We are always quick to let you know about stories involving zoonotic diseases and this week is no exception. In Monmouth County, NJ,
a miniature donkey was found to be rabid and 12 people will undergo prophylactic vaccination. In another story from the East coast,
a cat under quarantine for rabies escaped from it's owner after the owner took the cat from Massachusetts to Rhode Island. Although rabies stories are somewhat common, these articles are certainly unusual presentations and something that you can use to remind your community and local media that ALL mammals have the potential for rabies.
The floods in Colorado have certainly captured the attention of the whole nation. In a stark contrast to what we saw back in 2005 with Hurricane Katrina, we are now seeing lots of stories of
rescuers and first responders actively helping people save their pets and their livestock during these calamities. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the folks dealing with these massive floods
In California, Whole Foods Market is under investigation by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for
allegedly selling unregistered pet products, specifically Purely Botanical Cat Flea Spray and Dog Flea Spray.
Although there has been a lot of discussion about the "new" circovirus in dogs recently, the
Ohio Department of Agriculture is still not convinced that all of the eight dogs in Akron and Cincinnati, OH have contracted this virus. Testing is still on-going and VNN will continue to monitor this story for you.
In the past, we have done stories on pet nutrition and even a controversial story on raw and homemade diets for pets. Have you seen how some raw pet food companies are now marketing their products? In these next two stories, the Hound and Gatos Pet Food Corporation and Bravo Pet Foods are using national headlines to create news stories that can then feature their product. Hound and Gatos uses the hook
that pet products from China are harming our pets and Bravo Pet Foods takes on the
on-going debate between raw and commercial diets. Now, whether or not you are a fan of raw diets, you do have to admire how these companies have created relationships with these local media reporters and were able to generate a "news story" that is actually more of a press release. This is what we at VNN have been talking about for several years now...develop a good relationship with your local media and you can also create "news" that highlights you and your hospital.
Finally, there was a victory in the war against unscrupulous breeders as the
USDA has now mandated that Internet based businesses selling animals must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act.
Have you seen a story that you think needs to be shared?? Email a link to me and I will make sure it goes into our social media. From your own blogs to local stories of interest, what is making news in your area may also be beneficial for your fellow VNN members across the country. 
Do you have a creative member on your team? Is there someone you rely on to create catchy Facebook posts or design your in-clinic signage? 