When reviewing a scientific paper, or attending a research presentation at a meeting, we often see p-values reported as outcomes of a research project. Although commonly used in life sciences, p-values are often misunderstood, and in some cases, can be … Continue reading
Hypothesis testing is the foundation of research. The process of developing a research hypothesis usually involves two steps: developing the broad research question, then determining the statistical alternatives that may result from testing the research question. For example, a researcher … Continue reading
Misclassification bias Misclassification bias occurs in epidemiologic investigations when the infection or exposure status of individuals is incorrectly measured due to poor diagnostic tests or incorrect assessment of exposure. This results in biased measures of association (e.g. relative risk or … Continue reading
Serial and parallel testing Practitioners are often faced with situations where diagnostic testing schemes that limit the probability of a false negative or a false positive test result are desired. Serial and parallel testing schemes can be used to maximize … Continue reading
Predictive values Diagnostic test performance is measured by sensitivity and specificity. However, neither of these measurements informs the practitioner on the probability of disease in individuals with positive or negative test results. The real question that practitioners face is given … Continue reading
Sensitivity and Specificity Diagnostic tests are performed by veterinarians on a daily basis. These tests may range from physical examinations (i.e. listening to heart and lungs, measuring body temperature, etc.) to measuring antibody levels in blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay … Continue reading
Concepts of causation Investigating associations between risk factors (i.e. animal factors, environmental factors, or pathogen factors) and a particular outcome of interest (i.e. the occurrence of respiratory disease in weaned calves) are the core of epidemiologic studies. Although it may … Continue reading
Measuring risk When investigating problems of illness, death, or decreased production in cow-calf herds, a systematic approach to defining the problem, identifying risk factors, developing a plan, measuring impacts, and communicating results can aid the veterinarian and their client in … Continue reading
Defining the problem We’ve all experienced it at one point in time or another. If you own cattle, you’ve undoubtedly had cattle develop illness or die for some unknown reason. If you are a veterinarian, you’ve undoubtedly investigated such cases, … Continue reading
The “Tragedy of the Commons” is a familiar problem to economists. The concept was originally penned in 1833 by economist William Forster Lloyd who felt it was imperative for landowners to understand that the decisions of individuals can harm the … Continue reading
Preparing your community The successful mitigation of any disaster requires action by many, including volunteer and full-time first responders; local, state, and federal government officials; academia; the medical community; and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Unfortunately, many people in non-animal/non-agricultural occupations or … Continue reading
Disaster Preparedness for Livestock It is important to have a disaster plan for livestock since they may not easily be transported or confined. Loose or stranded animals can cause physical harm to people, delay or inhibit the rescue of people, … Continue reading
Pet Identification: Microchipping One of the biggest problems following a natural disaster is reunification. Pets can become startled by the noise and chaos of a storm and run off or be displaced when their home is damaged and no longer … Continue reading
Pet Emergency Kit Resources for both people and animals may be limited following a disaster. Now is the time to prepare and check your pet’s emergency and evacuation kit! Here are a few essential items to include: Copies of vaccinations … Continue reading
Pet evacuation tips With springtime and warm weather comes an increase in the risk of hazardous weather events. Most disasters that affect humans have the potential to also affect animals. Under most disaster conditions, it is advised to take your … Continue reading
The second Sunday of May is designated as National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. To help promote this special event which will be on May 14, 2022, we have prepared a series of blogs for the community on preparedness that will … Continue reading
No stable or arena manager wants to hear the dreaded word ‘strangles’ in relation to their operation, however this highly contagious disease can show up uninvited on even the most well managed facilities. Strangles, also sometimes referred to as distemper, … Continue reading
Have you read Puppy Socialization 101 Series | Part 1? If not, follow the link below to read … Continue reading
What is Socialization and why is it so important? Of course, we want the best for our animals, but often as pet owners we often overlook a crucial part of healthy development from pup-hood to adulthood; socialization. It seems … Continue reading
Make a recommendation After defining and observing the problem, a working diagnosis can be established. Based on the diagnosis, recommendations should be given to the producer to mediate or mitigate potential causes of the disease. If an infectious process is … Continue reading
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