Weekly companion animal news: July 5, 2021

More research shows pets can catch COVID, cats more so than dogs

Pet cats and dogs are much more likely to contract COVID-19 than stray animals, and cats are more susceptible than dogs, new research shows. Researchers at the University of Guelph in Ontario conducted antibody tests on 48 cats and 54 dogs from 77 households that had a positive COVID-19 case in the last nine months. They compared the results to those of 75 dogs and cats living in an animal shelter and 75 cats that had been seen at a low-cost veterinary clinic. Nearly 70% of pet cats and more than 40% of pet dogs tested positive for antibodies, while just under 10% of dogs and cats from the animal shelter tested positive. Only 3% of stray cats tested positive. Most cases were mild, and most of the animals didn’t show symptoms. Cats appeared to have a higher chance of infection the more time they spent with their owners. The results of the study haven’t yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, but they’re planned for presentation this month at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, according to NBC News.

New SoundByte: Capstar

Capstar (nitenpyram) is approved for flea treatment in dogs and cats weighing at least 2 pounds and at least 4 weeks old. According to manufacturer PetIQ, it’s ideal for animals that fall outside the weight and age range of other monthly oral medications. PetIQ also says Capstar is fast-acting (killing fleas within 30 minutes) and significantly less expensive than alternative oral treatments. More information is available in the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage.

Retailers push back on laws banning pet store puppy sales

As more states move toward banning pet store sales of puppies, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and some pet specialty retailers say these efforts are misguided. “Everyone agrees that bad breeders who mistreat and neglect animals need to be put out of business,” said PIJAC’s president and CEO, Mike Bober. “But instead of banning regulated and inspected pet stores and the licensed breeders they work with, the best way to address bad breeders is to empower the United States Department of Agriculture to enforce existing standards of care, pursue and prosecute illegal breeding operations and utilize sound science and demonstrable data when considering changes to the regulations.” Bober said having to provide space for rescues and shift away from pet sales isn’t sustainable for retailers. Pet Product News reports.

Covetrus plans to acquire VCP wellness plan developer

Covetrus has entered a definitive agreement to acquire VCP, a company that creates pet wellness plans. According to the announcement, VCP serves about 1,000 veterinary practices, with more than 350,000 pets on its wellness plans. The transaction isn’t expected to have a material impact on Covetrus’ previously announced 2021 financial guidance. It’s expected to close in the third quarter. Covetrus also announced new executive appointments.

Sri Tang to bring production of exam gloves to the U.S.

Thailand-based Sri Tang Gloves is looking to expand its glove manufacturing footprint with a U.S. campus. The company is considering several southwest and southeast locations as candidates, according to the announcement. The proposed campus, which is planned to be at least 100 acres, “will serve as a North American hub for Sri Tang comprising a nitrile glove manufacturing facility, distribution center and warehouse, and administrative complex,” the announcement said. The facility will support Sri Tang’s existing operation in Tampa, Florida—Sri Tang USA Inc.—and augment its east coast distribution centers, according to the announcement. Potential U.S. production is estimated to reach 2.5 billion nitrile gloves annually after the first full year of production.

Sure Petcare launches Felaqua Connect to help owners monitor cats’ drinking habits

Sure Petcare has launched Felaqua Connect, a water delivery system for cats that allows owners to track their pet’s daily water intake using the Sure Petcare app. Owners can register their cat with Felaqua Connect through the cat’s microchip. The device reports the pet’s overall drinking patterns on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. The product is meant to help owners detect changes in their cat’s drinking patterns. It also sends reminder notifications to refill the water in the product’s reservoir.

Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and dvm360 announce 2021 Practice Manager of the Year

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, in partnership with dvm360, has named Catherine Coloccia as 2021 Practice Manager of the Year. Coloccia has been practice manager at Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital in Bridgewater, New Jersey, since 2013. According to the announcement, Coloccia’s “efforts to revamp the hospital’s outsourced dental services and create and implement a profitable in-house dental suite had widespread benefits.” VHMA executive director Christine Shupe said that Coloccia’s “actions and efforts illustrate the tremendous effect practice managers can have on all aspects of the practice.”