BVA Is OK With Non-Traditional Diets
The British Veterinary Association has approved a policy stating, “It is possible to feed dogs a plant-based diet.” The organization posted a position statement at bit.ly/4dA8V4B that “does not attempt to determine the ‘best’ diet for individual pets but rather focuses on supporting pet owners to ensure they are meeting their pets’ nutritional needs as well as meeting their own lifestyle choices.” The BVA added: “A global transition toward nutritionally sound vegan diets for the 471 million pet dogs and 373 million pet cats owned worldwide in 2018 would provide major environmental benefits.”
Dechra Takes Over Akston’s Insulin Program
Veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer Dechra has purchased Akston Biosciences’ long-acting insulin program for dogs and cats. Akston will receive an upfront cash payment, fees to support the technology’s transfer and near-term milestone payments. “We look forward to Dechra taking these programs through late-stage clinical trials and commercial introduction while Akston focuses on developing our strong pipeline of animal health product candidates in obesity, cancer, chronic pain and atopic dermatitis,” said Dr. Todd Zion, Akston’s CEO and president.
Anivive Lifesciences Receives $33 Million Contract
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded California-based Anivive Lifesciences a contract worth up to $33 million to support the development of a vaccine against the fungus Coccidioides, which causes Valley Fever. Aniviv makes a Valley Fever vaccine for dogs and is pursuing a similar vaccine for people.
Buy Midmark Sterilizer, Get a Maintenance Kit
Midmark Corp. has launched the 2024-2025 Sterilizer Maintenance Kit Promotion. Customers who purchase a next-generation Midmark M9 or M11 steam sterilizer and register the device by April 30, 2025, will receive a free maintenance kit valued at up to $225.
AnimalBiome Releases State of the Gut Report
One-third of pet owners are uninformed about the importance of feline and canine gut health, according to AnimalBiome’s 2024 State of the Gut report. The survey, available at bit.ly/3yfRnM8, also found that regular physical activity promotes a diverse and healthy gut microbiome and that “Astonishingly, 40% of dogs eat other dogs’ poop.”
VPP Adds 31 Hospital Co-Owners
Thirty-one veterinarians joined the Veterinary Practice Partners network as hospital co-owners during the first half of 2024. The company’s 2024 Mid-Year Update also reported an average Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars at VPP practices.
MWI Carries Bionote-Branded Products
MWI Animal Health will distribute Bionote USA products, including a new rapid test for detecting canine heartworm and the Vcheck line of quantitative, in-clinic analyzers and biomarker tests.
Veterinary Cooperative Likes CareCredit
The Veterinary Cooperative has selected Synchrony’s CareCredit health and wellness credit card as the group purchasing organization’s preferred financing option. “This partnership will allow TVC’s members to offer flexible financing options to clients through CareCredit, giving pet parents peace of mind and letting veterinary practitioners focus on high-quality service,” said Synchrony senior vice president Boo Larsen.