions through the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates’ (ECVFG's) 4-step process. The process verifies the candidate’s education, clinical science knowledge, English proficiency, and hands-on skills.

However, the AVMA is now working to modernize the ECFVG certification program by introducing updates that are designed to improve candidate experience and maintain the credibility and rigor of the credential. For example, a new online candidate is launching this fall, providing applicants with streamlined access to program requirements, improved communication tools, and real-time status updates.

"The AVMA’s commitment to ongoing quality assurance following peer-reviewed assessment best practices and modern psychometric principles has been the cornerstone of the ECFVG certification program since its inception," said Jim Weisman, DVM, AVMA's chief of academic affairs, research, and accreditation.

"The current enhancement work has been in progress for several years. We are excited about the future of the ECFVG program, as it is an essential program for our profession."

According to the AVMA, the association also increased the number of program staff members and started a comprehensive review of its Clinical Proficiency Examination (CPE), which is the final portion of the program. At this time, the CPE is a 3-day, hands-on clinical skills examination administered at a veterinary college or other authorized testing institution.

The updates being made to the ECVFG are in response to "AVMA leadership’s desire to continuously improve the program to certification best practices," as well as feedback from candidates and staff members.

The most visible change to candidates will be the updated ECFVG candidate portal, which will provide users with individualized dashboards. Through the update, candidates who are eligible to take the CPE will be able to join a waitlist for upcoming test dates.

"This new feature will provide candidates with a clearer sense of when they may be scheduled for the CPE, easing the uncertainty and anxiety that previously surrounded the registration process," said Marci Kirk, DVM, AVMA ECFVG program manager.

A review of the CPE is still in early stages and will explore the potential for technology-based performance examinations in the certification process. The commission will rely on the expertise of psychometricians who will be working with subject matter experts who can offer their insight into the required knowledge that needs to be assessed.

"The veterinary profession is constantly evolving, and it is important that the assessments we use remain contemporary. The goal of this review is to better understand what can be assessed through technology and what must remain as an in-person, hands-on, clinically based assessment," Weisman said.

Weisman stated that although modernization is central to updating the ECFVG program, the program’s rigor and credibility remain nonnegotiable. The AVMA has also expanded its staff capacity to provide support for the ECFVG modernization.

"Candidate feedback is essential to any comprehensive review and action plan," Weisman said.

 "At the same time, we are committed to aligning with the expectations of the practicing veterinary community and ensuring our standards are consistent with what is expected of day-1-ready graduates from AVMA Council on Education–accredited veterinary schools."

To register for the certification program, applicants must be graduates from an AVMA ECFVG–listed school with a degree to practice veterinary medicine without any restrictions in their country. Each applicant must also complete an online application and submit payment of $1400 USD, which includes the program application fee and quality assurance program fee.

Nolen RS. ECFVG updates continue as new online platform launches. American Veterinary Medical Association. September 29, 2025. Accessed October 8, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/news/ecfvg-updates-continue-new-online-platform-launches

Steps of the ECFVG certification program. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed October 8, 2025. https://www.avma.org/education/ecfvg/ecfvg-policies-and-procedures/steps-ecfvg-certification-program

The new platform is among updates the commission is continuing to make amid a review of its certification program.

ECFVG launches new platform 

Trupanion, a medical insurance provider for cats and dogs, has entered into a multiyear agreement with Seattle Reign FC to become the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club’s new front-of-kit partner, with the company’s logo prominently displayed on players’ uniforms. Together, the 2 organizations share strong local roots, a belief in equity, and a passion for the power of pets and sport to unite communities, according to a news release.

“At our core, Trupanion exists to help pet parents budget for the unexpected cost of veterinary care,” Margi Tooth

 CEO and president of Trupanion, said in a news release.

 “Our goal is to enable true access to care—equity for pets and the people who love them. The power of sports and pets lies in their ability to bring people together [and] to create shared moments of joy and memories to last a lifetime. Whether it’s the shared thrill of the game or the unconditional love of a pet, both uplift our spirits and strengthen our sense of connection. We’re excited to partner with the Reign to celebrate that bond. Partnering with the Reign not only helps us spread the word about the importance of protecting your pet but [also] the importance of making opportunities available to all.”

The collaboration represents a historic milestone for Reign FC and the NWSL, reflecting the continued growth of the league and the rising interest in women’s professional sports, according to the release.

 “We’re proud to partner with Trupanion, a Seattle-based and women-led company that shares our values and vision,” Maya Mendoza-Exstrom,

chief business officer of the Seattle Reign FC, said.

 “This partnership reflects the strength of our community—innovative, inclusive, and rooted in equity—and we’re excited to build something that goes beyond the jersey to inspire fans, uplift women, and celebrate the special bond we all share with our pets.”

Trupanion represents the strength of women-led leadership and the innovation of the Pacific Northwest, according to the company. Its presence on the Reign FC kit is an opportunity to highlight the region’s ability to champion bold ideas and elevate women at the highest levels of both sport and business. The partnership also aims to spotlight the love of pets as family and the importance of planning ahead so they can always receive the care they need.

Trupanion’s mission to ensure pets get the care they need resonates deeply with a team—of which many players are pet owners—and a fan base that embraces pets as family.

“My pets are a huge part of my life, and they’ve always been a source of happiness for me. Having a partner like Trupanion join forces with our club is truly special, and it means so much to us as players to see organizations in our city believe in what we’re building in women’s soccer,” Claudia Dickey, goalkeeper for the Seattle Reign FC, said.

Lauren Barnes, the team’s captain, said she knows firsthand the comfort and emotional support of pets, which she has “always” had in her life. “That’s why this partnership with Trupanion feels so special. It’s exciting to see another Seattle-based,values-driven company invest in our sport, and we’re proud to carry their name on our kits,” Barnes said.

Courtney Carter, chief revenue officer for the Seattle Reign FC, called the partnership “a landmark moment” for the organization. “At its core, it’s about more than a logo on a jersey. It’s about shared values and the belief that when a partnership is mutually beneficial, we can accomplish extraordinary things. Trupanion’s roots in Seattle and global impact make them the ideal partner to join us on this journey, amplifying what it means to support one another on and off the field,” Carter said in the release.

From 2021 to 2024, the Reign FC donated its front-of-kit position to Black Future Co-op Fund (BFCF), a Washington-based nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the health and well-being of Black Washingtonians through Black-led philanthropy. BFCF continues to be one of the Reign FC's intentional RISE for Community partners, joining the club in advancing equity for all in play and life. In recognizing its continued support for the organization, the Reign FC will donate $10,000 to BFCF, which will be matched by Trupanion.

The new Trupanion-branded kits will make their on-field debut on Friday, October 10, 2025, when the Reign FC returns to Lumen Field to host the Bay FC. To celebrate the debut, fans can bring their 2025 Reflection or Rise kits to the match on Friday to have Trupanion’s iconic logo added at no cost.

Seattle Reign FC announces multi-year front-of-kit partnership with Trupanion. News release. Trupanion and Seattle Reign FC. October 7, 2025.

Quote sheet: Seattle Reign FC announces multi-year front-of-kit partnership with Trupanion. Seattle Reign FC. October 7, 2025.

Trupanion and the Seattle Reign FC are aligned on their shared goal of a mutually beneficial partnership. 

Pet insurance provider scores a major league partnership

Fifteen minutes of targeted movement can help veterinary professionals manage stress, prevent injury, and maintain performance in a demanding profession.

Movement as medicine

The Resilient Vet: A new podcast for a better life in vet med

. The physical demands—bending, twisting, reaching down—coupled with the stress of the profession, can take a toll on the body. Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, hosts Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, and Jennifer Edwards, DVM, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP, talk about how just 15 minutes each day can make work easier in this episode of 

 For me, movement is medicine. I’ve been a couples dancer as my primary hobby for my entire adult life, so I danced a lot. And the dancing that I  would do [was] very physical. [There was] a lot of West Coast Swing [and] Two-Step, so there was a lot of controlled twisting and controlled stopping, which helped to build muscles that, honestly, I didn’t even know I had.

I’ve also been a very longtime practitioner of yoga. I would make jokes sometimes in the exam room because as I would be trying to look at the underside of the German shepherd—that would have nothing to do with being stood up on his hind legs so I could see the hot spot—I would literally be in a squat position with my entire torso bent forward and my head turned as I was parting the fur to look at a lesion or something on the underside of a dog.

So, the practice of yoga was huge for me in maintaining my core strength, my flexibility, and my ability to get in and out of some of these awkward positions that we find ourselves in.

I’m not a person who can tie myself into a pretzel. You don’t have to be flexible in that regard, but it’s having your body used to having that range of motion....

I think that what’s key—what you were doing with your yoga practice and with swinging and dancing.... You’re not waiting to be in the [operating room]. You're not waiting for what I consider “game day” in the clinic.

You don’t wait for that most challenging thing when you absolutely have to perform it. The key is making sure that you can perform it by practicing it [and] by maintaining health outside of the clinic on your own time.

So when the time comes that you have to get into those occasional contorted positions, if your body is at least somewhat acclimated [and] somewhat trained to be able to do that, your chances of success [increase]. Success [meaning] not getting injured [while] doing it [and] being able to tolerate those physical demands so you can actually provide the care that you know how to do.

Your brain can have all the smarts in the world—you [can] know exactly what to do—but if you can’t contort your body or hold your body in a certain position, you’re not going to be able to execute what you’re capable of. So, it’s also an issue of really reaching your...career potential.

 And what happens—and I've seen it over and over—is that our bodies are not conditioned to do these tasks. I've seen it in veterinary technicians and veterinarians alike; the body is not in a capacity to be able to do the task, but we do them anyway.

I find that people are not always lifting correctly. Even now, since I've started working out with a personal trainer, as much as I thought...I was lifting properly, I really wasn't. There are ways of doing things and prepping the body so that the things we're going to do anyway are easier and safer.

The other thing I used to do a lot was walk. I've never been a runner—never liked running. I went through [a] phase [of] cycling, but I would always walk.

[There were] so many nights—I can't even tell you, and I'm sure a lot of doctors out there can resonate—[where] I just wanted to flop myself on my couch. I was exhausted when I came home, and I would feel that and put my dog on a leash and go [a] mile around the block. It didn't take super long. Sometimes it was hot, sometimes it was cold, but I went.

And interestingly, almost without question, that increased my energy. It did not drain my energy more, but that movement—getting all that energy out that’d just been building up all day, the cardio effect, all of that—was very healthy. Of course, we're going to talk about this in another episode, but the mindset benefits that go along with that are huge, as well.