Podcast Summary: Cattle Chat – Guest Fred Gringrich, AABP, and Anaplasmosis

Date: November 28, 2025
Host: BCI Cattle Chat
Guests: Dr. Fred Gingrich (Executive Director, American Association of Bovine Practitioners), Dr. Bob (Executive Director, Academy of Veterinary Consultants)

Main Theme

This episode brings together two leading voices in cattle veterinary organizations, Dr. Fred Gingrich (AABP) and Dr. Bob (AVC), to discuss ongoing challenges and innovations in cattle health—including managing parasite resistance, engaging new veterinarians in the profession, and the latest research on anaplasmosis control. The conversation reflects both practical advice and philosophical outlooks relevant to beef and dairy cattle practitioners and producers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rapid-fire TED Talk Ideas (00:23–04:47)

• Mental Health in Vet Medicine:
  • Dr. Fred Gingrich shares passion for addressing internal negative dialogue and promoting mental wellbeing in veterinarians and producers.
  • Memorable analogy: “We would never be friends with a person that talks about us the way we talk about ourselves in our internal dialogue.” (Fred, 02:53)
  • Coping strategy: Assigning a humorous or famous voice to your own internal dialogue, such as “Samuel L. Jackson is the voice in my head.” (Fred, 04:27)
• Sharp Tools as a Life Skill:
  • Dr. Bob humorously champions the practicality of always sharpening one’s tools.
  • “Sharpening is the most important skill a man can have.” (Bob, 01:47)
  • Emphasis: Not a metaphor—literally keep your tools sharp!

2. About the Organizations: AABP & AVC (05:12–09:59)

• AABP (American Association of Bovine Practitioners):
  • 60-year-old international organization with 4000+ members in the US and Canada.
  • Focused on continuing education, advocacy, and research funding for cattle veterinarians and allied professionals.
  • “Our primary mission is continuing education, but we also give out grants...and support advocacy.” (Fred, 05:13)
• AVC (Academy of Veterinary Consultants):
  • 800–900 members, historically focused on feedlot consulting, now includes stocker cattle and cow-calf production.
  • Strong emphasis on partnerships with AABP and generational knowledge-sharing.
  • “It's really important that our two organizations work together real well.” (Bob, 06:53)
• Engaging Students and New Veterinarians:
  • Both organizations increasingly involve students and early-career vets to foster industry longevity and adaptation.
  • “There is great value in older, mid-career and new career veterinarians interacting with each other.” (Bob, 07:46)
  • “If you look at the student body...very few come from a rural background and very few...express an interest in rural bovine... So I think it's imperative for us...to show them this is what rural bovine practice is.” (Fred, 08:59)

3. Conference Highlights: Parasite Resistance in Beef Cattle (10:52–15:22)

• Persistent Problems with Parasites:
  • Continued relevance of parasite management; new data shows increasing resistance to common treatments.
  • Over-the-counter treatment convenience can lead to misuse, worsening resistance.
  • “There is resistance to, you know, parasite treatments that we have available now...and the importance of involving the veterinarian in that.” (Fred, 11:00)
• Understanding and Managing Resistance:
  • Treating all animals indiscriminately leads to selection for resistance. Concept of “refugia”: allow some parasites to remain to maintain a susceptible population.
  • “Some animals that go through that chute, you want to let them out and leave the worms in them. That refugia...to mitigate that resistance.” (Fred, 13:52)
  • Example with sheep and goats: growing emphasis on targeted treatment rather than mass deworming.
  • “Our goal is not to wipe out all parasites. Our goal is to identify the animals that are most at risk...” (Bob, 14:53)

4. New Research Spotlight: Anaplasmosis Control and Mineral Consumption (15:22–17:53)

• Study Findings (Mississippi State):
  • Recent research examined how much chlortetracycline (CTC—an antibiotic) cattle consume via free-choice mineral packs.
  • Key concern: “There is a significant proportion of cattle...consuming less than the therapeutic dose...” (Fred, 16:07)
  • Current label requires hand-feeding to ensure proper dosage, which is impractical for many ranches.
  • Implication: Free-choice mineral may not reliably protect cattle against anaplasmosis.

5. Tackling Anaplasmosis: Disease Transmission & Management (17:53–22:28)

• Transmission & Regional Challenges:
  • Primarily spread by ticks, which are notoriously hard to control.
  • Disease outbreaks are worst in populations with no prior exposure (“naive” herds), as seen in parts of Kansas.
  • “Anything that moves blood from one animal to another can [spread it], but ticks fill an important role...and can multiply inside ticks.” (Bob, 18:36)
• Clinical Management Advice:
  • Anaplasmosis destroys red blood cells, causing anemia and sudden collapse. Treatment can manage signs but not cure the infection.
  • Caution: Anemic cattle are easily stressed and can be aggressive. Avoid overexertion and consult a veterinarian immediately.
  • “If I identify some animals that are affected... I don't necessarily want to walk them a mile to a squeeze chute...get your veterinarian involved and come up with some strategies...” (Bob, 21:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Internal Dialogue:
  “We would never be friends with a person that talks about us the way we talk about ourselves in our internal dialogue.” – Fred (02:53)
• On Parasite Control:
  “Just going through and deworming everything because it's a certain day...versus having a total parasite control program is important for producers to use their veterinarian.” – Fred (11:00)
• On Learning from Other Species:
  “We have learned this from other species. Sheep and goats...have had a bigger problem. So we should pay attention and learn and not make some of the same mistakes.” – Bob (14:53)
• On Anaplasmosis Management:
  “The treatment...is not curative. It's not going to get rid of the anaplasmosis. It may take care of some of the clinical signs, but that animal is going to have to rebuild itself, its blood cells.” – Brad (21:05) “You do have to be aware...those cattle can be aggressive. And...very low on red blood cells...I don't necessarily want to walk them a mile to a squeeze chute.” – Bob (21:55)

Important Timestamps

• TED Talks – Mental Health & Sharp Tools: 01:47–04:47
• AABP & AVC Organizational Overview: 05:12–09:59
• Student Engagement/Generational Knowledge: 07:42–09:59
• Parasite Resistance Discussion: 10:52–15:22
• Anaplasmosis & CTC in Mineral Discussion: 15:22–17:53
• Anaplasmosis Transmission/Regional Context: 18:36–22:28

Conclusion

This episode blends industry insight, practical veterinary guidance, and engaging personal commentary—emphasizing both the complexity of cattle health and the necessity of professional collaboration and education. Key takeaways for producers and veterinarians include the need to thoughtfully manage parasite control to prevent resistance, understand the limitations and requirements of antibiotic use in minerals, and work closely with veterinarians for effective anaplasmosis response. The ever-present importance of professional community and mental health is also given a human—and humor-filled—touch.