One Flu Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Lauren and JJ discuss one of the most fatal pandemics in history. This episode contains a detailed review of the Black Death pandemic, which occurred from 1346-1353, as well as the causative organism, Yersinia pestis and its life cycle. References: Black Death. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 26, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Death Benedictow, O. J. (2005, March). The Black Death: The greatest catastrophe ever. History Today, 55(3). https://www.historytoday.com/archive/black-death-greatest-catastrophe-ever Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1984, August 31). Plague pneumonia—California. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 33(34), 481–483. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00000394.htm DeBess, E., Coyle, K., Fawcett, R., Hamade, A. K., & Cieslak, P. R. (2025, July 17). Notes from the field: Early-season human plague transmitted from an infected cat—Oregon, January 2024. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 74(26), 430–431. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7426a2.htm Glatter, K. A., & Finkelman, P. (2021). History of the plague: An ancient pandemic for the age of COVID-19. The American Journal of Medicine, 134(2), 176–181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.08.019 HISTORY.com Editors. (2026, September 15). Black Death. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/articles/black-death Oriental rat flea. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 26, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_rat_flea Rufus of Ephesus. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 26, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rufus_of_Ephesus Schaffer, P. A., Brault, S. A., Hershkowitz, C., Harris, L., Dowers, K., House, J., Aboellail, T. A., Morley, P. S., & Daniels, J. B. (2019). Pneumonic plague in a dog and widespread potential human exposure in a veterinary hospital, United States. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(4), 800–803. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2504.181195 Science Museum. (n.d.). Bubonic plague: The first pandemic. https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/medicine/bubonic-plague-first-pandemic Yersinia pestis. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 26, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yersinia_pestis Rothrock, K., & Morgan, R. V. (2023). Plague, Zoonotic, Feline. VINCyclopedia. www.vin.com Rothrock, K., & Morgan, R. V. (2023). Plague, Zoonotic, Canine. VINCyclopedia. www.vin.com

In the 2025 Howloween Spooktacular, Lauren and JJ discuss the associations between black cats and Halloween, including the origins of black cat lore and black cats in popular culture. References: (1) Yuko, E. (2021). Why black cats are associated with halloween and bad luck. History. https://www.history.com/articles/black-cats-superstitions. Accessed October 11, 2025. (2) Cat-Sith. (2025). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat-s%C3%ACth. Accessed October 11, 2025. (3) Farell, S. (2024). Cats, symbolism and the 16th century witch craze. Cheshire & Wain. https://www.cheshireandwain.com/blogs/journal/cats-and-the-16th-century-witch-craze. Accessed October 11, 2025. (4) Bedtime History. (2023). History of black cats and crows of Halloween [Podcast transcript]. https://bedtimehistorystories.com/history-of-black-cats-and-crows-of-halloween/. Accessed October 11, 2025.

Lauren and JJ discuss a case report from 2000: myiasis in a Thoroughbred gelding in Florida. Why was this case significant, and why was a major government response necessary? This episode includes a thorough review of myiasis caused by the new world screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominovorax). References: United States Department of Agriculture. (2025, September 3). Module 41: New World Screwworm. National Veterinary Accreditation Program Modules for Accreditation Renewal. Accessed September 14, 2025. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/nvap/training-modules United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. (2025, August 24). New World Screwworm. Accessed September 14, 2025. USDA. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/screwworm The Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm Infestation in Livestock (COPEG). (2025). Accessed September 14, 2025. COPEG. https://www.copeg.org/en/ United States Department of Agriculture. (2024, December 28). Pesticides to potentially use against new world screwworm. Accessed September 14, 2025. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/pesticides-for-nws.pdf United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, August 27). About new world screwworm. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/new-world-screwworm/about/index.html National Public Radio. (2025, August 25). The U.S. confirms its first human case of new world screwworm: what is it? NPR. Accessed September 14, 2025. https://www.npr.org/2025/08/25/nx-s1-5515487/new-world-screwworm-us-human-case Beck, L. (2025, September 9). Veterinarians asked to be alert for screwworm infestations. Veterinary Information Network. Accessed September 14, 2025. https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=12840615&f5=1 Cutolo, A. A., Perrier, N., Menz, I., Thyssen, P., Silva, F. O., & Beugnet, F. (2021). Efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGard) on the treatment of myiasis caused by the new world screwworm fly Cochliomyia hominovorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in naturally infested dogs. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, 24(0), 100569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100569 McCullough, C. (2025, May 27). USDA confirms reports of new world screwworm in the U.S. are false. RFDTV. Accessed September 14, 2025. https://www.rfdtv.com/usda-confirms-reports-of-new-world-screwworm-in-the-u-s-are-false Correia, T. R., Scott, F. B., Verocai, G. G., Souza, C. P., Fernandes, J. I., Melo, R. M. P. S., Vieira, V. P. C., & Ribeiro, F. A. (2010). Larvicidal efficacy of nitenpyram on the treatment of myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominovorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in dogs. Veterinary Parasitology, 173(1-2), 169-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.019 Muchiut, S., Miro, M. V., Anziani, O., Nava, S., & Lifschitz, A. (2024). Failure of doramectin and ivermectin in prevention Cochliomyia hominivorax myiasis in a subtropical region: A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study. Veterinary Parasitology, 334, 110384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110384 American Veterinary Medical Association. (April 1, 2000). Screwworm turns heads in Florida. Accessed September 14, 2025. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2000-04-15/screwworm-turns-heads-florida Alexander, J. L. (2006). Screwworms. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 228(3), 357-367. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.228.3.357

Lauren and JJ discuss the changing landscape of technology in veterinary medicine, including a recent change in the Georgia veterinary practice act that yielded unexpected consequences. References: (1) Wogan, L. (2025). Georgia pet owners lose access to pet poison hotlines. VIN News Service. Last accessed on 8/15/25: https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&catId=620&Id=12781210 (2) Wogan, L. (2025). Ohio lawmakers loosen veterinary telemedicine rule. VIN News Service. Last accessed on 8/15/25: https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=12755728&f5=1 (3) (2018). Alabama Veterinary Practice Act. Last accessed on 8/15/25: https://asbvme.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Alabama_Practice_Act_and_Administrative_Code_Updated_Working_Copy_2018_3_5_2019.pdf

Lauren and JJ investigate a case of chronic coughing in a dog. Today's episode includes an in-depth review of coccidiodomycosis in dogs. References: (1) Fisher, A., Brister, J., & Morgan, R. (2024). Coccidioidomycosis, zoonotic, canine. VINcyclopedia of Diseases. Accessed July 7, 2025. www.vin.com. (2) Rishniw, M. (2017). Chronic bronchitis. Medical FAQs. Accessed July 7, 2025. www.vin.com. (3) McKiernan, B. (2025). Coughing, sneezing, gagging: Interpreting history and physical exam findings in animals with respiratory disease. Medical FAQs. Accessed July 7, 2025. www.vin.com. (4) Kittleson, M. (2017). Diagnosing CHF in dogs: The golden rules. Medical FAQs. Accessed July 7, 2025. www.vin.com. (5) Donovan, F. M., Fernandez, O. M., Bains, G. & DiPompo, L. (2025). Coccidioidomycosis: A growing global concern. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 80(1), i40-i49. https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/80/Supplement_1/i40/8078712

Lauren and JJ discuss a case of rabies in a human organ transplant recipient and a new e-book on the spectrum of care in veterinary medicine. References: (1) Salzman, S. & Kekatos, M. (2025). Michigan resident dies of rabies after undergoing organ transplant in Ohio: Officials. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/michigan-resident-dies-rabies-after-undergoing-organ-transplant/story?id=120217114 (2) Richardson, R. (2025). After Michigan patient dies of rabies from a transplanted kidney, donor's other recipients get preventative shots. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rabies-organ-transplant-death-michigan-rcna198265 (3) Centers for Disease Control. (2004). Investigation of rabies infections in organ donor and transplant recipients: Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, 2004. Morbidity and Mortality Wekly Report. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5326a6.htm (4) Clinician's Brief. (2025). E-Book: Embracing Spectrum of Care in Veterinary Medicine. https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=831194&p

Lauren and JJ investigate the cause of hyphema in a dog patient. This episode includes an overview of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, persistent hyperplasitc tunica vasculosa lentis, and other developmental eye diseases in the dog. References: (1) Davis, R. (2021). Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (canine). VINcyclopedia of Diseases. www.vin.com. Last accessed 3/19/2025. (2) Giuliano, E. A. (2019). Here's lookin' at you, kid: The essential eye exam. Chicago Vet Conference Proceedings, 2019. www.vin.com. Last accessed 3/19/2025. (3) Rothrock K. (2021). Von willebrand disease (canine). VINcyclopedia of Diseases. www.vin.com. Last accessed 3/19/2025. (4) Morgan, R. V., Wise, E., Newbold, G., Church, M. L., Herring, I. P. (2024). Retinal detachment (canine). VINcyclopedia of Diseases. www.vin.com. Last accessed 3/19/2025. (5) Dacanay, S., Newbold, G., Hamor, R. A. (2023). Hyphema (canine). VINcyclopedia of Diseases. www.vin.com. Last accessed 3/19/2025.

Lauren and JJ answer mail from a listener whose anxiety is interfering with their work life. Resources: (1) Huecker, M. R., Shreffler, J., McKeny, P. T., & Davis, D. (2023). Imposter Phenomenon. StatPearls. National Library of Medicine. Accessed 2/11/2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585058/ (2) Imposter syndrome. Psychology Today. Accessed 2/11/2025. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/imposter-syndrome (3) Villwock, J. A., Sobin, L. B., Koester, L. A., & Harris, T. M. (2016). Imposter syndrome and burnout among American medical students: A pilot study. International Journal of Medical Education, 2016 Oct 31, 364-369. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5116369/ (4) Sullivan, J. B., & Ryba, N. L. (2020). Prevalence of impostor phenomenon and assessment of well-being in pharmacy residents. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 77(9), 690-696. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32201891/

Lauren and JJ discuss avian influenza. This episode was recorded January 27, 2025. Resources: NOTE: Resources denoted by an asterisk are CDC references that may have been altered between recording of this episode on 1/27/2025 and publication of the epiosode on 2/5/2025. As of 2/5/2025, all of these resources contain the announcement "CDC’s website is being modified to comply with President Trump’s Executive Orders," which was not present at the time of episode research. (1) University of Nebraska Medical Center. HPAI H5N1 (Avian Influenza). Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/health-emergencies/avian-flu-h5n1.html (2) Nolen, R. S. & Larkin, M. Novel bird flu strain continues to threaten animal, public health: Government response strengthened as outbreak nears fourth year. Published 12/30/2024. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.avma.org/news/novel-bird-flu-strain-continues-threaten-animal-public-health (3) * Centers for Disease Control. Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus: Interim recommendations for prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations. Published 12/26/2024. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html (4) * Current situation: Bird flu in dairy cows. Accessed 1/ 27/2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html (5) Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Highly pathogenic avian influenza confimred in an Alabama commercial broiler farm and a backyard flock. Published 12/16/2024. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://agi.alabama.gov/animalindustries/2024/12/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-confirmed-in-an-alabama-commercial-broiler-farm-and-a-backyard-flock/#:~:text=%E2%80%93%20The%20Alabama%20Department%20of%20Agriculture,backyard%20flock%20in%20Pickens%20County (6) Alabama Department of Public Health. Avian influenza: Bird flu. Powerpoint presentation. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/assets/avianflu_presentation.pdf (7) * Centers for Disease Control. Prevention and antiviral treatment of avian influenza A viruses in people. Published 7/19/2024. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/index.html (8) * Centers for Disease Control. H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html (9) Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Avian influenza. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://agi.alabama.gov/animalindustries/animal-health/avian-influenza/ (10) * Centers for Disease Control. First H5 bird flu death reported in United States. Published 1/6/2025. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/m0106-h5-birdflu-death.html (11) * Centers for Disease Control. Genetic sequences of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses identified in a person in Louisiana. Published 12/16/2024. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-12232024.html (12) Louisiana Department of Health. LDH reports first U.S. H5N1-related human death. Published 1/6/2025. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://ldh.la.gov/news/H5N1-death (13) * Centers for Disease Control. Prevention and antiviral treatment of avian influenza A viruses in people. Published 7/19/2024. Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/index.html (14) Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University. Avian influenza outbreak: Should you take down your bird feeders? Accessed 1/27/2025. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/

Lauren and JJ discuss feline demodicosis, a recent scam targeting veterinarians, and a recent human Rabies death in the US. Resources: (1) Rothrock, K., & Tater, K. (2023). Demodectic mange (feline). VINcyclopedia of Diseases. www.vin.com (2) Azaria, H., & Defalque, V. E. (2023). Isoxazalines for treating canine and feline otodectic mange; feline demodicosis, lynxacariasis, lice infestation, and notoedric mange (scabies); demodicosis in hamsters; and sarcoptic and psoroptic manges in rabbits. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 64(11), 1066-1070. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10581354/ (3) Chuenngam, T., Chermprapai, S. (2024). Successful treatment of non-pruritus, excessive hair shedding and scales in a cat due to Demodex gatoi with fluralaner topical spot-on. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports, 10(1), no page number listed. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/20551169241246866 (4) Beck, L. (2025). Sham veterinarian 'Dr. J' returns. VIN News Service. https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=12458621&f5=1 (5) Kentucky Department for Public Health reports human death from rabies. Statewide News Release, Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Dec 27, 2024. https://www.chfs.ky.gov/News/Documents/Kentucky%20Department%20for%20Public%20Health%20Reports%20Human%20Death%20from%20Rabies.pdf