Midmark supports Veterinary Nurse Initiative
Veterinary equipment maker Midmark Corp. announced its support of the effort to make “registered veterinary nurse” the standard credential in the U.S. veterinary technician profession. Launched in 2016 by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, the initiative aims to drive passage of legislative amendments in every state to establish the credential of registered veterinary nurse (RVN) as a substitute for the current titles of registered veterinary technician (RVT), licensed veterinary technician (LVT), certified veterinary technician (CVT) and licensed veterinary medical technician (LVMT).
AVMA partners on Human-Animal Bond Certification Program
The American Veterinary Medical Association has signed on as the founding educational partner for the Human-Animal Bond Certification Program offered through the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and the North American Veterinary Community, publisher of Today’s Veterinary Business.
J.M. Smucker purchases Ainsworth Pet Nutrition
According to USAgNet, J.M. Smucker Co. completed the acquisition of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition in a transaction valued at approximately $1.7 billion, after an estimated tax benefit of $200 million. Ainsworth is a producer, distributor and marketer of premium pet food and pet snacks, predominately within the United States. Approximately two-thirds of Ainsworth’s sales are generated by the Rachael Ray Nutrish brand.
Henry Schein rises on Fortune 500 list
Henry Schein Inc. climbed to No. 238 in the Fortune 500 rankings, celebrating its 15th year as one of America’s largest corporations. The company, No. 243 in last year’s rankings, had net sales in 2017 of $12.5 billion. Since the distributor became a public company in 1995, sales have grown at a compound annual rate of 15 percent.
Petco partners with JustFoodForDogs
According to Pet Business, Petco has teamed up with JustFoodForDogs to offer fresh, small-batch, human-grade food for dogs in strategic locations across the country. JustFoodForDogs will open “stores within stores,” with many featuring exhibition kitchens so customers can see how the food is made. Petco initiated the partnership in response to pet owners looking for alternatives to commercial-brand dog foods.
CDC rabies test could “change the playing field”
HealthDay News reported that a new rapid rabies test for animals could revolutionize screening and spare humans unnecessary painful treatment, according to researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC-developed test, called LN34, is highly accurate and produces results faster and more cost-effectively than current methods, according to the agency. “The LN34 test has the potential to really change the playing field,” said study first author Crystal Gigante, a CDC microbiologist. “Quickly knowing who needs to receive rabies treatment and who does not will save lives and families’ livelihoods.”
Tyson Foods to acquire American Proteins
According to Reuters, Tyson Foods Inc. said it would buy the poultry rendering and blending assets of American Proteins Inc. for about $850 million as the company looks to recycle more animal products to use in feed and pet food. Tyson is facing higher feed costs in its meat-processing business as prices of commodities like soybeans and corn increase.