Evolving Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Frameworks: In Europe
Evaluating the Benefits of Organic Trace Mineral Supplementation: For Improve Dairy Production
Development of a Robust PRRSv Challenge Model: In Pigs
Digital Application Technology: As a Cornerstone of Modern Animal Health
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04 EDITORS LETTER
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06 Exploring Animal Health Innovation and Collaboration: Insights from BioFIT
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BioFIT, one of Europe’s leading events for early-stage innovation and technology transfer in Life Sciences, has firmly established itself as a pivotal hub for the animal health community. Through dedicated conferences and pitch sessions, as well as the ‘R&D Dating for Animal Health and Innovation,’ BioFIT provides an illustration of how platform facilitate ideas being tested, partnerships formed and new ventures accelerated. BioFIT discusses how the future of animal health depends on dialogue, bold ideas and cross-sectoral collaboration. It is precisely at the intersection of these elements that true breakthroughs will emerge.
10 Evolving Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Frameworks in Europe: What Manufacturers Need to Know
Animal health pharmacovigilance (PV) the science of detecting, assessing and preventing adverse events (AE) related to veterinary medicinal products has undergone major reform in recent years in Europe. These changes aim to strengthen PV systems and improve efficiency to deliver greater protection for animal and public health and the environment. Chris Boyle and Anna Shari-Melin of Sidley Austin LLP discuss that in order to achieve stimulating innovation and investment, the implementation of regulatory requirements must be proportionate and must avoid unduly adding to administrative burden. As these burdens are multiplied where there is a divergence of requirements between jurisdictions, companies should consider pushing for further international regulatory alignment to minimise this impact while implementing PV mechanisms that seek to avoid duplication of effort across jurisdictions.
14 Digital Application Technology as a Cornerstone of Modern Animal Health
Veterinary medicine has always faced the challenge of implementing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies that balance efficiency, safety and animal welfare. With the increasing industrialisation of livestock production and the growing global interconnectedness of animal diseases, the demands for precision and transparency continue to rise. Jennifer Kopp of Henke Sass Wolf discusses that by embracing the combination of modern application technologies with digital platforms marks a milestone in veterinary medicine. By uniting precision, safety and ergonomics with seamless documentation, these systems meet rising demands for transparency and regulatory compliance.
16 Veterinarian Technology- Helping or Overwhelming?
Veterinary tech holds undeniable promise in helping pets live longer, making healthcare more affordable and strengthening the relationship between veterinarian and pet owner. It represents a chance to learn more, share insight and spend more time on care, rather than ‘admin.’ But there’s no linear journey to ‘doing tech,’ in a clinical and operationally complex business. Charlotte
Forshaw of FWD discusses the importance of the commitment of the people using tech and without the right onboarding processes to ensure each and every user across a clinic can capably use and understand a tool, new tech can quickly become wasted investment. And worse, feed into a cycle of wariness and apathy.
20 Evaluating the Benefits of Organic Trace Mineral Supplementation for Improved Dairy Production
Despite advancements in genetics and management practices, today’s dairy producers still face problems related to poor reproductive performance and various health issues that can lead to increased costs and loss of revenue. Laurentia van Rensburg of Alltech discusses that in a rapidly evolving industry, dairy producers must be willing to adopt new, proven technologies, especially if these technologies can aid in addressing a known on-farm challenge. As new products and additives enter the market, it is also increasingly important for dairy producers to evaluate these products based on efficacy and the research associated with each product, and to work with reputable companies that invest in research and development and have robust quality control programs in place.
22 Development of a Robust PRRSv Challenge Model in Pigs: Paving the Way for Effective Control Solutions
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is considered one of the most relevant diseases in pig production worldwide and is caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSv). The disease does not only impact the health of swine herds but also leads to substantial economic losses and increased use of antibiotics due to secondary infections. Lucía Dieste Pérez of Royal GD discusses how this PRRSv-1 challenge model offers a reliable platform to test new vaccine candidates or other interventions based on prevention or reduction of PRRSv viraemia in infected pigs. Pérez suggests that by mimicking the infection process, researchers can assess the effectiveness of interventions in controlled conditions.
24 An Investigation into the Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on the Prevalence and Severity of Cryptosporidium Infections in Young Calves
This study demonstrates that probiotic supplementation significantly reduces the prevalence and severity of Cryptosporidium infections in young calves. Treated
calves showed lower infection rates, reduced scouring, improved temperature regulation, greater milk intake and enhanced weight gain compared to controls. May Allan of Norvite discusses that through these findings highlight probiotics as a practical, cost-effective strategy for improving calf health and mitigating the impact of cryptosporidiosis in commercial dairy systems. Consideration of age-related responses and individual variability will be important for optimising use in practice.
30 Pet Acoustics+ App: A Game-changer in Veterinary Medicine Through Digital Hearing Assessment and Species-specific Sound Therapy
Veterinarians increasingly recognise that animal health extends beyond physical disease to include emotional and sensory well-being. Stress in clinical settings undermines diagnostic accuracy, impedes treatment and diminishes client satisfaction. Yet, hearing loss often goes undetected until advanced stages and stress in veterinary and home settings remains a persistent welfare challenge. Janet Marlow of Pet Acoustics discusses how they introduce two innovations with transformative potential for veterinary practice: the world’s first mobile, patent-pending hearing test for dogs and cats and subscriptionbased, scientifically validated species-specific music to reduce stress and improve outcomes. This article reviews the scientific foundations of auditory health in companion animals.
34 The Future
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have reshaped the global biomedical landscape in recent years, demonstrating remarkable speed and flexibility in combating emerging infectious threats. While the first breakthroughs emerged in human health, veterinary medicine is rapidly becoming the next frontier where this technology could transform disease prevention, animal welfare and food security. Alex Del Priore of Syngene discusses that as the field evolves, the collaboration between innovators and CRDMOs will determine how quickly and effectively mRNA’s promise can be realised in veterinary practice – transforming not only animal health but the global health ecosystem at large
36 The Single Most Important Ingredient in an Optimally Nutritious Diet for Dogs
Conscientious manufacturers of dog and cat foods strive to create balanced, nutritionally complete foods for the animals they serve. Many attentive caregivers choose to feed home-prepared meals by following a recipe formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. But in both cases, the strategies they employ inevitably fall short, because they lack a key ingredient that is crucial to providing optimum nutrition. That key ingredient is variety. Jan Allegretti of Holistic Animal Health Series discusses that by embracing innovative ways to incorporate variety into the meals we create for our dogs and cats, with little or no added cost we can make a remarkable new contribution to their health and longevity.
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As leaves begin to fall and our days become shorter, we welcome you to our third edition of IAHJ in 2025. We hope you enjoy reading! This Autumn issue of IAHJ recognises the hardworking and dedication undergone globally to promote and most significantly preserve animal public health and welfare.
Lucía Dieste Pérez’s defines PRRSv-1 challenge model as the most reliable platform for testing new vaccine candidates in the prevention as well as reduction of PRRSv viraemia in infected pigs. This study shows that by mimicking the infection process, researchers can assess the effectiveness of interventions in controlled conditions. Pérez examines how the challenged pigs became viraemic (20/20) with the challenge strain 4 dpi and how the RNA of the challenge strain was also detected in the lungs of all pigs euthanised 10 dpi (10/10) by RT-qPCR. At 28 dpi, the percentage of RT-qPCR positive lungs was lower, as well as the average viral load. Nasal excretion of PRRSv after inoculation was lower than viraemia, both in terms of percentage of positive pigs (11/20 at the peak of excretion) and viral load. Respiratory clinical signs and PRRSv macro and histological lesions were mild. Therefore, drawing the conclusion that this PRRSv-1 challenge model offers a reliable platform to test new vaccine candidates or other interventions based on prevention or reduction of PRRSv viraemia in infected pigs.
The biggest economic impact is not due to treatment costs but to loss of production (milk yield) and high cull rates. On average, studies showed that mastitis can cost the producer as much as $250 per case. Laurentia van Rensburg explains that in a rapidly evolving industry, dairy producers must be willing to adopt new, proven technologies, especially if these technologies can aid in
addressing a known on-farm challenge. As new products and additives enter the market, it is also increasingly important for dairy producers to evaluate these products based on efficacy and the research associated with each product, and to work with reputable companies that invest in research and development and have robust quality control programs in place.
Janet Marlow’s Pet Acoustics+App introduces two innovations with transformative potential for veterinary practice: the world’s first mobile, patent-pending hearing test for dogs and cats and subscription-based, scientifically validated species-specific music to reduce stress and improve outcomes. Janet discusses the great importance of emotional and sensory well-being for our companion animals as she asserts that noise is one of the most significant stressors: barking, metallic clanging and unfamiliar voices can elevate cortisol, heart rate and behavioural distress in both dogs and cats. This article reviews the scientific foundations of auditory health in companion animals, it summarises biometric research on sound therapy published in the International Animal Health Journal and evaluates the implications of AIdriven mobile tools for diagnostics.
Though conscientious manufacturers of dog and cat foods strive to create balanced, nutritionally complete foods for the animals they serve. Many attentive caregivers choose to feed home-prepared meals by following a recipe formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Through Jan Allegretti’s discussion in our Food and Feed section she explores the vitality of embracing innovative ways to incorporate variety into the meals we create for our dogs and cats, with little or no added cost we can make a remarkable new contribution to their health and longevity.
Melissa Cavner, Editor
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Amanda Burkardt, MSc, MBA – CEO of Nutripeutics Consulting
Germán W. Graff – Principal, Graff Global Ltd
Fereshteh Barei – Health Economist & Strategy Advisor, Founder of BioNowin Santé Avenue Association
Carel du Marchie Sarvaas Executive Director Health For Animals
Kimberly H. Chappell – Senior Research Scientist & Companion Animal Product Development Elanco Animal Health
Dr. Sam Al-Murrani – Chief Executive Officer Babylon Bioconsulting & Managing Director at Bimini LLC
Sven Buckingham – Buckingham QA Consultancy Ltd.
Dawn Howard – Chief Executive of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH)
Jean Szkotnicki – President of the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI)
Dr. Kevin Woodward – Managing Director KNW Animal Health Consulting
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The global animal health industry is undergoing a period of profound transformation. Driven by the ever-increasing demand for companion animal care, the constant need to secure food supply chains and the growing convergence between human and veterinary medicine, innovation has become the lifeblood of the sector. Advances in diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics and digital technologies are transforming the way disease is prevented and treated in animals. Meanwhile, comparative medicine and One Health principles emphasise the deep connection between human and animal health.
Against this backdrop, BioFIT, one of Europe’s leading events for early-stage innovation and technology transfer in Life Sciences, has firmly established itself as a pivotal hub for the animal health community. Through dedicated conferences and pitch sessions, as well as the ‘R&D Dating for Animal Health and Innovation,’ BioFIT provides an illustration of how platform facilitate ideas being tested, partnerships formed and new ventures accelerated. The 2025 edition is set to further explore how the challenges and opportunities in animal health reflect the wider dynamics of biotechnology innovation.
The New Face of Veterinary Innovation
In recent years, a wave of entrepreneurial ventures has energised the animal health landscape. Start-ups, frequently emerging from academia or human health companies, are introducing novel concepts to veterinary medicine including new biologics, advanced vaccines, data-driven platforms and even AI-powered diagnostics.
However, alongside this innovation comes the critical question of exit strategies. How can these small companies successfully transition into the wider industry ecosystem? At BioFIT 2025, a dedicated session will address this issue, exploring the various options available to animal health startups.
For many founders, acquisition by a major pharmaceutical company remains the most common trajectory. Large companies are actively seeking technologies that can complement their product portfolios, address therapeutic gaps and provide new solutions such as monoclonal antibodies and RNA-based solutions. However, preparing for such an exit requires careful attention to timing, positioning and valuation. Investors and entrepreneurs alike must align their strategies with broader market trends, anticipate regulatory changes and avoid overextending themselves or failing to meet industry needs.
Although the animal health sector is smaller than human pharmaceuticals, it is not immune to the forces of globalisation, competitive consolidation and technological disruption. Exit strategies therefore serve as a litmus test for how well start-ups have navigated these currents. Discussions at events like BioFIT emphasise the importance of strategic
foresight for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses and investors seeking sustainable returns.
Translating Human Health Breakthroughs into Veterinary Value: The Case of Adivo
Another powerful theme at the forefront of animal health today is translating human biomedical innovations into veterinary medicine. This trend is deeply rooted in the logic of comparative medicine and creates opportunities to repurpose technologies, platforms and molecules across species.
A striking example of this comes from adivo GmbH, a MorphoSys spin-off that adapted a phage-display antibody platform initially designed for human health into a veterinaryfocused discovery engine. By tailoring antibody libraries for dogs and cats specifically, adivo built a promising pipeline in oncology and inflammatory diseases before being acquired by Zoetis in 2023.
At BioFIT, Dr. Kathrin Ladetzki-Baehs, co-founder of adivo, will share insights into the strategic thinking that guided this journey, including how a human drug discovery tool was reimagined for veterinary applications and how seed financing and partnerships were secured, ultimately culminating in a successful exit.
The story of adivo reflects a broader reality: animal health can no longer be viewed as an isolated field. It thrives on crosspollination from human biotech, whether through shared knowledge of disease mechanisms, platform technologies or investment logic. By providing a platform for such success stories, BioFIT serves to highlight the value of comparative approaches.
Pitching the Future: Animal Health Innovation on Display
While established companies play a vital role in scaling innovations, the pipeline of future therapies and technologies relies on the vitality of early-stage projects. To showcase this ecosystem, BioFIT hosts pitch sessions in animal health, which are being co-organised with the SIMV (Syndicat de l’Industrie du Médicament et diagnostic Vétérinaires).
Through an open call for projects, start-ups and academic teams are invited to present innovations spanning a wide range of areas, including diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, medical devices, digital health tools and preventive solutions. Projects can be at any level of maturity, from early research to applied development.
Submissions are reviewed against criteria such as market fit, technical merit and innovative potential. The selected projects then present their ideas to a jury of experts and industry stakeholders during BioFIT. The winning project earns recognition as the most innovative initiative in European animal health, while all participants gain exposure to potential partners and investors.
This process represents more than just a competition: it is a mapping of the future landscape of veterinary innovation. By encouraging bold ideas and fostering constructive feedback, the pitch sessions help to bridge the gap between scientific creativity and industrial application.
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One of the most noteworthy contributions that BioFIT makes to the animal health community is the hosting of the ‘R&D Dating for Animal Health and Innovation,’ in partnership with the SIMV. Now in its 11th edition, this initiative is based on the idea that innovation thrives when public and private organisations meet in person.
Every year, 8 to 10 innovations from start-ups or academic institutions are selected to be presented to a jury of experts as well as the BioFIT audience to entail collaborations.
Initially centred on medicines and diagnostics, the scope of these exchanges has steadily expanded to include medical technologies, data-driven solutions and digital platforms. By breaking down silos, the R&D dating initiative accelerates the translation of ideas into marketable solutions.
This initiative is particularly timely given the rise of comparative medicine and the recognition that many diseases (cancer, osteoarticular disorders, infectious diseases and pain) share pathophysiological traits in both humans and animals. By fostering these partnerships, BioFIT supports an innovation model that benefits both veterinary and human health, thereby strengthening the One Health paradigm.
The discussions taking place at BioFIT reflect broader dynamics that are reshaping the animal health industry worldwide.
One of the most significant of these is the growing recognition of the One Health approach, which highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Comparative medicine further strengthens this connection by demonstrating that many conditions, such as cancer, osteoarticular disorders, infectious diseases and chronic pain, have similar pathophysiological features in different species. This convergence creates opportunities for solutions that benefit both humans and animals.
At the same time, the sector is undergoing a digital transformation. Wearable devices, advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence are being increasingly integrated into veterinary practice, enabling earlier disease detection, personalised treatments and improved animal welfare. These tools transform clinical practice and open new avenues for preventive care and real-time monitoring.
Another critical concern is sustainability. As the global population grows, ensuring food security depends heavily on the health of livestock. Meanwhile, the need to curb antimicrobial resistance is pushing the sector towards innovative vaccines, new therapeutic classes and alternative preventive approaches. In this sense, innovation in animal health has direct implications for public health and for the resilience of global food systems.
Finally, investment patterns in the sector are changing. Although traditionally smaller than in human biotechnology, venture capital interest in animal health has grown, encouraged by successful exits, cross-sector synergies and the promise of comparative medicine. This trend signals that animal health is increasingly recognised as a field with longterm value creation potential.
Together, these dynamics make it clear that animal health is no longer peripheral to global healthcare and innovation. It is a key driver of solutions that link scientific discovery, clinical
practice and societal needs, a fact that platforms like BioFIT seek to highlight and amplify through its dedicated focus on the sector.
Animal health is no longer a niche field. It is at the heart of many global challenges, including food security, One Health, digital transformation and comparative medicine. Innovation in this field is essential for the welfare of animals, the health of humans and the sustainability of ecosystems.
By dedicating space to animal health in conference sessions, pitch competitions and partnering meetings, BioFIT functions as a pivotal meeting place for individuals shaping the future of animal health. Its emphasis on collaboration, knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship reflects the very forces driving change in the sector.
Ultimately, the message underscored by events like BioFIT is clear: the future of animal health depends on dialogue, bold ideas and cross-sectoral collaboration. It is precisely at the intersection of these elements that true breakthroughs will emerge.
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European pharmacovigilance (PV) frameworks have been updated to provide risk-based, data-driven oversight of processes to increase transparency and better protect animal health, public health and the environment. Though this can add to the administrative burden for marketing authorisation holders, robust PV systems can help create added value for manufacturers by continuously delivering critical data to support product development, while strengthening confidence in the safety and reliability of veterinary medicines.
Animal health pharmacovigilance (PV) the science of detecting, assessing and preventing adverse events (AE) related to veterinary medicinal products has undergone major reform in recent years in Europe. These changes, driven by new legislation and international harmonised guidance (VICH), aim to strengthen PV systems and improve efficiency to deliver greater protection for animal and public health and the environment. In practice, adapting to new PV requirements can add to the administrative burden for marketing authorisation holders (MAH). However, robust PV systems can be used to create added value for manufacturers by continuously delivering critical data to guide regulatory and product development decisions throughout the product lifecycle while strengthening confidence in the safety and reliability of veterinary medicines – an issue currently in the public spotlight. In this article, we highlight the recent changes and challenges from the evolving PV frameworks in Europe of which manufacturers should be aware.
A package of EU Veterinary Medicines Regulations (2019/6 and 2021/1281) and Veterinary Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (VGVP) have been the launchpad for a modernised veterinary PV framework across Europe. These changes represent a shift toward a more streamlined and scientifically oriented approach to monitoring the safety and efficacy of veterinary medicines. The new EU requirements took effect on January 28, 2022, with a subsequent phased introduction of key IT systems, including the Union Product Database and the Union Pharmacovigilance Database (EudraVigilance Veterinary, EVV); the latter attained its full functionality earlier this year. The Great Britain PV framework was similarly updated on May 17, 2024, through amendments to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, with new PV tools still being developed, including the UK’s ‘enhanced online reporting portal,’ targeted for release in early 2026. Manufacturers must continue to adapt as the full functionality of the online PV databases is implemented.
A central PV requirement is for MAHs to maintain a comprehensive Pharmacovigilance Master File (PSMF) that details their entire PV system, including processes for adverse event reporting, signal management, risk minimisation and quality assurance. The PSMF replaces the previous Detailed Description of the PV System (DDPS) and covers the MAH’s whole product portfolio. Under the prior system, a single change to the DDPS needed to be applied to every product held by the MAH, whereas the PSMF covers all products held
by the MAH, so only a single change is required. The PSMF must be kept up to date and available for inspection, serving as a central document to demonstrate compliance and therefore crucial for regulator PV inspections.
One of the most notable recent changes to PV frameworks in Europe is the abolition of mandatory Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs) submissions. Instead of requiring routine PSURs (estimated to be 50 PSURs per veterinary pharmaceutical company per year), MAHs must now carry out continuous signal management. This shift is intended to enable MAHs to focus resources on real-time analysis rather than periodic reporting, but manufacturers should be aware that regulators may still request targeted safety updates if signals indicate potential risks.
The animal health industry has long advocated a ‘One Health,’ approach that takes into consideration animal, human and environmental health at the same time rather than considering them in silos. Consistent with this approach, the EU framework broadens the scope of suspected adverse events (SAE): It now includes not only any unfavourable and unintended reaction in any animal to a veterinary medicine but also includes incidents in humans; the environment; observation of lack of efficacy of a veterinary medicine following its administration to an animal, whether or not in accordance with the summary of product characteristics; a finding of an active ingredient or marker residue exceeding the maximum residue limit (MRL); suspected transmission or an infectious agent via a veterinary medicine; and any unfavourable and unintended reaction in an animal to a medicinal product for human use.
The Great Britain Veterinary Medicines Regulations take a similar approach by adopting the VICH GL24 definition of ‘adverse event,’ as ‘any observation in animals that occurs after any use of a veterinary medicinal product, whether or not considered to be product-related, that is unfavourable and unintended;’ by including definitions of ‘human adverse event’ and ‘adverse environmental event;’ and by creating reporting obligations for unintended transmission of an infectious agent through a veterinary medicine, lack of efficacy and exceeding MRLs.
While the EU and Great Britain requirements broadly and intentionally align, in practice, manufacturers should be aware that international divergence in the definition of AE/SAEs among jurisdictions can lead to different reporting requirements and different product information requirements from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, complicating product communication and potentially creating regulatory inefficiencies. The Veterinary Dictionary for Drug Regulatory Activities provides a list of standard clinical terms to be used in reporting SAEs in animals or humans after exposure to veterinary medicinal products and is revised on an annual basis, promoting harmonisation of SAE reports.
In the EU, marketing authorisation holders must record in EudraVigilance Veterinary all suspected adverse events reported to them and those published in the scientific
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REDUCTION of the number of animals used in standardized tests for pure substances – a practical solution to the ”one substance, one assessment” approach.
REFINEMENT through improvement of animal testing methods and recording results to enhance data reusability. The aim is to avoid or minimise the stress on animals during an experiment.
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REPLACEMENT of animal tests by buying or selling existing test results – as anonymous as possible, as transparent as necessary.
REUSE of standardized test results by trading them between companies. This approach combines and leverages REDUCTION, REFINEMENT and REPLACEMENT –taking it to the next level.
literature, without delay and within 30 days of receipt of the suspected adverse event report.
Similar obligations apply in the UK (including the extended reporting period from 15 days to 30 days that was introduced to improve the quality of the reports), but concerns have been raised that SAEs are being underreported by the public and veterinarians while the new UK PV portal is developed, which has therefore placed greater reliance on veterinarians and owners reporting SAEs directly to manufacturers. In the past week, the UK regulator, Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), has reiterated that throughout this time, SAEs can be reported to the MAH and directly to the VMD by email.
Importantly, since 2019, EU SAEs have been publicly accessible via the EudraVigilance database. Similarly, since 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Centre for Veterinary Medicine has made adverse event reports (AERs) related to animal drugs and devices used in animals available on openFDA.gov, a platform electronically accessible to the general public. The impact of this has been that public access to AERs has improved transparency and increased scrutiny of SAEs by the public. In practice, manufacturers have needed to enhance their communication and education programs to address concerns raised and to provide the necessary scientific balance and context to AERs to strengthen confidence in the safety and reliability of veterinary medicines.
Marketing authorisation holders must continuously assess the benefit-risk of their products and must immediately (within 30 days) notify competent authorities or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) of any new risk or change to a product’s benefitrisk balance identified through signal management – a process for performing active surveillance of PV data to assess whether there is any change to the benefit-risk balance to animals, the public, or the environment. They must also record in the EU pharmacovigilance database, at least annually, all signal management outcomes including conclusions on the benefitrisk balance.
Similarly, in Great Britain, since 2024, MAH’s must submit an annual benefit-risk report (BRR) for each veterinary medicine. The report must be provided immediately on request and, in any case, once every year during the validity of the authorisation. Each report must include (i) a statement on the product’s benefit-risk balance; (ii) sales volumes in the UK and abroad, with UK figures broken down by calendar year; (iii) details of any signals detected requiring regulatory action, including a summary of adverse event reviews; and (iv) where it appears from the observed data that there is cause for concern in relation to the safety of the product, recommendations on the need for further intervention.
The creation of the EU Pharmacovigilance Database (Eudravigilance Veterinary, EVV) and the Union Product Database has significantly modernised the way adverse event reporting and product information management are conducted throughout the EU. These centralised databases are designed to enable more efficient, standardised and transparent collection and analysis of safety data for veterinary medicinal products. Additionally, the introduction of IRIS, a dedicated online platform for managing product-related scientific and regulatory procedures, is intended to streamline and enhance the effectiveness of signal management activities, allowing for quicker identification and response to potential safety concerns. The EMA updated its preliminary requirements for all IRIS submissions, including substance and Research Product Identifier registration on July 18, 2025,
providing essential procedural guidance for accessing the IRIS platform, which supports various regulatory submissions, including those related to veterinary PV. The guide primarily addresses administrative prerequisites (such as EMA account registration) as well as some key veterinary-specific elements MAHs should review to ensure compliance when using IRIS for PV activities. As noted, the UK’s new enhanced online reporting portal is currently in development, with a target launch date in early 2026.
The European PV frameworks have been updated to focus on providing risk-based, data-driven oversight of PV processes, to better protect animal health, public health and the environment.
These objectives are critical and have received widespread support from industry and other stakeholders, but the improved transparency that has come with public access to AERs needs to be met with improved communication and education from manufacturers to the public, to respond to concerns and to provide the necessary balance and context to this new public source of information.
To achieve the aim of stimulating innovation and investment, the implementation of regulatory requirements must be proportionate and must avoid unduly adding to administrative burden. As these burdens are multiplied where there is a divergence of requirements between jurisdictions, companies should consider pushing for further international regulatory alignment to minimise this impact while implementing PV mechanisms that seek to avoid duplication of effort across jurisdictions.
Finally, companies should look to drive value from increased data gathering and transparency measures, to guide regulatory and product development decisions throughout the lifecycle, and to enhance communication strategies.
The views expressed in this article are exclusively those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Sidley Austin LLP and its partners. This article has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this without seeking advice from professional advisers.
Dr. Chris Boyle (Partner, Sidley Austin LLP) combines his qualifications as a veterinarian and life sciences lawyer to guide animal health companies through regulatory, compliance and litigation matters in animal health. Chris founded and chairs Sidley Austin LLP's Animal Health Legal Forum.
Anna Melin (Counsel, Sidley Austin LLP), lead of Global Life Sciences out of Munich, focuses on life sciences regulatory work. Anna co-leads Sidley's benchmarking group for in-house pharmacovigilance (PV) lawyers and is recognised for her expertise in PV regulations, including as pertaining to animal health.
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Veterinary medicine has always faced the challenge of implementing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies that balance efficiency, safety and animal welfare. With the increasing industrialisation of livestock production and the growing global interconnectedness of animal diseases, the demands for precision and transparency continue to rise. Vaccination programs remain among the most powerful tools to protect herds against infectious diseases, thereby safeguarding both agricultural productivity and the safety of food production. Yet the effectiveness of a vaccine does not depend solely on the biological properties of the product itself. Equally decisive is the precision and reliability with which it is administered and how well this process is documented and made traceable.
While many aspects of modern farming are already deeply integrated with automation and digital monitoring – from intelligent feeding systems to sensor-controlled barn ventilation – the administration of medical treatments has long remained surprisingly analog. In many operations, vaccinations and treatments are still recorded manually with pen and paper. This approach is not only error-prone but also highly inefficient, particularly in light of expanding documentation requirements.
With growing demands for traceability, consumer protection and quality assurance, this gap can no longer be sustained. Digital application technologies are closing it by combining precise dosing, ergonomic handling and seamless data capture into a single integrated process. As a result, vaccinations are no longer seen as isolated interventions but as part of a broader digital infrastructure that systematically captures and manages animal health.
The efficacy of any vaccination stands or falls with accurate dosing. Even small deviations can influence the immune response: underdosing risks insufficient protection, while overdosing may compromise safety and economic efficiency. Modern application technologies therefore allow for finely adjustable injection volumes, ensuring consistent precision in every dose.
In addition, they offer operating modes tailored to different scenarios. In single-dose mode, each injection is individually prepared, an advantage when switching between products or treating individual animals. In multi-dose mode, large groups of animals can be treated quickly and efficiently without the need to refill after each application. This allows thousands of animals to be vaccinated in a short period, while maintaining accuracy, which is an indispensable feature in intensive livestock production.
Technical precision is further enhanced by ergonomic features. Automated piston movements and haptic feedback reduce operator fatigue while simultaneously confirming that the full dose has been delivered. For practitioners, this translates into both increased safety and significant time savings.
Beyond precision and efficiency, safety remains paramount. Modern systems employ position sensors to prevent air intake and vial indicators to alert the operator before a vaccine container runs empty. Such safeguards minimise errors that, in practice, could have substantial consequences.
Equally important is the durability of the devices. Robust, water-resistant designs allow their use under demanding field conditions where moisture, dust and mechanical stress are unavoidable. This ensures reliability even in large-scale vaccination campaigns where operational interruptions could be highly detrimental.
The real transformation, however, lies in the integration of these devices into digital platforms. Such platforms automatically capture all key data: Which animals were treated, when and where, with what product, in what dosage and by whom?
This information extends far beyond internal recordkeeping. It establishes an unprecedented level of traceability and transparency. For veterinarians, it simplifies compliance with regulatory requirements and provides instant proof of treatments administered. Farmers gain clear insights into herd vaccination status, enabling data-driven management decisions. Authorities, in turn, can rely on solid data for the monitoring of vaccination programs and disease control campaigns.
Importantly, these platforms do more than store data. They provide reports for audits and certifications, offer diagnostic tools for device self-checks and enable software updates that extend device lifespans. In this way, they evolve into comprehensive ecosystems where medical application, data management and quality assurance converge.
The broader significance of these developments becomes evident in the context of the One Health approach, which emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health.
By ensuring precise and well-documented vaccination practices, digital application systems help control animal diseases and reduce zoonotic risks to humans. They also contribute to the rational use of pharmaceuticals, thereby addressing one of the root causes of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, the integration of treatment data into larger health information systems enables the early detection of outbreaks and the rapid adjustment of vaccination strategies. These are critical advantages in a world where pathogens can spread swiftly across borders.
The benefits of these technologies are evident in diverse veterinary contexts. In intensive pig and poultry production, multi-dose functions allow for the efficient vaccination of large herds without compromising dose accuracy. In wildlife health projects, for instance rabies or African swine fever control, comprehensive documentation is vital to demonstrate the success of campaigns in hard-to-monitor populations. In companion animal practice, flexible single-dose applications and feedback mechanisms add an extra layer of safety, while digital records support transparency and accountabilityfactors increasingly valued by urban pet owners.
Technological development in this field continues at a rapid pace. Cloud-based solutions already enable centralised storage and cross-border access to treatment data. In the near future, artificial intelligence could analyse these
datasets to predict disease outbreaks or optimise vaccination programs dynamically.
Sustainability is also becoming a major driver of innovation. By preventing overdosing and reducing product losses, precise application technologies minimise the use of pharmaceuticals and consumables. This not only strengthens herd health but also contributes to resource conservation and climate responsibility in agriculture.
The combination of modern application technologies with digital platforms marks a milestone in veterinary medicine. By uniting precision, safety and ergonomics with seamless documentation, these systems meet rising demands for transparency and regulatory compliance.
They are far more than tools for vaccine delivery. They represent building blocks of a digital health infrastructure that protects animal populations, strengthens consumer confidence and translates the principles of One Health into practice. In doing so, digital application technologies make a vital contribution to sustainable animal health - today and in the years to come.
Jennifer works in the Veterinary Division of Henke-Sass, Wolf GmbH, where she is responsible for all marketing activities across online and offline channels. With a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and over ten years of experience in the company, she promotes innovative solutions in animal health, such as the HSW Power-VACC. Henke-Sass, Wolf is a leading player in veterinary application systems, trusted worldwide in veterinary medicine. Web: www.henkesasswolf.de
Veterinary tech holds undeniable promise in helping pets live longer, making healthcare more affordable and strengthening the relationship between veterinarian and pet owner. It represents a chance to learn more, share insight and spend more time on care, rather than ‘admin.’
But there’s no linear journey to ‘doing tech,’ in a clinical and operationally complex business. And organisations that make the change need to drive comprehensive adoption to ensure the returns on new technologies are worth the initial investment.
Veterinarians have scientific brains and compassionate hearts. They save lives and solve problems every day. As caring professionals, issues of organisational planning, technological adoption, change management and employee communication are not areas where thought patterns typically start, nor have they traditionally been a focus for training and education.
And that’s important, because adoption of tech is as much about the culture of a clinic as it is about the tool itself. New systems are only as effective as the commitment of the people using them and without the right onboarding processes to ensure each and every user across a clinic can capably use and understand a tool, new tech can quickly become wasted investment. And worse, feed into a cycle of wariness and apathy.
To find out more, we spoke to 100+ veterinarians across the US to understand the motivations and potential barriers when it comes to tech in the clinic.
Key Findings
• 86% of respondents agree that investing in technology would improve their practice.
• 68% agree that investing in connected systems would improve their practice.
• 31% believe AI to be the trend which will have the most significant impact on clinics.
• 64% see staffing and staff training as the biggest priority or area of need in their practice.
• 42% say lack of awareness of new technological tools is the biggest barrier to adoption.
Vets are struggling with very human issues. Finding, retaining and training staff being chief among them. At the same time, awareness is relatively low when it comes to new tools and technologies, which could very well help alleviate some of these concerns.
With 86% of vets agreeing that investment in technology would improve their practice, it’s clearly seen as an important tool to lessen in-clinic burdens and help improve care. Independent clinics are more likely to prioritise technology than their corporate counterparts, perhaps more keenly feeling the pinch of online retail competition and wanting to find ways to optimise revenue.
Cost, lack of awareness and the need to invest in training are the biggest barriers vets face. Unsurprisingly, cost is more of a barrier for independent clinics than their corporate counterparts. For C&S, the biggest barrier to technology is the associated need for investment in training – unsurprising, given their operational scale and perhaps an opportunity for independent clinics to increase competition.
When asked about the biggest trends impacting the sector in the next five years, 31% of respondents (unprompted) mentioned AI and its ability to have the most significant impact in-clinic - the majority of mentions were positive or neutral in nature. Patient communications are perhaps the most straightforward area of a practice in which to introduce
technology. Whether that’s through automated appointment reminders, AI-powered triage or personalised comms and disease-specific education.
Qualitatively, vets cited concerns about the potential for AI to replace critical thinking. It’s true that in many cases, treatment protocol recommendations lag behind what AI can already do. And there’s a need for education at college level and ongoing training to define and mature the role of clinical reasoning and critical thinking, hand in hand with technology.
‘I'm not sure how I feel about (AI). It seems promising for some areas like practice management, but I'm concerned about it removing the critical thinking component of veterinary medicine, especially among newer graduates.’
When it comes to the more practical aspects of running a clinic, this is where vets feel more comfortable with the role of AI. Vets are overburdened and understaffed. And there’s potential for AI to be put to work to ease this pressure. Streamlined workflows, better comms, faster results: all can combine to reduce the resource burden on practices.
Specific, clinic-tailored use cases are a clear tool for providers promoting AI-based technologies. By drilling down to specific, relatable, operational moments, we can ease the overwhelm of implementing such a huge and new technology – making it feel more tangible and applicable to the everyday.
Areas of Excitement
86% of respondents agree that investing in technology would improve their practice. But they have specific opinions on the areas in which technology can be most impactful. Improved diagnostics and workflow are seen as the main opportunities for tech, with clear benefits on both patient care and revenue.
‘Improved diagnostics and artificial intelligence go handin-hand. A more affordable, nearly instant answer for pet diagnostics is appealing to both client and veterinarian. Improved client communication is necessary with a technology-based world.’
The Appetite for Change: Diagnostics
‘Providing quality preventative care and diagnostics will help my clinic to continue growing.’
When looking to the future of their businesses, vets see significant potential in improved diagnostics and preventative treatment, predicting they will have the biggest revenue impacts on their clinics within the next five years.
AI-powered diagnostics and imaging across radiology, pathology and cytology can vastly improve speed and accuracy. Traditional approaches involve extensive training to carry out in-house and delays faced in waiting for results on samples or scans sent externally. And while AI-powered solutions reduce human error and should increase diagnostic confidence, there’s still that concern around critical thinking to consider.
As AI takes on more diagnostics and preventative care, clinical reasoning and critical thinking will need to evolve into higher-order decision-making and ethical judgment. In theory, this should allow time for more patient-centered, personalised care. AI can recognise patterns, but only vets can put results into the context of quality-of-life decisions.
The Appetite for Change: Patient Communications ‘I feel like adding AI will revolutionise efficiency and communication.’
Patient communications are perhaps the most straightforward area of a practice in which to introduce technology. Whether that’s through automated appointment reminders, AI-powered triage or personalised comms and disease-specific education.
These technologies, put to use most frequently by front desk staff, are more easily adopted. They don’t necessarily require the intervention of a vet or vet tech, besides relaying the most critical information.
But there’s a balance to be struck. While pet owners have come to expect the convenience of online booking and prescription ordering, for independent practices especially, the in-clinic experience needs to align seamlessly. That means consistent, collaborative work between front desk and clinical staff, so any notes or concerns from pet owners are front of mind for the person providing the first line of care.
The Appetite for Change: Clinic Operations ‘[The biggest opportunity I see is] increased leveraging of technology to streamline work.’
• 74% agree that investing in workflow tools would improve their practice.
• 68% agree that investing in connected systems would improve their practice.
AI-powered practice management systems (PIMS) streamline record-keeping and scheduling, reducing the burden of admin for vets. But we know that for many vets, the promise of PIMs does not translate to operational reality. Some systems are clunky, the UI isn’t intuitive and data and workflows are siloed across the practice, hindering efficiency and convenience in itself.
No two clinics are exactly alike. And again, we return to that issue of personalisation and training - putting new technology to work as an enabler, not creating a one size fits all approach.
What the survey has made very clear is the need to consider nuance, demographics and location when targeting clinics with new technology. We saw that, in the case of AI in particular, barriers to action grow with age. Again, consider segmenting messaging with this in mind. What about your offer will excite the innovators and where can you lean more into heritage and credibility to encourage a more hesitant older generation along on the journey?
Anecdotally, rural clinics within the respondent base called out the need for better in-clinic diagnostics to better serve their customers, while also emphasising that their ‘less connected,’ clients were a barrier to tech adoption.
This suggests that, alongside demographic and sentiment-based messaging, it would serve providers well
to understand the distinctions in how vets are looking for tech to help, according to their geography.
Vets are busy. They’re overwhelmed. They’re running unique businesses where care and commercials are intrinsically linked and totally distinct. It’s a turbulent time for the industry, especially for independent vets, who are facing a perfect storm of increased competition, rising supply costs, increased staff turnover and increasingly informed customers.
To cut through this chaos and to best support them, information needs to be accessible, easy to digest and targeted. It needs to meet them where they are. A rural practice with a handful of staff and a ‘captive,’ customer base is more likely to be interested in bringing diagnostics in-house than transforming workflows and customer comms. Targeting with these nuances in mind can drive efficiency and engagement in your outreach.
With more purchase options coming online and in store constantly, pet owners have more choice and control over pet care than ever. And because pets are part of the family now, they’re more willing to spend on quality care. They expect deep levels of empathy from their vets, but expectations have shifted alongside consumer technology.
They’re looking for convenience, transparency, datainformed decision making and increasingly personalised diagnostics. But the core interaction remains the connection between vet, pet and owner and that’s something tech could never and should never replace.
As the Co-Founder of FWD, Charlotte has more than 15 years' experience partnering with animal health organisations around the world to deliver results that transform their businesses. In her journey to create an agency built around more meaningful client engagements, she founded FWD People in 2019 and led the inception of FWD's first client, Zoetis, and subsequent partnerships with IPH, Covetrus, and Merck. She is a proud member of the Chief network.
Despite advancements in genetics and management practices, today’s dairy producers still face problems related to poor reproductive performance and various health issues that can lead to increased costs and loss of revenue. Mastitis, for example, is one of the main health challenges facing the dairy industry.
However, the biggest economic impact is not due to treatment costs but to loss of production (milk yield) and high cull rates. On average, studies showed that mastitis can cost the producer as much as $250 per case (Enting, 2014). Other studies showed that milk yield loss increased as the number of test days with somatic cell counts (SCC) exceeding 100,000 cells/ml increased, with daily losses ranging from $1.20/cow per day to $2.06/cow per day (Hadrich et al., 2018).
How can producers overcome these reproductive and health challenges?
The Nutritional Importance of Trace Minerals
At face value, trace mineral nutrition is a small part of the complete nutritional program, since these minerals are only required in very small amounts. However, even at minute quantities, these trace minerals, especially copper, manganese, zinc and selenium are a core component of the diet, as they are needed daily and are essential for optimum health and performance in dairy cows.
Deficiencies of certain trace minerals can result in reduced growth, fertility and milk production as well as impaired immune function. Deficiency symptoms may even exist without the animal exhibiting any clinical signs; they are often reflected in reduced intakes and poor performance (Enting, 2014).
Trace mineral deficiencies can either be primary or secondary. A low concentration of trace minerals in the diet results in primary deficiencies, while secondary deficiencies are a direct consequence of an excess of other trace minerals, infectious or parasitic disease, or circumstances that reduce the bioavailability of the trace mineral (Smart et al, 1981; Spears et al, 2011).
What we typically see in the dairy industry are secondary deficiencies, mostly due to antagonistic mineral interactions. Such antagonistic interactions can be the result of suboptimal trace mineral supplementation.
Trace minerals can be supplemented in either the inorganic or organic form. Inorganic trace minerals (such as oxides, sulfates and chlorides) are metal salts typically derived as byproducts of mining and other industries, while organic trace minerals are bound to an organic material (or carbon structure).
In order to overcome deficiencies, producers and nutritionists tend to over-formulate these essential trace
minerals, usually in the inorganic form for economic reasons. This inadvertently creates a situation where these excess trace minerals can interfere with the digestion and absorption of other trace minerals, causing an antagonistic effect and affecting the bioavailability of the trace mineral.
This can easily be overcome by supplementing trace minerals in the more bioavailable organic form instead. Organic trace minerals that can reduce or eliminate interferences from other trace minerals, are more bioavailable to the animal, and can be stored as tissue reserves.
This is especially important to the dairy cow, where dry matter intake may vary and reliance on reserves might be more important to cope with production demands and other stressors. It also affects the health and performance of the cow’s offspring. Strong maternal nutrition can boost calf growth and future lactation, while calf morbidity due to poor nutrition can lead to increased costs and reduced milk production.
The evidence supporting organic trace mineral supplementation over inorganic forms is overwhelming and brings us to the next question: If organic trace minerals are more bioavailable, can they be included at lower levels? The answer is, “It depends.” Just as inorganic trace minerals differ from organic trace minerals based on chemical structure, the same holds for the different types of organic trace minerals available on the market.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has categorised organic trace minerals in seven different categories (Table 1).
Metal Proteinate (57.23)
Metal Amino Acid chelate (57.142)
Metal Amino Acid Complex (57.150)
Metal (specific amino acid) Complex (57.151)
The product resulting from the chelation of a soluble salt with amino acids and/or partially hydrolysed protein.
The product resulting from the reaction of a metal ion from a soluble metal salt with amino acids.
The product resulting from complexing a soluble metal salt with an amino acid(s).
The product resulting from complexing a soluble metal salt with a specific amino acid.
Different categories of organic trace minerals have different physical and chemical properties and different bonding strengths. Consequently, they produce different nutritional and production responses. Even within the same
category, the production process, ligands and raw materials used will impact the mineral’s properties and, in turn, the animal’s response.
This means that when choosing a brand of organic trace minerals, it is important to ask for specific research and the exact recommended inclusion rates for the particular product you’re considering. Since organic trace minerals can vary so much, the research behind one product cannot support recommended rates for another.
The Science Behind Bioplex and Sel-Plex
Alltech’s ranges of organic proteinated chelated trace minerals (Bioplex®) and organic selenium yeast (Sel-Plex®) address the question of exactly how much less we can supplement when doing so in the organic form.
Bioplex trace minerals are proteinated chelates, produced to contain not only metal salts chelated with amino acids but also di- and tripeptides. This is important because protecting the mineral with multiple amino acids and peptides (as compared to single-amino-acid complexes) prevents it from dissociating, ensuring that it remains stable across the varying range of pH changes that occur in the rumen and during digestion. Sel-Plex, on the other hand, is an organic seleniumenriched yeast, in which selenoamino acid analogues such as selenomethionine predominate and is produced through a multi-stage fermentation process. Similar to Bioplex, SelPlex has been specifically formulated for enhanced stability and bioavailability.
Extensive research in both university and commercial dairy farm settings has been done to determine optimal mineral level recommendations (Table 2). Based on this research, Alltech developed Total Replacement Technology™ (TRT), a unique and proven way to address trace mineral supplementation in the dairy industry. TRT involves replacing
Pino and Heinrichs (2015)
Graugnard et al. (2015)
Diets with Bioplex trace minerals results in lower rumen pH, higher total VFA production, and increased butyrate proportions due to higher bioavailability and faster utilisation by rumen organisms.
Replacing inorganic trace minerals with Bioplex in heifers aged 10-15 months improved reproductive performance, including better regulation of estrus, shorter calving intervals, and improved implantation rates.
Gelsinger et al. (2016)
AgroParis Tech (2017)
Pino et al. (2018)
Cows and calves on the Bioplex program had improved health scores, increased plasma Mn and Zn, and better immune efficiency.
Cows receiving Alltech’s Bioplex Cu, Mn, Zn, and Sel-Plex had improved production, energy-corrected milk, better reproduction, and fewer cases of lameness and mastitis.
Bioplex-supplemented heifers calved earlier, had fewer open days, and greater overall milk yield.
all sources of inorganic trace minerals with Bioplex and SelPlex minerals at Alltech’s recommended – and substantially lower – rates of inclusion. In many cases, these inclusion rates can be 30–50% lower than the industry standards. Alltech has proven that this can be done cost-effectively, with less environmental impact, and without negatively affecting the cow’s wellbeing and performance.
The Benefits of Supplementing with Bioplex and Sel-Plex
Investing in a nutritional program such as Alltech’s TRT can help producers ensure their herds have optimal trace mineral status, which helps support immune function. Several studies with Bioplex trace minerals have shown that this technology is a viable option to help manage udder health and SCC; also, in many cases, dairy producers noted improvements in milk yield.
Bioplex trace minerals have also been reported to support reproductive performance. Considering the financial investment in replacement heifers, this is a cost-effective nutritional strategy that can pay off significantly in the future.
Conclusion
There is a fine balance between providing trace minerals for adequate health and production, which is necessary and helpful, versus overfeeding, which can be detrimental to the cow’s health, increase feed costs and have a negative effect on the environment. In a rapidly evolving industry, dairy producers must be willing to adopt new, proven technologies, especially if these technologies can aid in addressing a known on-farm challenge. As new products and additives enter the market, it is also increasingly important for dairy producers to evaluate these products based on efficacy and the research associated with each product, and to work with reputable companies that invest in research and development and have robust quality control programs in place.
For more information on Alltech’s Total Replacement Technology (TRT) and Bioplex proteinated trace minerals, email knowyourminerals@alltech.com or contact your local Alltech representative.
Laurentia van Rensburg, Global Head of Commercial (Nutrition), originally from South Africa, Laurentia van Rensburg received her Master’s Degree in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky. With more than 20 years of experience in the livestock and animal science industry, van Rensburg has worked in South Africa, the Netherlands, Latin America and North America. She joined Alltech in 2005 and currently serves as the Commercial Head of Nutrition as part of the Technology Group.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is considered one of the most relevant diseases in pig production worldwide and is caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSv). Two major PRRSv species are known, formerly defined as genotypes: PRRSv-1, defined as the European genotype and PRRSv-2, defined as North American (Wannarat et al., 2025). Currently, most pig herds in major producing countries are endemically infected with PRRSv. Affected herds are impacted by reproductive failure in sows, respiratory signs in piglets and deprivation of the immune system. The disease does not only impact the health of swine herds but also leads to substantial economic losses and increased use of antibiotics due to secondary infections including those caused by influenza A virus, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Streptococcus suis.
PRRSv may spread via direct contact with infected pigs, semen, or indirectly via the air or contaminated fomites (e.g. clothes, equipment, vehicles). Control of PRRSv is often based on improvement measures at a farm site to limit the direct and indirect spread of the virus. Examples are redesign and reorganisation of the farm and farming processes, such as limiting contact between different animal age groups and implementation of adequate hygiene management measures. However, other aspects, such as proper monitoring programs, diagnostics and vaccination, are also key in the control of PRRSv. Since their introduction in the market, PRRSv vaccines are widely used to induce immunity and reduce virus circulation. Although their efficacy is supported by scientific publications and practical experience, efficacy is compromised by several factors such as flaws in farm management or biosecurity. Therefore, despite the extended use of PRRSv vaccines, there are still many outbreaks occurring in both vaccinated and unvaccinated pig farms around the world. Still, vaccines are considered essential to stabilise the situation on a farm in case of a PRRSv-outbreak and to minimise losses and as such the need for development of new vaccines is high.
The aim of the study was to set up a robust PRRSv challenge model to accurately reproduce PRRSv viraemia in weaned piglets. This model should provide a reliable method to test the efficacy of new vaccine candidates or other innovative control interventions.
• Selection and Housing of Animals: Seven-week-old pigs (n=20) were obtained from a Dutch pig farm with high health status. The animals were free from PRRSv, as confirmed by absence of PRRSv-RNA and PRRSv antibodies by PCR and ELISA, respectively. At GD, pigs were housed in accordance with Directive 2010/63/EU. To accommodate natural behaviour, in addition to proper animal welfare, sawdust was offered daily on the solid floor and various playing materials were provided during the study.
• Selection of PRRS-virus: A PRRSv-1 virus (GD strain 8147) was isolated from a pig diagnosed from PRRS in the Netherlands in 2021 by propagation of the virus in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). Nanopore sequencing and analyses of open reading frames (ORFs) 2 to 7 identified this virus to be of the PRRSv lineage L1.8 (Wannarat et al., 2025). Subsequent passage (n=5) and virus titration was performed on MARC-145 cells before challenge. A PRRSV-8147-specific in-house qPCR was developed for the detection of this strain during the study.
• Experimental Infection: After an acclimatisation period of 7 days the animals were inoculated via the intra-nasal route (Figure 1). Subsequently, pigs were observed daily and rectal temperatures were measured prior and up to 15 days post inoculation (dpi). Blood and nasal swabs were collected for qPCR analyses at six time points after inoculation. Animals were euthanised at 10 (n=10) and 28 (n=10) dpi. Refinement opportunities for animal procedures were implemented. Post-mortem macroscopy and microscopy investigations of the lungs were performed for all animals. In addition, a representative sample of the lungs of every pig was tested by a PRRSV-8147-specific in-house qPCR. This study was approved by the Royal GD Animal Welfare Body and performed under license GDDAVD42600202317345.
Results
Inoculation of pigs with PRRSv-8147 led to an increase in rectal temperature in the challenged pigs after inoculation (average rectal temperature at the peak (2 dpi) was 40.3 °C). All challenged pigs became viremic (20/20) with the challenge strain 4 dpi and RNA of the challenge strain was also detected in the lungs of all pigs euthanised 10 dpi (10/10) by RT-qPCR. At 28 dpi, 7 of 10 remaining pigs had a RT-qPCR positive lung, with a lower average viral load. Nasal excretion of PRRSv after inoculation was lower than viremia, both in terms of proportion of positive pigs (11/20 at the peak of excretion) as well as viral load. Mild respiratory clinical signs characterised by mild dyspnoea sometimes accompanied by coughing or sneezing were observed (Table 1 and 2 and Figure 2).
Model Parameter Model Outcome
PRRSv-1 Strain PRRSV-8147
Age of Pigs at Inoculation 7 weeks old
Inoculation Route Intra-nasal
Model results (post-inoculation) Outcome
PRRSv Viremia
100% at 4 days post-inoculation
PRRSv Nasal Shedding Peak at 7 days post-inoculation (55% of the pigs)
PRRSv qPCR Positive Lungs
Respiratory Clinical Sings
100% at 10 days post-inoculation
Mild dyspnoea sometimes accompanied by coughing or sneezing and peak of fever at 2 days post-inoculation (average 40.3°C)
Summary of the PRRSv challenge model set up and results at Royal GD.
*At 10 dpi half of the pigs were euthanised, and therefore the total number of pigs afterwards was ten.
Table 2: Mean and standard deviation (sd) of the Ct (Cycle threshold) values from positive serum samples and number of positive pigs (#) from the total number of tested pigs tested with PRRSv-8147-specific in-house qPCR at different days post inoculation (dpi).
Figure 2. Percentage of positive serum and nasal swab samples tested with PRRSV-8147-specific in-house qPCR at 4, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 dpi. From 14 to 28 dpi the total number of pigs tested was 10 since at 10 dpi half of the pigs were euthanised
Conclusion
This PRRSv-1 challenge study shows to be a suitable model to test new vaccine candidates or alternative interventions
based on prevention or reduction of PRRSv viremia in infected pigs. By mimicking the infection process, researchers can assess the effectiveness of interventions under controlled conditions.
Wannarat Yim-im, Tavis K. Anderson, Jan Böhmer, Jordi Baliellas, Tomasz Stadejek, Phillip C. Gauger, Karen M. Krueger, Cornelis J. Vermeulen, Rianne Buter, Aliaksandr Kazlouski, Tongqing An, Jianqiang Zhang. 2025. Refining genetic classification of global porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus type 1 (PRRSV-1) and investigating their geographic and temporal distributions. Veterinary Microbiology 302 (2025) 110413.
Lucía Dieste Pérez, DVM, MSc, PhD, Originally from Zaragoza in Spain, Lucía obtained her DVM in 2009 and her MSc in Veterinary Science Research in 2010, both from the University of Zaragoza. Following five years as a research assistant in the Animal Health Department at the Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), she completed her PhD in 2015. In 2015, Lucía moved to the Netherlands to work at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, focusing on research and education in swine health and management. Since 2017, Lucía has worked in the swine department at Royal GD, conducting applied research mainly focused on infectious diseases. Her aim is to improve pig health by applying her expertise in diagnostics, epidemiology and swine medicine.
Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of morbidity and economic loss in the livestock industry, particularly in neonatal calves. This study evaluated the impact of probiotic supplementation on Cryptosporidium infections in 50 calves over a 6-week period on a commercial dairy farm. Calves were divided into treatment and control groups, with probiotics administered according to manufacturer guidelines. Faecal testing, scour scoring, body weight and temperature monitoring were used to assess infection severity.
Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced Cryptosporidium prevalence and improved clinical outcomes, including higher milk consumption (morning: Estimate = 0.327 L, SE = 0.046, p < 0.0001; evening: Estimate = 0.185 L, SE = 0.045, p < 0.0001), improved temperature regulation (Estimate = –0.36°C, SE = 0.09, p = 0.0052) and lower scour severity (Estimate = –1.83, z = –8.25, p < 0.001). Effects varied with calf age, with significant temperature differences at 7–12 days, reflecting infection dynamics.
These findings suggest that probiotics offer a practical approach to reducing Cryptosporidium infections and improving calf health, with potential benefits for livestock productivity and farm sustainability. Further work should explore underlying mechanisms and long-term outcomes.
Cryptosporidiosis, caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, is a major health challenge in neonatal calves, leading to diarrhoea, dehydration, weight loss and mortality. These outcomes compromise both animal welfare and the economic viability of livestock production, with reduced growth rates causing substantial financial losses. Given the zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium, effective control measures are essential for safeguarding public and animal health.
Drug-based treatments are limited by efficacy concerns and the risk of resistance, driving the need for alternative strategies. Probiotics have emerged as a promising option, offering potential benefits for intestinal health without contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host, can enhance gut microbiota balance, strengthen mucosal barriers and produce antimicrobial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and bacteriocins. These mechanisms may help reduce Cryptosporidium infection and disease severity in calves.
Although probiotics have been widely studied in livestock, evidence for their role in managing Cryptosporidium under commercial conditions remains limited. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in reducing infection prevalence and severity in young calves.
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND PROBIOTICS IN CALVES
Cryptosporidium in Calves
Cryptosporidium parvum, a protozoan parasite, is a major cause of neonatal calf diarrhoea (Tzipori, 1983). Infection begins when ingested oocysts release sporozoites that colonise intestinal epithelial cells, resulting in nutrient malabsorption, diarrhoea, weight loss, dehydration and, in severe cases, death (Costa et al., 2011; Berchtold, 2009). Young calves, with their immature immune systems, are particularly susceptible during the first weeks of life (Niine et al., 2018). Beyond clinical illness, Cryptosporidiosis reduces productivity, increases veterinary costs and poses a zoonotic risk, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals (Pumipuntu & Piratae, 2018).
Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host (Kechagia et al., 2013). Common strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces (Fijan, 2014). Their actions include competing with pathogens for adhesion sites, strengthening the intestinal barrier, producing antimicrobial metabolites and modulating immune responses (BermudezBrito et al., 2012). These properties underpin their therapeutic potential against gastrointestinal pathogens, including protozoa. In livestock, probiotics have been associated with improved growth, feed efficiency and reduced diarrhoea in swine and poultry (Kabir, 2009; Liao & Nyachoti, 2017). Evidence in cattle is less extensive, but early studies suggest benefits for digestion and disease resistance (Lambo et al., 2021).
Probiotics and Cryptosporidium
Several investigations have assessed probiotics against Cryptosporidium. In a large field trial, Bacillus subtilis supplementation reduced oocyst shedding in Holstein calves, while synbiotic treatments improved weight gain (Niine et al., 2018). In vitro, Lactobacillus supernatants reduced C. parvum oocyst viability by up to 81%, suggesting direct antiparasitic effects (Berrilli et al., 2012). However, some field trials found no effect under high environmental parasite pressure, highlighting variability in outcomes (Gaber et al., 2022).
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MECHANISMS OF PROBIOTIC ACTION AGAINST CRYPTOSPORIDIUM
Probiotics May Mitigate Infection Through:
• Competition for Adhesion Sites: Occupying intestinal surfaces reduces parasite attachment (Oliveira & Widmer, 2018).
• Production of Antimicrobial Substances: Organic acids and bacteriocins create an unfavourable environment for parasite survival (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020).
• Immune Modulation: Probiotics interact with gutassociated lymphoid tissue, enhancing cytokine production and promoting a balanced immune response (Yan & Polk, 2011).
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
Aim
To evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on the prevalence and severity of Cryptosporidium infections in calves under commercial farm conditions.
METHODS
Study Design and Location
The study was conducted at Roadhead Farm, Quathquan, Biggar (ML12 6ND) over 6 weeks (26 June–7 August 2023). Fifty calves were enrolled and systematically allocated to treatment (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups using a penstratified sequential approach to ensure balanced housing conditions.
Housing and Management
Calves were housed indoors in pens of five, with treatment and control groups blocked by pen position. Pens were disinfected prior to entry, bedded daily with straw and maintained under uniform environmental conditions (temperature, humidity and ventilation). Sanitation practices included footbaths, regular cleaning of equipment and use of disinfectants to minimise cross-contamination.
Treatments
The treatment group received 30 ml of Precision Microbes® calf probiotic mixed in milk once daily (AM) for the first 14 days of life. The control group received no supplementation. Supportive care protocols were in place: electrolyte solution (Avital) was administered for dehydration and Meloxidyl (2 ml) for severe cases requiring pain relief.
Data Collection
Health monitoring was conducted daily, including visual assessment for diarrhoea and scour scoring (Alltech faecal scoring guide). Faecal samples were collected every second day, stored in sterile containers and tested on-site using Actus rapid detection kits for Cryptosporidium, Rotavirus, E. coli, and Salmonella. Results were compared against ELISA performance standards.
Body weights were recorded at birth and daily thereafter using a calibrated livestock scale. Body temperatures were taken daily at noon using a non-contact infrared thermometer.
Ethical Approval
All procedures complied with animal welfare regulations and were approved by the SRUC AWERB (BOR 2023-017 DAI A00, 7 June 2023). Veterinary care was provided as required.
Data Analysis
Analyses were conducted in R. Data distributions were
assessed using histograms and QQ plots. Cumulative link mixed models (CLMM) were applied to scour scores and Cryptosporidium prevalence. Linear mixed-effects models (LMEM) evaluated temperature, milk intake and weight gain, with age as a random factor. Fixed effects were tested for significance and post hoc comparisons identified agespecific treatment effects.
Prevalence of Infection
Faecal testing confirmed Cryptosporidium as the predominant pathogen. CLMM analysis showed a significant reduction in prevalence in the probiotic group compared to controls (Estimate = –1.85, z = –3.93, p < 0.001). No effects were observed for breed, sex, or pen. Random effects indicated considerable variability between calves and across ages, highlighting individual differences in susceptibility.
Milk Intake
Probiotic supplementation significantly increased milk consumption. Wilcoxon tests revealed higher morning (p < 0.0001) and evening (p < 0.0001) intakes in treated calves. LMEMs confirmed this effect (morning: Estimate = 0.33 L, SE = 0.046; evening: Estimate = 0.18 L, SE = 0.045). Age-specific analysis showed the strongest differences at days 7–10, when control calves experienced marked intake reductions.
Weight Gain
Treated calves had significantly greater weight gain than controls (Estimate = 0.24 kg/day, SE = 0.060, p < 0.001). Differences were most evident by day 14. Breed, sex and pen effects were not significant.
Scour Score
Probiotic supplementation reduced scour severity (Estimate =
–1.83, z = –8.25, p < 0.001). Random effects confirmed variability between calves and across ages, but treatment consistently lowered scour scores relative to controls.
Temperature
Treated calves exhibited more stable body temperatures, averaging 0.36°C lower than controls (Estimate = –0.36, SE = 0.09, p = 0.005). Post hoc tests identified significant treatment effects at days 7–12, coinciding with peak infection in controls.
DISCUSSION
Disease Prevalence
Probiotics significantly reduced the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection, supporting earlier in vitro findings
that certain Lactobacillus strains impair oocyst viability (Foster et al., 2003). This suggests that probiotics may modulate the gut environment to limit parasite establishment, with potential benefits for animal health and farm economics. Although breed and sex had no measurable influence, variability between individuals and across ages highlights the heterogeneous nature of infection dynamics. Seasonal studies and stricter biosecurity (e.g., individual housing) would help confirm these findings and minimise crosscontamination risks.
Nutritional Performance
Treated calves showed higher milk intake and significantly greater weight gain. Reduced intake in control calves coincided with peak infection, indicating that probiotics
helped preserve appetite and nutrient absorption during disease challenge. Enhanced weight gain is consistent with improved gastrointestinal integrity, possibly via protection of villi from parasite-induced damage (Maradana et al., 2023). These results align with previous work showing benefits of synbiotic supplementation in heifers, though our findings demonstrate clear gains from probiotics alone.
Clinical Symptoms
Scour severity was substantially reduced in treated calves, consistent with the hypothesis that probiotics strengthen mucosal barriers, suppress pathogens and improve microbiota balance. Temperature regulation was also improved, with treated calves maintaining lower, more stable body temperatures during peak infection periods.
Together, these outcomes suggest that probiotics mitigate the physiological stress of Cryptosporidium infection.
While results were robust across breeds and sexes, unmeasured environmental or management factors (e.g., pen conditions) may have influenced outcomes. Broader trials across seasons and farm systems are needed to confirm efficacy. Further work should also clarify strain-specific effects, optimal dosing and long-term benefits for growth, productivity and resilience.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that probiotic supplementation significantly reduces the prevalence and severity of Cryptosporidium infections in young calves. Treated calves showed lower infection rates, reduced scouring, improved temperature regulation, greater milk intake and enhanced weight gain compared to controls.
These findings highlight probiotics as a practical, costeffective strategy for improving calf health and mitigating the impact of cryptosporidiosis in commercial dairy systems. Consideration of age-related responses and individual variability will be important for optimising use in practice. Further research on breed, sex, dosing protocols and longterm outcomes is warranted to strengthen application across diverse livestock settings.
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2. Berchtold, J. (2009). Treatment of Calf Diarrhea: Intravenous Fluid Therapy. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, 25(1), pp.73–99. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j. cvfa.2008.10.101
3. Bermudez-Brito, M., Plaza-Díaz, J., Muñoz-Quezada, S., Gómez-Llorente, C. and Gil, A. (2012). Probiotic Mechanisms of Action. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 61(2), pp.160–174. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000342079
4. Cangiano, L.R., Yohe, T.T., Steele, M.A. and Renaud, D.L. (2020). Invited Review: Strategic use of microbial-based probiotics and prebiotics in dairy calf rearing. Applied Animal Science, 36(5), pp.630–651. doi:https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.202002049
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6. Gaber, M., Galal, L.A., Mahmoud, M., Badary, D.M., Alkhalil, S.S. and Elossily, N.A. (2022). The Effects of Commercially Available Syzygium aromaticum, Anethum graveolens, Lactobacillus acidophilus LB, and Zinc as Alternatives Therapy in Experimental Mice Challenged with Cryptosporidium parvum. Infection and Drug Resistance, 15, pp.171–182. doi:https://doi. org/10.2147/idr.s345789
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May Allan graduated in Applied Animal Science from SRUC, where her research on calf health earned Undergraduate Thesis of the Year from the British Society of Animal Science. A former calf rearer, she now works as a Ruminant Nutritionist with Norvite Animal Nutrition. Her interests focus on microbiology and evidence-based strategies to improve calf health, welfare and long-term productivity.
Auditory health and sound environments are fundamental but underexplored factors in veterinary medicine. Dogs and cats experience rich soundscapes that profoundly influence their behaviour, stress physiology and quality of life. Yet, hearing loss often goes undetected until advanced stages and stress in veterinary and home settings remains a persistent welfare challenge.
The Pet Acoustics+ App introduces two innovations with transformative potential for veterinary practice: the world’s first mobile, patent-pending hearing test for dogs and cats and subscription-based, scientifically validated species-specific music to reduce stress and improve outcomes. This article reviews the scientific foundations of auditory health in companion animals, it summarises biometric research on sound therapy published in the International Animal Health Journal and evaluates the implications of AI-driven mobile tools for diagnostics.
Veterinarians increasingly recognise that animal health extends beyond physical disease to include emotional and sensory well-being. Stress in clinical settings undermines diagnostic accuracy, impedes treatment and diminishes client satisfaction. Noise is one of the most significant stressors: barking, metallic clanging and unfamiliar voices can elevate cortisol, heart rate and behavioural distress in both dogs and cats.
Simultaneously, hearing health remains an overlooked domain in preventive care. Traditional auditory assessments are limited to basic in-clinic stimuli (clapping, whistles, toy squeaks), or advanced Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing, available only in specialty centers. This leaves the majority of pets without early detection of hearing decline, particularly senior animals where sensory loss can exacerbate anxiety, disorientation and reduced quality of life.
The Pet Acoustics+ App was developed to close these gaps. By combining calibrated frequency-based hearing testing with species-specific sound therapy validated in peer-reviewed studies, the app provides veterinarians with scalable, evidence-based tools to advance both diagnostic accuracy and stress management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
1. The Pet Hearing Test
• Technology: The hearing test delivers frequency-specific tones via smartphone or tablet speakers, calibrated to account for device variability.
• Species-specific Ranges:
• Dogs: up to ~45 kHz
• Cats: up to ~84 kHz
• Testing Protocol: The guided process plays frequencies across the auditory spectrum. Pet parents or veterinary staff observe behavioural indicators (ear orientation,
head tilt, startle reflex). Data is instantly displayed and can be exported into wellness records.
• Clinical Advantages:
• Objective, repeatable and standardised.
• Accessible across general practice, not restricted to specialty referral centers.
• Allows monitoring of hearing decline longitudinally, particularly in aging pets.
2. Calming Music Library
• Composition Principles: Species-specific music is composed using bioacoustic parameters tailored to auditory range, pitch sensitivity and heart rate entrainment of dogs and cats.
• Biometric Validation: In a study published in the International Animal Health Journal (Marlow, 2018), biometric monitoring demonstrated that exposure to Pet Acoustics music resulted in:
• Reduced heart rate variability associated with stress.
• Decreased restless pacing in kennel environments.
• Improved sleep patterns during recovery.
• Delivery: Curated playlists are provided through subscription (Core and Premium tiers), with clinical applications for:
• Waiting room stress management.
• Recovery post-surgery.
• Noise-phobia mitigation (fireworks, thunderstorms).
• Grooming and transport.
Accessibility and Adoption Potential
• Democratising Diagnostics: The mobile hearing test allows veterinarians and clients to detect hearing decline without expensive referral equipment.
• Documentation: Results can be integrated into electronic medical records, creating a new standard for sensory health tracking.
• Clinical Use Case: Senior wellness programs benefit from objective auditory data, guiding recommendations on environmental enrichment, training modifications and quality-of-life counseling.
Stress Mitigation Outcomes
• Veterinary Clinics: When played in waiting rooms or treatment areas, Pet Acoustics music reduced noise reactivity and facilitated smoother handling.
• Shelters and Kennels: Facilities using the music observed decreased barking intensity and shorter recovery times from agitation.
At Home: Pet parents reported reduced pacing, less destructive behaviour and greater relaxation during fireworks, thunderstorms and separation events.
Alignment with Fear Free™ Practice
The app complements veterinary wellness protocols by addressing one of the most under-recognised stressors in veterinary care: sound. By integrating scientifically validated music, clinics can reduce fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) scores, supporting both patient welfare and client loyalty. Pet Acoustics is part of the Preferred Product FearFree™Program.
DISCUSSION
Auditory Health as Preventive Medicine
Auditory decline is not benign. Hearing loss in dogs and cats correlates with disorientation, heightened startle responses and secondary behavioural issues such as anxiety and
aggression. Detecting and documenting early-stage decline empowers veterinarians to counsel owners on adaptation strategies (e.g., hand signals, vibration training, environmental modification).
The Pet Acoustics+ App establishes the first practical framework for routine auditory screening in general practice, similar to how ophthalmic and dental assessments have become preventive standards.
Sound Therapy as a Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention
Pharmaceutical anxiolytics remain common in veterinary practice but can present compliance challenges and side effects. The Pet Acoustics+ App provides a drug-free, sideeffect-free adjunct to anxiety management, with strong client acceptance. For veterinarians seeking multimodal care approaches, the combination of music therapy and behavioural counseling represents a powerful addition to their toolkit. Since 2009, Pet Acoustics music has helped over a million pets worldwide.
AI and Mobile Health Integration
The convergence of AI calibration, mobile delivery and sound science positions the app within the broader field of digital veterinary medicine. Just as wearable sensors and telehealth platforms are transforming monitoring, auditory tools are expanding diagnostic and therapeutic horizons. Importantly, the app creates scalable access – any clinic, anywhere in the world, can now participate in cutting-edge auditory care without costly equipment.
Impact on the Veterinary-Client Relationship
Offering an innovative, evidence-based tool enhances the value proposition of clinics. By integrating the hearing test and sound therapy into routine visits, veterinarians demonstrate leadership in adopting forward-thinking, holistic approaches. This strengthens trust, drives compliance and improves client retention.
Future Directions
• Expanded Clinical Trials: Ongoing biometric studies are evaluating cortisol, heart rate variability and behavioural scoring under veterinary conditions.
• Integration with EMR Systems: Linking hearing test data directly into veterinary practice management software.
• Cross-Species Research: Adaptations for equine and avian auditory ranges are in development.
• Global Outreach: Partnerships with shelters and welfare organisations to scale stress-reduction interventions worldwide.
Conclusion
The Pet Acoustics+ App represents a paradigm shift in veterinary medicine. By making auditory diagnostics accessible and pairing them with validated sound therapy, it establishes new standards for preventive care, wellness exam integration and client engagement. For veterinarians, the app is more than a digital accessory – it is a clinical tool that leverages AI, bioacoustics and mobile technology to transform how sensory health and stress management are delivered.
As the veterinary profession embraces digital health solutions, auditory care will no longer remain a blind spot. The Pet Acoustics+ App demonstrates that sound is not simply background – it is a therapeutic bridge to calmer, healthier lives for companion animals.
REFERENCES
1. The Advantage of Using Pet Acoustics to Reduce Canine Stress (July 2024) International Animal Health Journal Volume 11 Issue 2
2. "Audiometric Study Reveals Palerns of Age-Related Hearing Loss in Dogs and Cats" (March 2024) International Animal Health Journal
3. "Biometric Study Proves Pet Acous-cs Canine-Specific Music Mitigates Stress Levels in Dogs" (June 2022) International Animal Health Journal, Volume 9, Issue 2
4. "Massage or Music Meant to Be Relaxing, Result in Lowering Salivary Cortisol Concentration in Race Horses" (January 2017) Journal Of Equine Veterinary Science, Volume 10 Issue 4
5. A Clinical Study Proving The Benefits of Feline-Specific Music Through Biometric Data, October 2021 International Animal Health Journal Volume 8 Issue 2
6. "Evaluation of the Behavioural and Productive Effect of Frequency-Modified Music in Piglets in a Commercial Production System" (October 2022)
7. Mills, D.S., et al. (2019). “The Influence of Auditory Stimuli on Companion Animal Behaviour.” Journal of Veterinary Behaviour.
8. Overall, K.L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioural Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
Janet Marlow, M.A., Founder of Pet Acoustics Inc., is an internationally recognised sound behaviourist, composer and founder of Pet Acoustics Inc. For over two decades, she has pioneered species-specific music and sound therapy solutions for animals, with peer-reviewed studies published in leading veterinary journals. Her patented innovations, including the Pet Acoustics+ App, are used globally by pet parents, veterinarians, shelters, and service-dog organisations to support auditory wellness and reduce stress in animals. Marlow frequently lectures at veterinary conferences and is regarded as a leading authority on the science of sound and animal health.
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Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have reshaped the global biomedical landscape in recent years, demonstrating remarkable speed and flexibility in combating emerging infectious threats. While the first breakthroughs emerged in human health, veterinary medicine is rapidly becoming the next frontier where this technology could transform disease prevention, animal welfare and food security. The adoption of mRNA-based platforms for veterinary applications has the potential to redefine how vaccines are developed, manufactured and delivered.
Veterinary medicine faces unique challenges. Animals live in diverse environments, often in large herds or flocks where disease outbreaks spread quickly. Traditional vaccines, though effective, can take years to develop and may not always adapt to the fast-evolving nature of pathogens. The mRNA vaccines offer a fundamentally different paradigm: they can be designed rapidly once the genetic sequence of a pathogen is known and their production can be standardised across multiple diseases using the same manufacturing platform.
This platform-based approach holds special value in veterinary contexts. Unlike conventional vaccines that may require complex cell cultures or egg-based production, mRNA vaccines are largely synthetic and scalable. This means they can be quickly customised for different species, from poultry and swine to cattle and companion animals, with fewer changes in the production process. For veterinarians and farmers, this flexibility could shorten response times during outbreaks, reduce losses and improve the sustainability of animal agriculture.
At its core, mRNA technology works by delivering genetic instructions to the host cells, which then produce proteins that mimic parts of the target pathogen. These proteins stimulate the immune system to recognise and neutralise the real pathogen in the future. Unlike traditional vaccines that use inactivated or attenuated viruses, mRNA vaccines carry no infectious material, reducing risks associated with handling live pathogens during production.
Moreover, the modularity of mRNA allows researchers to target a wide range of diseases, including those for which no effective vaccine currently exists. In livestock farming, where respiratory and gastrointestinal infections account for significant economic losses, the ability to rapidly prototype vaccines could be a game-changer. Companion animals could also benefit from tailored vaccines against chronic or emerging conditions, enhancing their quality of life.
While the promise is clear, the path to widespread veterinary use of mRNA vaccines is not without hurdles. Regulatory pathways for animal vaccines differ from those for human medicines and frameworks are still evolving to accommodate novel platforms like mRNA. Additionally,
storage and distribution requirements – particularly cold chain logistics – can pose challenges in rural and resourceconstrained settings.
Cost is another consideration. Veterinary vaccines must be affordable at scale, especially in food animal production where margins are tight. The challenge will be balancing the technological sophistication of mRNA with the need for practical, cost-effective solutions that farmers can adopt broadly. As manufacturing efficiencies improve and demand grows, these barriers are expected to gradually diminish.
The implications of mRNA vaccines in veterinary medicine extend beyond routine disease prevention. For instance, they could play a role in reducing the overuse of antibiotics in animal farming by providing more targeted preventive measures. This in turn, supports global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.
mRNA technology also opens possibilities for addressing zoonotic diseases – infections that can transfer between animals and humans. By strengthening the immune defences of animal populations, mRNA vaccines can serve as a first line of protection against diseases with pandemic potential. This aligns with the broader ‘One Health,’ framework, which emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health.
As the veterinary field embraces the potential of mRNA, Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CRDMOs) are emerging as central players in this transition. Currently, most clients provide the plasmid – the DNA blueprint required to produce mRNA – and CRDMOs take responsibility for manufacturing the vaccine material at scale. This model allows veterinary companies to move quickly without having to build expensive in-house infrastructure.
Looking ahead, CRDMOs are expected to expand their role beyond execution. They will not only manufacture but
also support upstream activities such as plasmid design optimisation, mRNA synthesis innovation and development of delivery systems tailored for different animal species. By partnering closely with clients throughout the value chain, CRDMOs will act as true innovation accelerators, bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and practical, field-ready veterinary vaccines.
Conclusion
The rise of mRNA vaccines marks a turning point in veterinary medicine. This technology offers unprecedented flexibility, speed and scope in addressing animal health challenges, from routine prevention to pandemic preparedness. While regulatory, logistical and economic barriers remain, the trajectory is clear: mRNA vaccines are poised to reshape how we protect animal populations and, by extension, human health and food security.
CRDMOs will be pivotal in this journey. By leveraging their expertise in biologics manufacturing and their ability to adapt to emerging technologies, they are set to become the backbone of veterinary vaccine innovation. As the field evolves, the collaboration between innovators and CRDMOs
will determine how quickly and effectively mRNA’s promise can be realised in veterinary practice – transforming not only animal health but the global health ecosystem at large.
Alex Del Priore, Head of Large Molecules CDMO and (Interim) Head of Small Molecules CDMO, has three decades of experience in developing, commercialising and life-cycle management of products in various life science industries. Holding positions in both the US and Europe, his experience includes senior roles with global P&L responsibility as well as Animal Health. Alex was Vice President Operations and Health COO at Johnson Matthey in Greater London in his last assignment. In addition, he has been instrumental in M&A, strategy development and new product introduction.
Conscientious manufacturers of dog and cat foods strive to create balanced, nutritionally complete foods for the animals they serve. Many attentive caregivers choose to feed home-prepared meals by following a recipe formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. But in both cases, the strategies they employ inevitably fall short, because they lack a key ingredient that is crucial to providing optimum nutrition. That key ingredient is variety. Without it, the best any home-prepared recipe or packaged food can do is provide a single nutritionally balanced meal for the ‘typical,’ dog or cat – and as we know, it’s the rare animal who can be considered ‘typical,’ with regard to body composition, metabolism, energy requirements and nutritional needs. Even more concerning is that for all of these animals, eating the same food every day poses an array of health risks, including the risk of nutritional imbalances for those whose nutrient requirements deviate to even a small degree from those of the ‘typical,’ animal.
Fortunately, there are ways to incorporate variety into the diet by making innovative modifications to commercial foods, or by implementing a less rigid approach to preparing meals at home. But first, let’s be clear about why doing so is worth the effort.
Why Is Variety So Important?
It’s a difficult truth to embrace, but even the best ‘nutritionally complete,’ commercial food or recipe in use today – one that is formulated based on the best nutritional science available and in adherence with AAFCO guidelines – is unlikely to be 100% nutritionally complete for any given animal. How is this possible?
Nutrition is an Evolving Science, And We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know.
Every week, it seems, a new study emerges revealing new information about how diet affects good health. How much protein is enough – and how much is too much? Are highcarbohydrate foods bad for dogs and cats, or are they an important source of valuable nutrients? Which micronutrients can their bodies manufacture and which ones must they get from food? What is the role of intestinal bacteria in immune response, cancer prevention and the aging process? What phytonutrients should we be feeding to help them live healthier, happier, longer lives – and in what amount?
Expert opinions vary on all these questions and many others. What we thought we knew a few years ago now looks less certain and in some cases has been proven fundamentally incorrect. And yet, AAFCO guidelines, which have become the gold standard for commercial food manufacturers and recipe developers, are based on this uncertain and ever-changing knowledge base.
It makes sense, of course, to make good use of the information we have available today. But it also makes sense to find ways to reach beyond the current information – and its limitations – to create a feeding strategy that protects against those gaps in our knowledge.
It May Be Nutritionally Complete, but for Whom?
If you were to survey caregivers with multiple dogs or cats in the home, chances they’d report that the animals don’t all need the same amount of food, even if they’re the same size. One may even do best on one brand of food or recipe while another needs something different.
That’s because no two animals have the same nutritional requirements, even among animals of the same breed. Differences in metabolism, in the way they process foods and utilise certain nutrients and even genetic factors are among the many reasons the diet that’s right for one, may not work well for another.
How is it possible, then, that adhering to a single set of nutritional guidelines, like those set by AAFCO, could ensure that every animal will get all the nutrients she needs, in the amount she needs them?
It isn’t. In fact, the likelihood that any given dog or cat is getting the best possible nutrition – for that particular animal – from that packaged food is low. That’s true of the type and proportion of macronutrients, like protein, carbohydrates and fats; it’s also true of the thousands of micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytonutrients, many of which are yet to be well understood by even the most knowledgeable veterinary nutritionists.
The Needs of a Given Animal Change Across Time
It’s well understood that a dog or cat’s nutritional needs change as she ages. Many senior animals need to consume fewer calories to avoid gaining weight, due to changes in activity level and in the way their bodies process food. Often, older individuals’ protein needs change. Some need more protein to stay healthy, while others may need to restrict protein levels to protect kidney function. For many, their ability to assimilate micronutrients becomes less efficient.
Regardless of age, an animal’s nutritional needs change during times of stress; the body may require more calories than usual and certain key vitamins are more likely to become depleted.
It’s clear that the dietary needs of any given animal change over time due to changes in health, environmental stress, activity level and age. How then, is it possible that a single packaged food can be ‘nutritionally complete,’ for every dog or cat, or even for most of them, when their nutritional needs are something of a moving target?
Feeding the Same Commercial Ingredients for Weeks or Months Poses Multiple Health Risks.
All the concerns we’ve raised thus far are made worse by the fact that caregivers are often told to find a high-quality food and feed that same food every day, for weeks, months and even years. Even with the recent trend toward feeding home-prepared meals, they’re instructed to find a recipe created by a trained veterinary nutritionist and feed that every day. Imagine the consequences if that packaged food or that home-prepared recipe does not deliver one or more key nutrients in the amount an animal needs. As we’ve
seen, the likelihood of that is real. It’s easy, then, to see how deficiencies or excesses can occur, some of which can lead to illness, premature aging, or even organ damage. And if the proportion of macronutrients is not optimal for a particular cat or dog, it could trigger an array of physical and even behavioural disturbances.
Eating a meal that meets most but not all of an animal’s needs for a few days is unlikely to make him sick. But if he eats that same food for weeks and months, any deficiencies or imbalances will be compounded. That’s when his health may be seriously impacted.
Additionally, exposing an animal to the same food day after day over an extended period of time elevates the risk he’ll develop a food sensitivity or allergy. Too often we see caregivers chasing increasingly exotic animal proteins because their companions have become allergic to chicken or beef. And the widespread fear of feeding grains may in fact be due to animals developing sensitivities after months or years of eating a single commercial food made with corn or wheat or other grain that would be an excellent choice if fed in rotation with other carbohydrate-rich foods. In both scenarios, the problem could have been avoided by adding variety to the menu: simply feed a different array of ingredients from one day or one week to the next.
Feeding a Varied Diet Offers the Best Opportunity to Meet All Nutritional Needs
As we’ve seen, there is no single formula that is correct for every dog or cat, because each individual’s needs are unique. When we feed a single packaged food or home-prepared recipe every day, there’s a chance that a valuable nutrient is missing, or it’s not available in the ideal amount. It also introduces an avoidable risk the animal will develop an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient he sees every day – day after day. If instead we feed a varied diet, each animal has the opportunity to get the nutrients she needs, in whatever amount she needs them, from the wide array of ingredients he finds in his bowl over the course of a few days or weeks. In fact, each individual will have a better opportunity to meet her unique nutritional requirements when fed a highly varied diet than when fed a single commercial formula or recipe based on the best science available.
To understand why, let’s shift our attention for a moment from dogs and cats to humans and the strategies you and I use to craft a healthy diet for ourselves.
Take a moment to think about the way you eat. It’s my guess you’re reasonably conscious about eating a healthy diet yourself. You aim to meet all your nutritional requirements and probably succeed at that fairly well. Chances are you’re familiar with the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) or the Population Reference Intake (PRI) established by authorities in the U.S. and Europe and might even use those to help inform your dietary choices. Does every one of your meals meet those RDA or PRI recommendations? Do you meet every one of them in any single day? Is there a recipe you rely on that’s been designed to provide all the nutritional requirements identified by those guidelines? If you knew of such a recipe, would you eat that each and every day, for weeks or months or longer? Assuming you don’t – or wouldn’t – do you ever worry that you couldn’t possibly be eating a healthy diet without following such narrow guidelines? Probably not.
Instead, I’m betting that your strategy for eating a healthy diet is based on eating fresh, whole foods, including lots of vegetables and fruits, with lots of variety. You don’t worry about getting every nutrient in precisely the recommended amount
each day, let alone at every meal, because you’re confident you can get everything you need by eating a highly varied diet of good, wholesome food. That’s the power of a highly varied diet – it allows you to trust that your nutritional needs will be met, even though you’re not calculating micronutrient levels at every meal.
And you’d be right. In fact, you’re doing a much better job of getting everything you need that way than if you followed a single recipe based on the RDA or PRI and ate that every single day. For all the reasons we’ve discussed above, eating a single recipe every day would pose far greater health risks than your practice of putting something different on your plate every day.
Here’s the thing. Our dogs and cats can do just as well eating the same way. When we feed them a varied diet based on excellent ingredients, they thrive just as you do. A feeding strategy based on that principle will meet their needs better than any single kibble or canned-food formula or homeprepared recipe.
How will we accomplish this?
An Innovative Marketing Strategy for Commercial Foods –That’s Also a Step Toward Better Health
Feeding a varied diet is indeed antithetical to the current paradigm of creating kibble and canned foods. Many brands offer different flavors within a single line and those offer variability in a few named ingredients – typically the protein component. A customer can buy the chicken or duck formula today and switch to beef or lamb when it’s time to restock. But most other ingredients remain the same, so the variation between flavors is minimal. What’s more, a 40-pound bag of food likely lasts weeks or longer, so the opportunity to vary any ingredients doesn’t come along often enough.
Manufacturers can take a key step toward healthier food by creating four or five or more entirely different formulas, each one containing unique ingredients – and then packaging them so that a customer buys a set of multiple formulas with each purchase. That 40-pound bag of kibble might contain five eight-pound packets, each one with ingredients that don’t appear in any of the other four packets. A case of canned food might similarly contain cans made from five completely different formulas.
Such a variety-pack would be healthier for the animals – and it also presents a unique marketing opportunity. It’s well known that caregivers often consider trends in human nutrition when looking for the best food for their canine and feline family members. Those who are savvy about creating a healthy diet for themselves are well aware of the benefits of eating a wide variety of foods – they strive to ‘the colors of the rainbow.’ No doubt they’d welcome an opportunity to purchase a food that would provide the same benefits to their dogs and cats.
The Most Nutritious Way to Feed a Home-prepared Diet –That’s Also the Easiest
For caregivers feeding a home-prepared diet, one solution is to feed several different recipes rather than just one, making sure that each recipe is made from a unique array of ingredients.
A far better solution is one I have been recommending and teaching for more than 25 years with excellent results – an approach I call the Fresh & Flexible™ meal plan. It involves feeding companion animals based on the same principles we use to feed ourselves: fresh whole foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables and plenty of variety – something different in the bowl every day or every few days. The plan includes no recipes, only broad guidelines to help caregivers know what kinds of food to put in the bowl. Within each category of food, the caregiver is instructed to choose from the full range of available whole foods (with just a few cautionary exceptions), adjusting amounts of macronutrients according to the needs of each individual. A summary of that plan is outlined in Table 1.
Animals fed with this approach consistently demonstrate improvements in vitality, mobility, digestion, health of the skin and coat, energy levels, and more. I’ve even seen improvements in kidney function and a range of agerelated issues. Adherence to the plan is high, because of the ease of implementation. With virtually unlimited options
Higher-protein foods
Higher-carbohydrate foods
Fruits and vegetables
Nutrition boosters (nutrient-dense or other beneficial foods such as spirulina, nutritional yeast, wheat germ, mushrooms, fermented foods)
for ingredients there’s no need for caregivers to buy extra groceries or prepare separate meals for their companions –they can simply share healthy foods they’re already preparing for human family members.
When we feed a highly varied diet, utilising different foods every day or every few days, the animal has the opportunity to draw whatever nutrients she needs, in whatever amount she needs them, from the wide array of ingredients she finds in her bowl over the course of a few days or weeks. Her meals may not meet AAFCO guidelines for every nutrient every day—but with a variety of foods to draw from, her unique nutritional requirements will be met over the course of several meals. In short, she’ll get everything she needs
30% to 60% of the meal (may be higher for cats)
30% to 60% of the meal
10% to 30% of the meal
Amount is proportional to the weight of the animal, and varies depending on the booster
Fat 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon
Calcium supplement (for meat-based diets)
Multi-vitamin supplement
1 heaping teaspoon of calcium carbonate per pound of meat
Follow label dosing guidelines, adjusted in proportion to the weight of the animal
*Adapted from The Fresh & Flexible™ Meal Plan: The Easiest, Most Nutritious Way to Feed Your
Copyright © 2018, 2025 by Jan
and Cat by Jan
Table 1: An Abbreviated Guide to the Fresh & Flexible™ Meal Plan*
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by applying the same principles of good nutrition that you enjoy. She’ll experience less risk of nutritional imbalance or of developing an allergy or intolerance than if she were eating the same foods every day.
The Next Step Toward Radiant Good Health
We’ve made great strides in our understanding of canine and feline nutrition in recent decades. Vast amounts of dollars are spent by commercial food manufacturers and caregivers in an effort to provide companion animals with the optimal diet. And yet, we miss an enormous opportunity to come closer to that goal when we dismiss this key component known to be crucial for human nutrition. If we embrace innovative ways to incorporate variety into the meals we create for our dogs and cats, with little or no added cost we can make a remarkable new contribution to their health and longevity.
Jan Allegretti, D.Vet.Hom., is the author of the Holistic Animal Health Series, which includes The Fresh & Flexible Meal Plan: The Easiest, Most Nutritious Way to Feed Your Dog and Cat. She has more than thirty years’ experience as a consultant in holistic health care for nonhuman animals, offering workshops and consultations to caregivers, veterinarians, rescue organisations and other animal health professionals. Jan can be reached through her website at HolisticAHA.com.
Email address: jan@holisticaha.com
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