Ontario Animal Health Network Veterinary Podcasts

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) occurs as a result of a viral mutation in cats infected with feline coronavirus.  For decades, FIP has been a devastating condition in cats with an extremely high (95%) mortality rate and no reliable treatment options. A few years ago it was discovered that the antiviral drugs remdesivir and GS-441524 are highly effective for treating FIP, but these drugs are very expensive and there was no legal means of accessing them in Canada or the US – until now!  As of 2024, Canadian veterinarians can access these life-saving drugs through an Emergency Drug Release (EDR).  As these drugs and the process to access them are new to many Ontario veterinarians, the Ontario Animal Health Network is thrilled to have Dr. Kelly St. Denis with us to walk us through some of the ins and outs of these new treatment options. Veterinarians can find the links discussed in the podcast on the OAHN website here (OAHN login required).  Don't have an OAHN login?  Veterinarians and RVTs can sign up for free in one step.

This OAHN bovine podcast takes a look at highlights from surveillance in Ontario and activities of the OAHN bovine network in 2023. For more information, veterinarians can login to access full quarterly reports at www.oahn.ca

Dr. Katie Clow and Valentina Gonzalez Rodriguez from the Ontario Veterinary College join OAHN to discuss their surveillance project describing the spatial and temporal patterns of Culicoides spp in select areas of Ontario.  What are Culicoides spp? Katie and Valentina explain what these insects are and describe the diversity of Culicoides spp. found and their significance to livestock in Ontario. This was a joint project between the OAHN bovine, equine and small ruminant networks and included farms of all 3 types. You can also check out the accompanying project summary at OAHN Network Project: Identification of Culicoides species found in selected areas of Ontario from June - September 2022 - Ontario Animal Health Network

Dr. Tracey Chenier, Associate Professor and Theriogenologist at the Ontario Veterinary College, joins the OAHN equine network to discuss her Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance funded project investigating the exposure of broodmares to Neospora caninum and the possible role of this parasite in equine abortions. As an adjunct to this project, Dr. Chenier also investigated exposure of these broodmares to Neospora hughesi , a cause of equine protozoal myelitis (EPM).  

Dr. Jamie Imada, who recently completed his PhD at the Ontario Veterinary College joins the OAHN bovine network to discuss his thesis, A Holistic Investigation of Johne's Disease Control on Ontario Dairy Farms through Quantitative and Qualitative Methods. Dr. Imada discusses the results of follow up risk assessment and management plans (RAMPs) on 180 Ontario dairy farms and the changes in management practices on study farms since the end of the Ontario Johne's Education and Management Assistance Program in 2013, the current prevalence of Johne's Disease (JD) in Ontario, and the motivations and barriers of producers with regards to JD control and farm biosecurity.

Dr. David Kelton and Dr. Diego Nobrega from the Ontario Veterinary College join the OAHN bovine network to discuss a disease surveillance project using bulk tank milk samples in Ontario dairy herds. The project funded jointly by Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) tested bulk tank milk samples for endemic (common in Ontario) and emerging diseases. Dr. Kelton and Dr. Nobrega discuss why the project was initiated, how to best interpret the results dairy producers have received, and what are some next steps veterinarians and dairy producers might take to continue efforts for disease management on farm.

Dr. David Renaud from the Ontario Veterinary College joins Dr. Cynthia Miltenburg to discuss our current understanding of Salmonella Dublin in Ontario. Learn more about how S. Dublin is transmitted between and within cattle herds and how to detect it, and hear some preliminary research findings from Dr. Renaud's current projects.

The OAHN bovine quarterly podcast report covers several issues discussed at our recent expert meeting including summer cases of Blackleg, a Bovine herpesvirus 1 abortion outbreak, and a new, more severe strain of Winter Dysentery. It also gives a quick update on laboratory data from Q2.  For more information, veterinarians can login to access full quarterly reports at www.oahn.ca

The OAHN bovine quarterly podcast report gives a quick update on laboratory data from Q1, an update on Theileria orientalis Ikeda detected in Tennessee, and a global surveillance update on Foot and Mouth Disease reported in Indonesia.  For more information, veterinarians can login to access full quarterly reports at www.oahn.ca

The OAHN bovine quarterly podcast report gives a quick update on laboratory data from Q4, an overview on cases of Salmonella Dublin in 2021,  and an update on how Ontario bovine veterinarians can report unusual cases to the OAHN bovine network.  For more information, veterinarians can login to access full quarterly reports at www.oahn.ca

Dr. Ron Erskine from Michigan State University joins the OAHN Bovine network to discuss our current understanding of bovine leukemia virus, the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis. Learn more about the prevalence of BLV, the hidden economic impacts of this disease on milk production and cow longevity, “super-shedders”, and practical, pragmatic measures to monitor and control BLV prevalence in herds.  

The OAHN bovine quarterly podcast report gives a quick update on laboratory data from Q3, an overview on epizootic hemorrhagic disease in deer and cattle,  and a global surveillance update focusing on Schmallenberg virus.  For more information, veterinarians can login to access full quarterly reports at www.oahn.ca

The OAHN bovine quarterly podcast report gives a quick update on laboratory data from Q2 with Dr. Rebecca Egan (AHL), and Dr. Cynthia Miltenburg (OMAFRA) and Dr. David Renaud (OVC) discuss disease test results from of cattle purchased into Ontario beef and dairy herds.  For more information, veterinarians can login to access full quarterly reports at www.oahn.ca.

Dr. Kathryn Reif, an assistant professor and researcher at Kansas State University joins the OAHN Bovine network to discuss how to recognize bovine anaplasmosis, how the disease is transmitted, and why the risk to cattle in Ontario might be changing. For more information, visit our Anaplasmosis Fact Sheet.

The OAHN bovine quarterly podcast report gives a quick update on laboratory data from Q1, an overview on risk of lead toxicosis in cattle, and a global surveillance update focusing on Lumpy Skin Disease.  For more information, veterinarians can login to access full quarterly reports at www.oahn.ca.

Dr. Cynthia Miltenburg of the OAHN Bovine network speaks with Dr. Jessica Gordon, a veterinarian and assistant professor in Ruminant Health Management at the Ontario Veterinary College, regarding a recent surveillance project on gastrointestinal parasites in cattle including management and how to help avoid increasing resistance issues. For more information on the project, veterinarians can login to www.oahn.ca

The OAHN bovine quarterly podcast report gives a quick update on laboratory data from Q4, a wrap-up of Salmonella Dublin cases in Ontario in 2020, and a global surveillance update focusing on bovine tuberculosis.  For more information, veterinarians can login to access full quarterly reports at www.oahn.ca:

The OAHN mini-podcast series on COVID-19 precautions in veterinary clinics features quick 3-5 minute “lighting rounds” with advice and tips from infection control expert and University of Guelph professor Dr. Scott Weese. If you have a COVID-19 related question about which you’d like to hear a podcast or mini-podcast, please email us at oahn@uoguelph.ca.  Also check out our COVID-19 resources page for veterinarians. Stay safe!

The OAHN mini-podcast series on COVID-19 precautions in veterinary clinics features quick 3-5 minute “lighting rounds” with advice and tips from infection control expert and University of Guelph professor Dr. Scott Weese. If you have a COVID-19 related question about which you’d like to hear a podcast or mini-podcast, please email us at oahn@uoguelph.ca.  Also check out our COVID-19 resources page for veterinarians. Stay safe!

The OAHN mini-podcast series on COVID-19 precautions in veterinary clinics features quick 3-5 minute “lighting rounds” with advice and tips from infection control expert and University of Guelph professor Dr. Scott Weese. If you have a COVID-19 related question about which you’d like to hear a podcast or mini-podcast, please email us at oahn@uoguelph.ca.  Also check out our COVID-19 resources page for veterinarians. Stay safe!

The OAHN mini-podcast series on COVID-19 precautions in veterinary clinics features quick 3-5 minute “lighting rounds” with advice and tips from infection control expert and University of Guelph professor Dr. Scott Weese.   If you have a COVID-19 related question about which you’d like to hear a podcast or mini-podcast, please email us at oahn@uoguelph.ca.  Also check out our COVID-19 resources page for veterinarians. Stay safe!

The OAHN mini-podcast series on COVID-19 precautions in veterinary clinics features quick 3-5 minute “lighting rounds” with advice and tips from infection control expert and University of Guelph professor Dr. Scott Weese.   If you have a COVID-19 related question about which you’d like to hear a podcast or mini-podcast, please email us at oahn@uoguelph.ca.  Also check out our COVID-19 resources page for veterinarians.  Stay safe!

The OAHN mini-podcast series on COVID-19 precautions in veterinary clinics features quick 3-5 minute “lighting rounds” with advice and tips from infection control expert and University of Guelph professor Dr. Scott Weese.   If you have a COVID-19 related question about which you’d like to hear a podcast or mini-podcast, please email us at oahn@uoguelph.ca.  Also check out our COVID-19 resources page for veterinarians.  Stay safe!

The OAHN mini-podcast series on COVID-19 precautions in veterinary clinics features quick 3-5 minute “lighting rounds” with advice and tips from infection control expert and University of Guelph professor Dr. Scott Weese.   If you have a COVID-19 related question about which you’d like to hear a podcast or mini-podcast, please email us at oahn@uoguelph.ca.  Also check out our COVID-19 resources page for veterinarians.  Stay safe!

Dr. Maureen Anderson of the OAHN Companion Animal network speaks with Dr. Doug DeBoer, Professor of Dermatology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD), regarding canine staphylococcal pyoderma; including management and treatment of antimicrobial resistant infections, and how to help avoid increasing resistance issues. For more information on antimicrobial stewardship and canine superficial bacterial folliculitis, veterinarians can login to access these and other infographic resources at www.oahn.ca: https://oahn.ca/resources/infographic-itchy-dogs-topical-treatments-culture-critical-cases/ https://oahn.ca/resources/infographic-using-the-best-medicine-reducing-antibiotic-use/

Sarah Haworth from Trent University discusses the goals of the recent OAHN wildlife network project: providing background information on chronic wasting disease (CWD), details about CWD in white tailed deer in Ontario, and the findings of the investigation of characterization of spatial patterns of CWD susceptibility in white tailed deer.   To read more details about this project, follow this link to the project's page on OAHN.ca - https://oahn.ca/resources/characterizing-the-spatial-patterns-of-chronic-wasting-disease-susceptibility-in-white-tailed-deer/

In this episode, OAHN Equine Network co-lead Dr. Alison Moore is joined by Dr. Tracey Chenier DVM, DVSc, DACVT, Associate Professor of Theriogenology at the Ontario Veterinary College to discuss equine herpesvirus-1 abortion in mares. Listen as they discuss how mares become infected with the virus, how it is spread, how to manage an abortion outbreak, how to reduce the likelihood of it happening in the first place and so much more!

Learn about what Ontario veterinarians were seeing in horses from Oct-Dec 2018, and find out about recurrent airway obstruction or heaves, strangles, rhinitis, impaction colic, laminitis, and much more.

OAHN Equine Network co-lead Dr. Alison Moore, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, DACVSMR from OMAFRA is joined by board-certified clinical pathologist, Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi, BA, DVM, DVSc, Dipl. ACVP, to discuss interpretation of CBC, biochemical and endocrine profile data in equine athletes. Join them as they have a lively discussion on the interpretation of WBC changes (the “flipped differential”), GGT, the iron panel, and so much more!

Companion Animal Network co-lead Dr. Maureen Anderson, DVM, DVSc, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM)  from OMAFRA is joined by board-certified internal medicine specialist Dr. Bronwyn Rutland, BSc, BVMS, DACVIM to discuss chronic diarrhea in dogs and cats. They discuss what chronic diarrhea is, common causes,  infectious diseases, management strategies (including fecal transplantation), diagnostic approaches, and much more.

With such a hot summer, and with more heat around the corner, we decided to give some top tips on how to submit your lab samples during hot weather.

We are joined by Dr. Glenn Duizer, veterinary epidemiologist within Manitoba's Chief Veterinary Office. Dr. Duizer gives an update on the PED situation in Manitoba, abd discusses how the province has dealt with this outbreak.   This podcast was recorded in December 2017.

Today, we are joined by Dr. Michelle Evason, an internal medicine specialist and associate professor of small animal internal medicine at the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of PEI. Dr. Evason discusses the different types of ticks in Ontario and the types of diseases they cause in dogs, including anaplasmosis, erlichiosis, and more. As well, Dr. Evason discusses diseases that are not yet in Canada, but have been found in the Northern U.S. Other resources on tick-borne disease: Ticks and Lyme Disease in Ontario: What's the Real Risk? Worms and Germs Tick Tracker Parasite Prevalence Maps CDC: Geographic distribution of ticks that bite humans  

We are joined by Dr. Maureen Anderson from OMAFRA and the OAHN Companion Animal network, who discusses the current status of rabies in Ontario. Dr. Anderson outlines current risks, how rabies is transmitted, and what you can do as a pet owner or vet if you think a pet has come in contact with a rabid animal. As well, Dr. Anderson explains where you can go for further resources about rabies in Ontario. To access the OMAFRA rabies resource page, click here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/ahw/rabies.htm Veterinarians can contact an OMAFRA veterinarian for assistance with the risk assessment, if needed, by calling the Agriculture Information Contact Centre (AICC) at 1-877-424-1300.

Today we are joined by Dr. Chris Byra, a recently retired swine practitioner from Western Canada, and the current manager of Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network (CSHIN) and the Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network (CWSHIN). Dr. Byra discusses what CSHIN and CWSHIN do, and the swine diseases that these organizations follow. Dr. Byra goes on to discuss porcine epidemic diarrhea, and the recent outbreak in Western Canada. 

The final installment in our 5-part podcast series, where our OAHN Equine Network members answer top equine professionals' questions about equine strangles. We are joined by Dr. Alison Moore, DVM DVSc DACVIM DACVSMR, Lead Veterinarian, Animal Health and Welfare at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, who answers the following questions: "What is strangles and what causes it? I know there's a vaccine, but does this mean it's caused by a virus?" "What types or populations of horses are at a greater risk for contracting strangles?" "Is there a risk of abortion in a pregnant mare?" "What's the risk to very young foals?"  

Part 4 of a 5-part podcast series, where our OAHN Equine Network veterinarians answer top equine professionals' questions about equine strangles. We are joined by Ontario equine veterinarian Dr. Jessica Peatling, who answers the following questions: "Can we manage horses using approporiate biosecurity practices so that we don't have to vaccinate?" "Should barnowners require a negative strangles test before they bring in a new horse?" "Is strangles a reportable disease in Canada? What about the U.S.?"

Part 3 of a 5-part podcast series, where our OAHN Equine Network veterinarians answer top equine professionals' questions about equine strangles. We are joined by Ontario equine veterinarian Dr. Melissa McKee, who answers the following questions:   What are the differences between the killed and live vaccine for strangles, and are both types generally available in Ontario? Is it safe to vaccinate horses yearly with the strangles vaccine, and is it OK to give it alongside other vaccinations? I've heard that strangles vaccines can actually cause strangles, is that true? I vaccinated my horse for strangles, but it still got a mild form of the disease, does this mean the vaccine isn't effective?  

Part 2 of a 5-part podcast series, where our OAHN Equine Network veterinarians answer top equine professionals' questions about equine strangles. We are joined by Ontario equine veterinarian Dr. Chris Grossenbacher, who answers the following questions:   "Is strangles hard to clear from a farm once an infection has been established? "There seems to be a lot of difference in opinion on whether to treat strangles of let it run its course; what's the best thing to do? i.e. Should we be treating with penicillin at the first onset of a fever?" "What is bastard strangles? Are there different risks or specific procedures and protocols to follow when dealing with bastard strangles?"

This is part 1 of a 5-part podcast series, where our OAHN Equine Network veterinarians answer top equine professionals' questions about equine strangles. Today we are joined by Dr. Memo Arroyo, from the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Arroyo answers many questions, including: "If my horse has recovered from strangles, can I assume that he has cleared the organisms and will never get it again?" and "How does a horse become a carrier and how would it be identified?"

We are joined by Paul Kelly, research and apiary manager at the Honey Bee Research Centre at the University of Guelph, to discuss the work that goes on at the Honey Bee Research Centre. Mr. Kelly details the education side of the Centre, including outreach, tours, available courses, and public education. 

In part 4 of 4 of our Raw Food series, we are joined by Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe, board certified veterinary nutritionist and research chair from the OVC. We discuss raw and homemade food diets from a nutritionist perspective.  Check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of our raw food series, where we discuss raw food diets from an infectious disease perspective.  This podcast is 20 mins in length.

In part 3 of our Raw Food series, we are joined by Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe, board certified veterinary nutritionist and research chair from the OVC. We discuss raw and homemade food diets from a nutritionist perspective.  Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our raw food series, where we discuss raw food diets from an infectious disease perspective. This podcast is 11 minutes in length.

In part 2 of our Raw Food Series, we are again joined by board certified internal medicine specialist from the Ontario Veterinary College Dr. Scott Weese to discuss raw food diets for pets. Dr. Weese discusses the top 3 concerns with raw food diets, nutritional analysis, risks, how to discuss raw food diets with pet owners, and much more. You can access part 1 by clicking here, and stay tuned for parts 3 and 4, where we will be talking to Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe about raw food nutrition.  This podcast is 11 minutes in length.

Today, we are joined by board certified internal medicine specialist from the Ontario Veterinary College Dr. Scott Weese to discuss raw food diets for pets. We discuss the science behind raw food diets, including what raw food diets are, the risks that can come with raw food diets, nutritional adequacy, and much more. We will be posting part 2 in the coming weeks. This podcast is 15 minutes in length.

Wael Haddad, Apiary Data Coordinator at OMAFRA and co-lead of the OAHN Bee Network, is joined by Mylee Nordin, coordinator and professor at the Commercial Beekeeping Program at Niagara College, to discuss how the beekeeping program was started, advantages of enrolling, and much more.

We talk to Les Eccles, tech-transfer program lead with the Ontario Beekeepers' Association, about resources that are available to new and experienced beekeepers in Ontario. Les discusses the resources that are provided by the OBA and other associations, as well as how to figure out which online resources are reliable. Les also goes over the big issues affecting the industry.

We are joined by Dr. Andrew Peregrine, BVMS, PhD, DVM, Diplomate EVPC, Diplomate ACVM (Veterinary Parasitology), Clinical Parasitologist at the Ontario Veterinary College, and Jonathon Kotwa, master's candidate in the department of pathobiology at the OVC. Dr. Peregrine and Mr. Kotwa discuss alveolar echinococcosis and human alveolar echinococcosis. As well, they discuss life cycle of echinococcis multilocularis, how it is transmitted, and who can host the disease.

Avian influenza is sweeping the world this year, and there’s information you need to know to protect your flock. We are joined by Dr. Tom Baker, the Incident Commander at the Feather Board Command Centre, to discuss the new strain of avian influenza, review the recent cases in the U.S., and go over what small flock owners in Ontario need to know. Helpful Links Feather Board Command Centre OAHN Poulty Page Podcast on Avian Influenza Information for Veterinarians and Small Flock Owners Avian Influenza Infographic for Backyard Flock Owners Poultry Biosecurity Infographic  

Avian influenza is sweeping the world this year, and there’s information you need to know to protect your flock. We are joined by Dr. Tom Baker, the Incident Commander at the Feather Board Command Centre, to discuss the new strain of avian influenza, review the recent cases in the U.S., and go over what commercial producers in Ontario need to know. Helpful Links Feather Board Command Centre OAHN Poulty Page Podcast on Avian Influenza Information for Veterinarians and Small Flock Owners Poultry Biosecurity Infographic

We are joined by Dr. Andrew Peregrine, BVMS, PhD, DVM, Diplomate EVPC, Diplomate ACVM (Veterinary Parasitology), Clinical Parasitologist at the Ontario Veterinary College, and Jonathon Kotwa, master's candidate in the department of pathobiology at the OVC. Dr. Peregrine and Mr. Kotwa discuss what echinococcus multiloclaris is, its history in Canada and Ontario, types of infections, and what veterinarians need to know.