Senator Richard Blumenthal, a U.S. Senator from Connecticut, serving since January 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, Blumenthal is known for his strong advocacy on issues related to consumer protection, healthcare, veterans' affairs, and corporate accountability, is drawing attention to the rising costs of veterinary care in the U.S., which have increased by 6.2% since July 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Blumenthal has voiced concerns that these escalating expenses are making pet ownership increasingly unaffordable for many Americans, contributing to overcrowded animal shelters and a decline in pet adoptions.

U.S. Bank, lead bank of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), has acquired Salucro Healthcare Solutions LLC. The Tempe, Arizona-based company provides healthcare financial technology, focused on patient payments and billing.

Founded in 2004, Salucro is a market leader in providing online billing and payments offerings for healthcare providers across the United States. Salucro had previously been a partner of Elavon, the merchant acquiring unit within U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank initially invested in Salucro in 2022, and Salucro's platform is sold through Elavon as MedEpay.

As a veterinary professional, you're likely familiar with the major zoonotic diseases that pose risks to both animals and humans. However, a lesser-known but increasingly significant threat is emerging from the tropical regions of South and Central America—the Oropouche virus (OROV). This arbovirus, primarily transmitted by biting midges, has the potential to cause widespread illness, not just in human populations but also with implications for animal health and veterinary practices. Oropouche virus is spread to people primarily by the bite of infected biting midges (a type of small fly) and mosquitoes. According to the CDC, the virus is transmitted in forested areas between mosquitoes and non-human vertebrate hosts such as birds, rodents and sloths, which is where its nickname is derived.