The parasite Toxoplasma gondii manipulates its host's behavior by producing dopamine, which could explain the link between toxoplasmosis and neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Behavioral changes in rats increased as T. gondii strains produced more dopamine, and infected rats spent more time in areas scented with cat urine, researchers reported in Nature Communications.

Members of Arkansas State University's Pre-Veterinary Club recently collected and delivered more than 1,000 pounds of pet food to the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society and the Jonesboro Animal Services. T-shirts donated by club members were made into 70 toys, and treats and supplements were also donated.

Emergency veterinarian Caleigh Griffin has been seeing more dogs sickened by cannabis, including one that recently got into an ashtray, since the state of Michigan decriminalized possession of marijuana products. Although marijuana toxicity isn't usually life-threatening, it does cause neurological alterations, and dogs that vomit could aspirate and develop pneumonia. Dr. Griffin says. A dog that does get into cannabis should be supervised and kept in a safe place, away from stairs and other hazards, until the effects wear off, and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if the dog shows signs of illness.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials have warned wildlife rehabilitators to use caution when taking in animals with signs of neurological or respiratory illness, as highly pathogenic avian influenza is circulating in migratory birds throughout the state. Wildlife rehabilitators should inform TPWD within 24 hours of taking in any animal with suspected HPAI.

Demolition has started at the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C., four months after an explosion caused by a gas leak destroyed the facility. "For our entire staff, it's a big day for us," said clinic Director Gary Walker. "We're going to celebrate today because this is getting back to where we want to be." The staff is working at a smaller clinic as the new facility is being built.

Nearly two-thirds of dog breeds have traces of wolf DNA, which may have helped them adapt to various environments. Researchers analyzed 2,693 dog and wolf genomes and found the highest proportion of wolf genes in the Great Anglo-French tricolor hound and the Shiloh shepherd. All free-living village dogs tested had wolf DNA in their genomes. Breeds with the lowest percentage of wolf DNA were more likely to be considered friendly and affectionate, while those with the highest percentage were more likely to be considered independent and territorial, but no detectable wolf DNA was found in Neapolitan mastiffs, bullmastiffs or Saint Bernards.

A North Atlantic right whale seen off the coast of Ireland in 2024 has been spotted in Massachusetts Bay. The whale was identified by the unique scar pattern on its head.

Changes to qualified retirement plans will affect businesses in 2026, from 401(k)s to pensions. The 401(k) elective deferral limit will rise to $24,500, with a catch-up contribution of $8,000 for those older than 49. Additionally, limits for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees are increasing, as are those on defined-contribution plans and defined-benefit plans.