Wrap up: Merck Animal Health’s atinvicitinib tablets receive FDA approval, and other news

Happy Friday dvm360 readers! We cannot believe that it is already the end of February, and we are heading into March. Pretty soon, we will be leaving winter behind and welcoming spring! Next month also is our very first Fetch conference of 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will give attendees up to 16 credits each. With tracks in dentistry, behavior practice management, and more, there is a CE lecture for everyone at your clinic!

For attendees joining us, did you know that you also have access to MORE CE after the show with Fetch on Demand? Whether you missed a session or just need more CE credits, certain lectures will be available free to attendees post show, and you can find all the chosen extra lectures on dvm360’s Flex.

Now, here is our top news stories of the week:

• Merck Animal Health shared earlier this week that the FDA approved its atinvicitinib tablets (NUMELVI; Merck Animal Health), a once daily, first line treatment for canine patients 6 months and older for pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis.
• The US Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services announced they will join forces to hold animal welfare violators accountable by boosting compliance with already existing laws, and more.
• On this week’s episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, joined our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to chat about ways veterinary clinics can elevate dental prevention for the patients.
• Covetrus and MWI Animal Health disclosed they have agreed to merge. The joining of the 2 companies will create a combined company offering a comprehensive animal health platform, according to the merge announcement.
• In this interview with dvm360, S. Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM, shared emergency conditions and injuries rabbits, birds, and reptiles can face, and how veterinary teams in general practice can triage these patients.
• Do you want to share your perspective on fatigue, expectations, and self judgement currently shaping the veterinary workdays? If so, this dvm360 survey is for you! This anonymous survey is designed to help veterinary teams reflect on the thought patterns presenting themselves in their daily work life, and how the could affect your being overall.
• And more!