The majority of species  around the world are declining from habitat loss. Biodiversity is valuable for human health and wildlife, but current conservation practices focus on individual species and not the ecosystem. Therefore, we should begin to aim conservation practices to protect the habitat; allowing for better corridors, and greater biodiversity.

Episode Hosts: Nolan Bunting, Kara Maslyn, and James DeMoss

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

EPISODE NOTES:

Pandas, Koalas, and Elephants. We know of these animals in part due to the incredible effort to conserve them. However, conserving a singular species in an ecosystem is not nearly as valuable as conserving the habitat itself. Join us on an adventure from your own couch, as we explore the benefits of protecting the entire ecosystem. From wildlife to humanity, we all benefit from nature. We hope that this episode also teaches you how to help nature, and promote large conservation efforts. Remember, this is Nature and Nature needs you.

References:

Argentinian corridors

African Transfrontier parks

Yellowstone to Yukon

Impacts of biodiversity on Zoonotic Diseases

Ways you can help

Monarch butterflies are beautiful insects and have an interesting life cycle and migration pattern, but they are rapidly declining into possible extinction. Therefore, everyone should take steps to plant, protect and improve monarch breeding habitats across North America.

Episode Hosts: Jacey Cerda, Claire Kazen

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Special Guests:

Dr. Jaret Daniels is an associate professor specializing in lepidoptera research and insect conservation at the University of Florida He also has a position at the Florida Museum of Natural History as assistant director of exhibits and public programs and assistant curator of Lepidoptera. Dr. Daniels is involved in national butterfly conservation initiatives, including the launch of a butterfly-inspired beer at breweries across the country, which you can read about here: https://news.ufl.edu/2021/10/monarch-beer/

Carol Seemueller is a citizen scientist in Fort Collins, CO, who has championed monarch conservation in her own backyard and in the classroom.

Katie-Lyn Bunneycoordinates education and outreach for Monarch Joint Venture (MJV), which is a national nonprofit working to connect federal and state agencies, other nonprofits, community groups, businesses, and education programs for the conservation of monarchs and other pollinators. MJV is a great resource for those looking to support monarch butterflies and their migration. You can find these resources here: https://monarchjointventure.org/get-involved

References

Forister, ML, Halsch, CA, Nice, CC, Fordyce, JA, Dilts, TE, Oliver, JC, Prudic, KL, Shapiro, AM, Wilson, JK, and Glassberg, J. 2021. Fewer butterflies seen by community scientists across the warming and drying landscapes of the American West. Science 371:1042-45.

Nestle, R, Daniels, JC, and Dale, AG. 2020. Mixed-species gardens increase monarch oviposition without increasing top-down predation. Insects 11:648

Pelton, EM, Schultz, CB, Jepsen, SJ, Hoffman Black, S, and Crone, EE. 2019. Western monarch population plummets: status, probable causes, and recommended conservation actions. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 7:258.

Thogmartin, WE, Widerholt, R, Oberhauser, K, Drum, RG, Diffendorfer, JE. Altizer, S, Taylor, OR, Pleasants, J, Semmens, D, Semmens, B, Erickson, R, Libby, K, and Lopez-Hoffman, L. 2017. Monarch butterfly population decline in North America: identifying the threatening processes. R. Soc. Open. Sci. 4:170760.

Zylstra, ER, Ries, L, Neupane, N, Saunders, SP, Ramirez, MI, Rendon-Salina, E, Oberhauser, KS, Farr, MT, and Zipkin, EF. 2021. Changes in climate drive recent monarch butterfly dynamics. Nature Ecology and Evolution. 5:1441-1452.

Human actions are leading rises in global temperatures and brachycephalic (smush-faced) dogs are increasing in popularity, but these dogs are at an increased risk of developing heat-related illnesses. Therefore, it is important to know the clinical signs associated with heat stroke to help best prevent this disease.

Episode Hosts: Allison Crowell, Ariana Dickson, Megan Slaughter

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Special Guests: Dr. Carissa Tong, DVM, DACVECC and Tricia Fry, pug owner and PhD candidate

EPISODE NOTES:

Brachycephalic dogs, well-known as our “smush-faced” friends (think: English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, Boston Terriers, etc) have been rising in popularity in both the US and UK in the last decade. As adorable as these dogs are, both in looks and in temperament, these breeds are predisposed to heat-related illnesses. Considering this, rising global temperatures due to climate change will only increase the risk for these dogs. Join us as we explore why brachycephalic dogs are so prone to heat stroke, the signs to look for in your pets, and what you can do to help against climate change.

References:

Increasing Popularity in the UK:

O’Neill, D.G., Darwent, E.C., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C., 2016. Demography and health of Pugs under primary veterinary care in England. Canine Genet Epidemiol 3, 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-016-0035-z

Increasing registrations in the US:

Humane Society Veterinary Medicine Association. The Cost of Cuteness: Health and Welfare Issues Associated with Brachycephalic Dog Breeds. <https://www.hsvma.org/brachycephalic> (last accessed Nov 29, 2021).

IPPC Report:

Masson-Delmotte, V., Zhai, P., Pirani,A., Connors, S.L., Péan,C, Berger, S., Caud N., Chen, Y., Goldfarb, L., Gomis, M.I., Huang, M., Leitzell, K., Lonnoy,E., Matthews,J.B.R., Maycock,T.K., Waterfield,T., Yelekçi, O., Yu, R., and Zhou, B. (eds.). IPCC, 2021: Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.

Article about increased risk of heat-related illness to brachycephalic breeds:

Hall, E.J., Carter, A.J., O’Neill, D.G., 2020. Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016. Sci Rep 10, 9128. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66015-8

Article about cooler temperatures in cities with more vegetation:

Ortega-Rosas, C.I., Enciso-Miranda, C.A., Macías-Duarte, A., Morales-Romero, D., Villarruel-Sahagún, L., 2020. Urban vegetation cover correlates with environmental variables in a desert city: insights of mitigation measures to climate change. Urban Ecosyst 23, 1191–1207.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-020-00982-8

Link to tree-planting project in Colorado: The Institute for Environmental Solutions

Natural disasters are increasing in intensity and severity and companion animals are often adversely impacted however they have not been included in evacuation plans historically, so communities and rescue organizations need to work together to provide adequate resources for companion animal owners in preparation for disasters.

Episode Hosts: Michelle Ledru, Megan Sekiya

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Special Guests: Dr. Ragan Adams, Erik Thompson

Episode Notes

In the most recent IPCC report, it was stated that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. Humans and animals alike will be negatively impacted by these natural disasters. In Hurricane Katrina, Snowball, a little dog that could not get on the evacuation bus with his child owner spurred the PETS act. This act states that FEMA will only provide funds to organizations that include plans for the rescue and essential needs of animals. This episode covers the progress that’s been made in disaster planning since the PETS act was implemented and how you can be prepared for a natural disaster before it hits your area.

References

Chadwin R. Evacuation of Pets During Disasters: A Public Health Intervention to Increase Resilience. Am J Public Health. 2017;107(9):1413-1417. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2017.303877

Farmer A. K. and DeYoung S. E. The Pets of Hurricane Matthew: Evacuation and Sheltering with Companion Animals. Anthrozoös. 2019; 32(3):419-433. DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2019.1598661

Glassey S. Did Harvey Learn from Katrina? Initial Observations of the Response to Companion Animals during Hurricane Harvey. Animals. 2018; 8(4):47. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani8040047

Hoegh-Guldberg, O., D. Jacob, M. Taylor, M. Bindi, S. Brown, I. Camilloni, A. Diedhiou, R. Djalante, K.L. Ebi, F. Engelbrecht, J. Guiot, Y. Hijioka, S. Mehrotra, A. Payne, S.I. Seneviratne, A. Thomas, R. Warren, and G. Zhou, 2018: Impacts of 1.5ºC Global Warming on Natural and Human Systems. In: Global Warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty [Masson-Delmotte, V., P. Zhai, H.-O. Pörtner, D. Roberts, J. Skea, P.R. Shukla, A. Pirani, W. Moufouma-Okia, C. Péan, R. Pidcock, S. Connors, J.B.R. Matthews, Y. Chen, X. Zhou, M.I. Gomis, E. Lonnoy, T. Maycock, M. Tignor, and T. Waterfield (eds.)]. In Press.

Cyanobacteria is a deadly toxin and is found in fresh and brackish bodies of water worldwide but it is increasing in prevalence due to climate change and urbanization therefore we need to do more to increase awareness and prevent future blooms.

Episode Hosts: Angela Warner, Lauren Rush & Val Wright

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter & Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Special Guests: Dr. Claire Tucker & Dr. Daniel Gustafson

Episode Notes:

Blue/green algae (cyanobacteria) is found in fresh and brackish bodies of water and is DEADLY to animals and humans. Due to increased urbanization, water runoff and climate change these algal blooms are increasing worldwide. Join us to learn more about the biology of this toxin, what people may or may not already know about cyanobacteria, clinical signs and cases in dogs (the companion animal most likely to die from this toxin) and ways we can all help to prevent/lessen the incidence of these dangerous blooms.

ASPCA Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435

References:

Algae, cyanobacteria blooms, and climate change. Climate Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2021, from http://climate.org/algae-cyanobacteria-blooms-and-climate-change/.

Anneville, O., Domaizon, I., Kerimoglu, O. et al. Blue-Green Algae in a “Greenhouse Century”? New Insights from Field Data on Climate Change Impacts on Cyanobacteria Abundance. Ecosystems 18, 441–458 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-014-9837-6

Beasley VR, Dahlem AM, Cook WO, et al. Diagnostic and Clinically Important Aspects of Cyanobacterial (Blue-Green Algae) Toxicoses. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 1989;1(4):359-365.

Blue-green algae. Washington State Department of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Contaminants/BlueGreenAlgae.

Blue-green algae and harmful algal blooms. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. (2021, November 8). Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/blue-green-algae-and-harmful-algal-blooms.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 19). Causes and ecosystem impacts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/habs/environment.html#bb.

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/climate-change-and-harmful-algal-blooms.

Sebbag, L., Smee, N., van der Merwe, D., & Schmid, D. (2013, September 1). Liver failure in dog following suspected ingestion of blue-green algae (Microcystis spp.): A case report and review of the Toxin. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://meridian.allenpress.com/jaaha/article/49/5/342/176787/Liver-Failure-in-a-Dog-Following-Suspected.

Hiking with our dogs is a healthy activity and we want to protect our outdoor spaces, but dogs and their owners have a big impact on the environment. Therefore, it is important to educate ourselves on how to implement the best practices for hiking with our dogs. We interview Isabella Harris to learn more about the impacts of dogs on trails and what we can do to preserve them. Together, we can work to connect with nature and take care of the world around us.

Episode Hosts: Lily Crandall, Delaney Leffel

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Sources:

Climate change is causing increased global temperatures, and this is expanding the range and season in which Heartworm is found. But not every client is diligent in administering heartworm preventatives, therefore veterinarians need to adapt their educational tactics to help minimize heartworm infections.

Episode Hosts: Zoe Olmsted, Haleakala Harroun

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Special Guests: Dr. Marianne Krumdick

Episode Notes: With the climate continuing to change, the habitats of mosquitoes are expanding, and may be increasing the potential of your furry friend contracting heartworm disease. We talked to Dr. Marianne Krumdick to get the scoop on both treating heartworm as a veterinarian and juggling a heartworm positive pup at home.  Listen for more information about climate change, heartworm prevention and treatment, and more!

References:

Ecotourism is a valuable tool to promote conservation and provide support to local communities, but it can also have negative impacts when practiced irresponsibly. Therefore, ecotourism should be practiced conscientiously so that the rewards outweigh the consequences.

Episode Hosts: Andy, Madi, Callie

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Special Guest: Dr. Mike Cranfield

Episode Notes:

Ecotourism is meant to be a way to combine sustainability, travel, and natural experiences. Ideally, a successful ecotourism program supports and contributes to its surrounding local community. Often times, we think of ecotourism through experiences like Gorilla trekking, or safari, but it also includes guided trips through national parks, and other natural areas that might be in your own backyard. This podcast explores the highs and lows of ecotourism and provides tips to be a more responsible ecotourist in your backyard.

For more information check out these resources:

With rising temperatures and a changing climate, the range of disease vectors continues to expand into novel areas. This will expose people and animal populations to new diseases, but this issue is seldom discussed in public discourse. Therefore, we bring this issue to the forefront using bluetongue as a model for expanding vector-borne diseases, their impacts on livestock populations, and how we can best enact change in our communities and beyond.

Episode Hosts: Caroline Kern-Allely, Tiera McAdam, Adam Hernandez

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Sound Editor: Ethan Fagre

Guest: Dr. Christie Mayo, DVM, PhD

Summary:

We spoke to Cam the Ram, Colorado State University’s beloved mascot, in order to get a better understanding of what’s been bugging him about climate change. One problem he kept ruminating on was the potential influence of climate change on vector-borne diseases. We began to investigate the issue of vector-borne diseases and discovered that they will increase in prevalence with rising temperatures. Warmer temperatures allow vectors to expand into novel ranges, increase their infective seasons, and change their transmission dynamics. We focused on bluetongue virus disease (BVD) to tell the story of vector-borne diseases of particular note to Cam. In order to do so, we called on the knowledge of Dr. Christie Mayo (DVM, PhD) from Colorado State University, an expert on BVD and virology to give us the inside scoop.

References

Information on Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases

Bartlow, A. W., Manore, C., Xu, C., Kaufeld, K. A., Del Valle, S., Ziemann, A., Fairchild, G., & Fair, J. M. (2019). Forecasting zoonotic infectious disease response to climate change: Mosquito Vectors and a changing environment. Veterinary Sciences, 6(2), 40. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci6020040

Bett, B., Kiunga, P., Gachohi, J., Sindato, C., Mbotha, D., Robinson, T., Lindahl, J., & Grace, D. (2017). Effects of climate change on the occurrence and distribution of livestock diseases. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 137, 119–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.11.019

Caminade, C., McIntyre, K. M., & Jones, A. E. (2018). Impact of recent and future climate change on vector-borne diseases. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1436(1), 157–173. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13950

Rocklöv, J., & Dubrow, R. (2020). Climate change: An enduring challenge for vector-borne disease prevention and Control. Nature Immunology, 21(5), 479–483. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-020-0648-y

Brand, S. P., & Keeling, M. J. (2017). The impact of temperature changes on vector-borne disease transmission: Culicoides midges and bluetongue virus. Journal of The Royal Society Interface, 14(128), 20160481. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2016.0481

El Moustaid, F., Thornton, Z., Slamani, H., Ryan, S. J., & Johnson, L. R. (2021). Predicting temperature-dependent transmission suitability of bluetongue virus in Livestock. Parasites & Vectors, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04826-y

Gethmann, J., Probst, C., & Conraths, F. J. (2020). Economic impact of a bluetongue serotype 8 epidemic in Germany. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00065

Jones, A. E., Turner, J., Caminade, C., Heath, A. E., Wardeh, M., Kluiters, G., Diggle, P. J., Morse, A. P., & Baylis, M. (2019). Bluetongue risk under future climates. Nature Climate Change, 9, 153-157. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-018-0376-6

Episode Hosts: Melissa Chromik, Anna Dondero, Malea McGimsey

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Anna Fagre, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Episode details: 

On this episode of VetCAST, we discuss marine hybrids, ranging from teeny tiny living coral reefs to the largest animal to have ever lived, the blue whale. We interview Dr. Brendan Kelly to find out a little bit about how hybridization occurs, the ways climate change may be expediting this phenomenon, and what we can do to help.