Vaccine hesitance has risen among pet owners, endangering the health and lives of animals as well as people. "Vaccinations are one of the best methods we have to extend life," said AVMA President Michael Q. Bailey.

A new test that identifies drugs that depend on P-glycoprotein for safe processing might help veterinarians identify drugs that could cause severe neurological side effects in cats, researchers reported in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. P-glycoprotein is disrupted in cats with the MDR1 gene mutation, which is present in up to 6% of Maine coon cats and about 1% of mixed breed cats in the US and Europe.

Avian influenza cases are rising again after a summer lull, with 50 poultry flocks affected in October and ongoing outbreaks in dairy cattle. Experts say cooler weather and bird migration are factors in the increase. The virus poses significant threats to agriculture, and experts say scattered surveillance and reporting of infections in cows impedes efforts to contain outbreaks as effectively as they are contained in poultry.

~ veterinarian Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

The Center for Food Animal Wellbeing's annual symposium emphasized the importance of animal wellbeing in veterinary practices. Highlighting practical examples, the symposium showcased how small changes, such as providing enrichment toys for turkeys, can significantly enhance animal welfare.

South Dakota State Veterinarian Beth Thompson has accepted a faculty position with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine to teach regulatory veterinary medicine. Assistant State Veterinarian Mendel Miller will succeed Dr. Thompson.

A northern spider tortoise and an Egyptian tortoise, both of which are critically endangered species, were stolen from the Indianapolis Zoo sometime around Oct. 11 or 12. The tortoises are about 5 to 6 inches long -- just a bit larger than the palm of a hand. Indiana State Police are seeking public assistance in locating the animals, which could be offered for sale on the black market.

Instead of waiting for permission from others, living authentically requires you to consciously permit yourself to act in ways that align with your values, including taking risks and expressing vulnerability, says Alaina Love, the CEO of Purpose Linked Consulting. In this interview with SmartBrief's Candace Chellew, Love outlines how permission works and how her new book, "Permission to Be You," can provide a "coach in a box" to help you recognize and honor who you already are.

A connected world brings opportunities to veterinary practices. It also poses unique risks to our personal and professional reputations. We can combat those risks in many ways, both to limit our chances of coming under attack and to prevent or minimize damage if we do. Produced in partnership by the AVMA and AVMA Trust, and crafted with the expertise of Bernstein Crisis Management, this practical video library can help you combat cyberbullies and protect your online reputation. View AVMA's video library on combating cyberbullies and protecting your online reputation.