The Australian continent has not documented any H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks, but there is a suspected case on a distant Australian island, and researchers are surveilling migratory birds and preparing nonetheless for the virus's arrival. Gaps in surveillance in the US, Antarctica, Africa and parts of Asia make it difficult to track the virus's global spread.

Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats, has been detected for the first time in Nevada during routine surveillance at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. No bats examined showed signs of the disease, but officials will expand surveillance.

One of three horses that tested positive for equine herpesvirus in Lancaster County, Pa., has been euthanized, and the other two have been quarantined. EHV does not infect humans, but people can inadvertently spread the disease among horses. At least 60 EHV cases in eight states have been linked to a rodeo last month in Waco, Texas.

A hiker in Gila National Forest in New Mexico was bitten by a rabid coyote and is receiving treatment to prevent infection, according to the state health department. Three other cases of rabies have been reported in the region this year. "The best way to protect your family -- including your pets -- is to make sure your animals are vaccinated," said N.M. State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps.

A pet kitten in Cherryville, N.C., has died of rabies after being attacked by a rabid skunk, and the surviving kittens have been quarantined at a veterinarian's office for four months. None of the kittens had been vaccinated against rabies.

An unofficial world record was set in Buenos Aires when 2,397 golden retrievers gathered in the city's Bosques de Palermo park, surpassing the previous record of 1,685 set in Vancouver last year. The event was organized by actor Fausto Duperre, who posts content on social media about his 10-year-old golden, Oli.

Hunters are being encouraged to switch from lead to copper bullets to protect bald eagles and other wild animals that can be poisoned by lead shot after consuming animal carcasses left behind. "If we can do a simple thing like cut back on the amount of lead that's in the environment, it's going to make a huge impact on our wildlife," said Avian Haven Executive Director Barbara Haney. Copper bullets are becoming more available and affordable, and they don't fragment like lead bullets, reducing the risk for contamination.

As the end of the year approaches, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all that needs to get done at work and at home, writes Tracy Brower, the vice president of workplace insights for Steelcase, who recommends prioritizing what needs to be done now and what can wait until the new year, avoiding habits that drain you such as too much time online and focusing on gratitude. "Surprisingly, when you remind yourself that you can't do it all, you'll actually enhance your well-being," Brower notes.

It’s no secret that presenting clients with a spectrum of care options can help improve access to veterinary services. What’s often less clear is how to effectively apply this approach in everyday practice. JAVMA’s latest supplement, “Weighing the Evidence and the Options: Spectrum of Care,” dives deep into that challenge, providing actionable insights for veterinarians, teams, and educators alike. Visit the AVMA@Work blog to learn more about the spectrum-of-care JAVMA supplement.