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CASCO America Lands at Mars Fishcare

When Mars Fishcare was looking for a state of the art research facility, despite discussing their requirements with several suppliers, CASCO America emerged as the obvious choice, according to a press release from CASCO America.

CASCO America, backed by the hugely successful global company CASCO Europe, are known for their high quality livestock fixtures and innovative designs making them the ideal supplier for such an ambitious project, CASCO America said.

Mars Fishcare needed a system to aid the continuous development for their extensive range of aquatic treatment and fish food products. The CASCO design team meticulously developed the  system.

CASCO custom built six independent systems for both tropical and coldwater livestock, which could be controlled or isolated to deliver specific conditions as and when required. As a finishing touch CASCO dressed the fixtures with Mars branding and striking graphics. Their engineers smoothly installed the full system inside five days.

CASCO Americais backed by the hugely successful global company CASCO Europe.

They offer a wide range of livestock fixtures for commercial facilities and retail stores. Visit www.cascoamerica.com for more information

For more information, please contact us on 1 (866) 584-5229 or via email [email protected]

 

Slither Over to the National Reptile Breeders’ Expo

The National Reptile Breeders’ Expo will take place Aug. 16-18, in Daytona Beach, Fla. at the Ocean Center.

Sponsored by Zoo-Med, Timberline Fisheries, The Gourmet Rodent and PetSmart, it will feature over 500 booths of captive born reptiles and amphibians, plus dry goods and large displays to support the industry.

“The National Reptile Breeders’ Expo is the reptile industry showcase, the trade show for the industry,” Wayne Hill, show director. “This is our 24th year of highlighting the breeding of reptiles and prohibiting the wild caught imports from our expo. Considering we don’t advertise to the general public, the crowds have always been very large, which is a result of the quality vendors we have.

“Everyone who comes to the Expo is part of the reptile world, from the largest company to the youngsters that have a turtle or snake at home and want to buy another or just to question the breeders who are there.”

In addition, Exo Terra and The Reptile Report will present lectures open to anyone on Friday night of the show. On Saturday night they will hold an auction and raise money to support the United States Association of Reptile Keepers and PIJAC, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.

For more information visit, www.reptilebreedersexpo.com.

Not So Plain and Simple

Cat treats are big business and these days, there are delicacies to please even the most finicky of felines, ranging from lobster and shrimp to chicken and beef liver.

“It’s all about freeze-dried,” Beth Hamilton, manager of Noe Valley Pet Company in San Francisco, Calif., said. “Customers are looking for single-ingredient treats, and we are focused on providing the highest-quality products that also have a good shelf life and price point.”

One example of this is Whole Life’s cat treats, which features freeze-dried pieces of chicken, turkey, beef, beef liver, cod, salmon and organic chicken.

“Simple is better,” agreed Wild Side Pet Products founder, Rich Phillips. “Our 100 percent Wild Alaskan Salmon pieces make perfect training treats for cats and is one of our bestsellers for cats because it is low in fat, low in ash, high in protein and cats love it. The salmon treats are great as a flavor enhancer or appetite stimulant and can be easily crumbled over food.”

Available in easy-to-stock pouches, this is a favorite selection for fussy eaters.

If your customer’s highfalutin cat requires something more luxurious to snack on, lobster tail may be the answer.

Grandma Lucy’s gently steams and freeze dries lobster tail to preserve the delicious flavor and tender texture.

“Our lobster is made with the highest quality USDA inspected and approved lobster,” Sharla Marocchi of Grandma Lucy’s said. “It can be easily broken into smaller bite-size pieces for the most petite of pets.”

Their elegant packaging makes it a perfect gift for your local ailurophile and could easily become the most dramatic display in your showroom with which to open a conversation with shoppers.

Some Surf

If lobster tail is out of your price range, there are plenty of other options on the market, including white fish, chicken, liver, or pork, all of which are offered as single-ingredient treats for your feline. Many of today’s single-ingredient treats are intended for both dogs and cats, which makes treat-buying, and treat-selling, much simpler.

Created from wild, line-caught Icelandic haddock, Wishes are a lean protein and an excellent source of Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids from The Honest Kitchen. They can be easily snapped into bite-sized pieces for cats.

“Purity and quality are paramount,” Lucy Postins, owner of The Honest Kitchen, said.  “A treat with no preservatives, colorings or artificial flavors is much healthier than one with lots of additives.”

Shaved Bonito fish is also a feline fan favorite. The paper-thin flakes create a strong fish aroma while offering nutrients such as taurine, which are essential to a cat’s nutritional health.

“Our Bonito Flakes are extra-large and sealed in an air proof container flushed with nitrogen, which is the same way potato chips are packaged,” Sandra Dahlquist, vice president of Cat-Man-Doo & Life Essentials, said. “When our bonito and salmon come into the U.S. they are inspected by the FDA. All of our products are human-grade, so they are of very high quality.”

And Some Turf

If you prefer to stay away from fish-based treats, there are plenty of other options. Loving Pets recently launched their new line of Purrfectly Natural cat treats at Global Pet Expo 2013.

These tantalizing, freeze-dried treats share the industry ideology of simplicity. Each of the four varieties features single ingredients without any additives, preservatives or by-products. Flavors include chicken, beef lung, buffalo and shrimp.

“Our goal is always to stay true to our foundation that healthy, all-natural, delicious, and high-quality treats do not have to be expensive to the retailer or to the pet-loving consumer,” Eric Abbey, president of Loving Pets, said.

Liv-A-Little protein treats from Halo  is another option.

Available in beef, chicken, and salmon, these single-ingredient freeze-dried treats make excellent training tools. If a cat prefers a baked treat, the Healthsome Baked Treats are also an option. Made from easily digestible proteins and fruits and vegetables, these treats offer nutritional calories that help supplement diets for finicky eaters and assist in keeping teeth clean and breath fresh.

There are plenty of traditional treats available as well, and many of these help resolve health problems in cats.

Zukes recently launched their G-Zee’s cat treats, a grain-free glucosamine treat designed to support a cat’s healthy lifestyle and long-term mobility.

“The inclusion of both glucosamine and cranberry in our all natural G-Zees ensures that these treats help support both urinary tract health and joint health, two of the most common health issues in cats,” Chris Meiering, director of business development for Zukes, said.  “Cat owners should look for treats that are made from all-natural ingredients, align with any dietary or nutritional needs their cat has and have a flavor their cat loves.”

Three Dog Bakery, who was once committed only to dog treats, has recently made their foray into the cat treat industry with the introduction of their We Pity the Kitties all-natural, premium chicken cat treats.  The “itty-bitty-kitty-bites” contain no fillers, sugars or artificial ingredients.

“Even though we market the treats as a cat treat, we have found that our We Pity the Kitties treats are also very popular among canines,“ Brian Wietharn, president of Three Dog Bakery, said.

The single-ingredient trend is here to stay and that means even the smallest retailers can save space by stocking treats that can be marketed to both dog and cat owners. According to a recent Gallup News Service poll, over 17 percent of U.S. households own both dogs and cats, so it makes good economic sense to market towards both.

One set of treats means less shelving space, more conversation and an opportunity to educate consumers on the benefits of single-ingredient treats.

Natura Issues New Pet Food, Treat Recall

Natura voluntarily recalled all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014.

“We made this decision in part due to a single positive Salmonella test by the FDA on product manufactured April 3,” the company said in a statement posted on their website. “Normally, this would have resulted in retrieval of product manufactured over just a few days. However, we are taking the additional precautionary measure to recall all products in the marketplace. Our first priority is the wellbeing of the pets we serve.”

Natura issued its first recall in the company’s 21-year history in March, and then expanded that recall a few weeks later.

“Our decision allows us to ensure that all products available in the marketplace were produced after June 10, the date when we implemented additional finished product testing procedures with the guidance of industry experts,” the statement continued.

More information, including how to receive a refund for the products, is available at www.naturapet.com/recall.

Rebuilding the Reefs

The Coral Restoration Foundation’s goal is, “Education. Action. Results.” It may sound simple, but the complex work that they do takes time, money and lots of planning.

“It will take us years,” Ken Nedimyer, president of the Coral Restoration Foundation, said, of the group’s goal to restore the once abundant coral population.

In addition to growing and restoring threatened coral species, and enhance reproductive output to stimulate a natural recovery, the non-profit is working to enhance and promote awareness of coral reef health and survival, along with the environmental and social benefits of reef ecosystems.

They are also engage communities in nursery and restoration efforts by encouraging long-term involvement, as well as facilitating partnerships for the purpose of research, restoration and understanding of coastal resources.

To help do this, the group created a tiered sponsorship program where companies can literally sponsor a reef project.

One such group participating in this is the World Pet Association, who recently donated $25,000 to the group’s program.

The Coral Restoration Foundation, who is leading the development of offshore nursery and restoration methods to preserve unique genetic lineages of staghorn and elkhorn coral for research and restoration purposes, will plant the corals, take photos and provide the company with images of the work.

“We show them exactly where their money went,” Kevin Gaines said. “The money goes literally to the work that is being done, not to overhead.”

Gaines, who is now the vice president of sales and business development for Piscine Energetics, was most recently the operations manager for the Coral Restoration Foundation.

During the two years he was there, he worked with Nedimyer and a small staff to build up the organization. That included expanding the nursery, getting volunteer divers involved in their education center, building awareness and most importantly educating everyone they could about the endangered corals.

Gaines knows a thing or two about what the area was like before stressors in the late 1970s and early 1980s caused the population to decline dramatically.

“My Dad used to take me to the Keys in the summer when I was a kid,” he said. “I would see an unbelievably healthy reed system. It just mesmerized me. Seeing the decline in the ‘80s, I was really depressed about it.”

From Then To Now

The Coral Restoration Foundation’s first restoration project was completed on the Wellwood grounding site on Molasses Reef in 2003, where six staghorn corals were placed on a Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary reef module and can still be found on the site today.

Throughout the years, they have increased the restoration limits obtained through permits, and has outplanted thousands of coral at 12 different named reefs in the Upper Keys.

In addition, the Coral Restoration Foundation has re-attached thousands of broken fragments from natural causes at various sites throughout the Upper Keys.

To do this, they enlist volunteer divers who working with a hammer and chisel to set coral down on specific area of the appropriate reef.

“We clean out each post, but apoxy down and glue it to the reef,” Nedimyer explained. “Within a month or two the coral has grown over the apoxy. We build a community.”

A community, he says that is a vital element, both under the water and above, to the area where they are planting them.

“A lot of the economy in the Florida Keys depends on the reefs,” Nedimyer said. “Plus, a lot of costal communities are being inundated with large waves because there are no reefs to break them up.”

The work Nedimyer does, he says shows how the industry is giving back.

“This is our passion,” he said. “(Hobbyists) are giving back and leading the way in this area. People else where are dabbling in it, but we are leading the way.”

Seeing the Light

First there was the T12, the thicker, less efficient and low-UVB granddaddy of the reptile fluorescent bulb.

Then, two years ago came the big switch to the T8, which offered improved energy savings.

Now comes the brightest idea yet: The high output T5, which promises to be a game changer for pet retailers, said Steven Spitz, owner of Big Apple Pet Supply, the Hauppauge, N.Y.-based pet goods manufacturer and supplier.

“These are the most efficient bulbs ever offered in this category,” Spitz said. “Compared to a comparably sized T12, (the T5) puts out double the UVB output using less wattage, and for about the same price as a T8. I can’t believe how well they’re selling—they’re unbelievably popular with our customers.”

Intense Light

Zoo Med’s Reptisun line recently introduced a T5 bulb that emits UVB and UVA light of stronger intensity. These bulbs are ideal for larger and taller enclosures, as they provide UVB penetration at greater distances and are available in 5.0 and 10.0 varieties and in 22”, 34” and 46” lengths. Correspondingly, the manufacturer has also rolled out a new Reptisun High Output T5 low profile fixture compatible with the new bulbs and offered in 24”, 36” and 48” sizes.

And for nano terrarium owners, Zoo Med has debuted new Reptisun mini compact fluorescent 5.0 and 10.0 13-watt bulbs. These bulbs can be safely used at close distances, making them perfect for smaller domes and tanks.

“The High Output T5 Reptisun bulbs allow pet keepers to provide UVB in large or tall enclosures, while the mini compact fluorescent bulbs allow keepers to deliver the correct amount of UVB for small enclosures, which are suitable for small or sedentary animals or animals with low UVB requirements,” Ashley Rademacher, animal care and education coordinator with Zoo Med Labs, Inc., said.

Stocking an adequate assortment of the latest UVB light sources is important, said Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP, owner and chief veterinarian at Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics in Bedford Hills, N.Y.

“Temperate and desert species of reptiles each require different intensities of heat, and nocturnal versus diurnal species have different requirements for light, too,” Dr. Hess said. “Retailers need to recognize these differences and provide products that meet the needs of these various species.”

Mini Halogens

In other news, Zilla now offers a compact light and heat solution in the form of the Halogen Mini Dome, which provides the benefit of focused light and heat in a space-saving form that uses energy-efficient halogen bulbs, available in 25 or 50 watts (which compare, respectively, to 50- to 75-watt and 100- to 150-watt incandescents). Mini dome colors include day white, day blue or night red.

“The compact size and ability to mount the mini dome onto the screened portion of the enclosure using an included spring clip helps avoid jostling the dome around unnecessarily and pinpoints the heat,” Pam Morisse, associate brand manager with Central Garden and Pet, the Walnut Creek, Calif.-based owners of Zilla, said.

Zoo Med has also recently released its Moonlite incandescent night time heat bulb, made with uncoated colored glass.

The light’s dark blue hue will not disturb the reptile’s day and night cycle and is just right for night-time viewing.

The bulb comes in 25-, 40-, 60- and 100-watt sizes to provide nocturnal or round-the-clock heat for many different habitat sizes.

Spitz said the top lighting products he sells continue to be mercury vapor bulbs, followed by fluorescent bulbs, basking spots, night bulbs and infrared bulbs. His hottest movers among heating products are ceramic heat emitters, heat tape and heat mats.

“It’s important for retailers to understand exactly what’s needed for exotic animals in terms of lighting and heating needs as well as the sizes and enclosures required to properly care for the animal,” Spitz said. “I can’t tell you how many times we redo what big box stores provide to their customers.”

Spitz also suggests that retailers recommend thermostats to customers and bundle them with heating sources that don’t emit light.

“Without a thermostat, if you put a 100-watt ceramic emitter in the habitat, you’re just being hopeful that it will get to 88 degrees. But when you plug your emitter into a thermostat, you can set it and forget it with peace of mind.”

Preventing Bone Disease

Lastly, it can also pay to remind customers about metabolic bone disease, which can develop when reptiles don’t produce adequate vitamin D3, due to lack of exposure to adequate UVB light of certain wavelengths, and have to draw calcium out of their bones because they cannot absorb sufficient calcium from their food.

“As a veterinarian who treats reptiles and other exotic pets exclusively, I see metabolic bone disease more often than any other disease in reptiles,” Dr. Hess said. “This disease is generally completely preventable with proper heating, lighting and nutrition.”

Clean and Clear

In a study done by the American Pet Products Associtation, 25 percent of people said one of the drawbacks of owning a fish was that it dies too easily and 52 percent of people answered by saying algae.

But, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Manufacturers have created a host of supplements and water treatment options to make a fish’s environment clean and clear, which could result in a longer lifespan.

When a customer comes in with a fish problem, the first step is to see what kind of water was used to fill the tank. If they are filling the tank with tap water, there is usually a presence of chlorine or ammonia, which can impact the quality of the tank.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website, there are three different kinds of disinfectants in the water: Chloramine, chlorine and chlorine dioxide.

Chloramine is a water additive used to control microbes, particularly as a residual disinfectant in distribution system pipes. It is formed when ammonia is added to water containing free chlorine. There are four milligrams per liter or four parts per million of chloramines used.

Chlorine is used as a powerful oxidant that can disinfect and clean the water. There is also four milligrams per liter used in tap water.

Lastly, chlorine dioxide is a water additive used to control microbes and can be used to control tastes and odors. There is 0.8 milligrams per liter or 800 parts per billion used in tap water.

Chlorine naturally is a gas and will escape into the air, so water companies will add ammonia as well as chlorine which then create chloramines. A de-chlorinator is used only to neutralize the chlorine but not the ammonia. If ammonia is left untreated it is oxidized by bacteria to form nitrites.

A salt-water fish enthusiast has to take different steps for setting up a tank than a fresh-water enthusiast.

“Most of the salt water enthusiast that use tap water for their fish tank use reverse osmosis so they don’t have to use a de-chlorinator,” Julian Sprung, president of Two Little Fishies, said. “When using reverse osmosis people will want to add minerals back into the water. They will add calcium and magnesium to make it hard. Why would you want to do that, since it seems counter intuitive? You do the reverse osmosis to remove the chlorine and other compounds in the tank, and then if you want that hard water back, you can add those chemicals to the tank.”

When setting up a freshwater tank there are a wide range of supplements that are used to help maintain the water.

“Water conditioners that neutralize chlorine and chloramine will add a slime coat and have extracts of aloe,” Sprung said. “It will help fish with wound healing.”

In a freshwater system and a saltwater system there are certain levels of acceptable nitrate, nitrite and ammonia.

“In a freshwater system nitrate can be 20 ppm (parts per million) and ammonia and nitrite should be undetectable in fresh and salt water tanks,” Chris Brightwell, president of Brightwell Aquatics, said. “Fish can take up to 50 ppm nitrate but they will not be that healthy if that persists. 10 ppm is an ideal nitrate and a good number to try to aim for.”

Fish waste, uneaten food and decaying plant matter will also raise the ammonia levels in a tank. To help lower these levels and to help build up the biological filter, it is important to know about different water treatments.

There are simple ways to check the status of a tank according to United Pet Group Aquatics Senior Product Manager Tim Plafcan.

“The easiest and best selling way to check your aquarium is with test strips, like Tetra EasyStrips,” Plafcan said. “Simply dip the strip into your aquarium and within a minute you get results. The packaging outlines where the levels should be and features tips to make sure the chemistry is optimal.”

One of the most dangerous changes in an aquarium is pH crash and has no visible warning signs.

“This happens when the alkalinity/buffers drop to zero and your pH quickly drops to dangerous acidic levels which can seriously harm your fish,” Plafcan said. “Test strips for pH and alkalinity are very helpful in monitoring and can prevent loss. For visual signs, I always start with the fish and if their behavior changes. Increased respiration, lethargy or color changes can indicate problems that need further investigation.”

The Hagen Nutrafin cycle biological aquarium supplement will help reduce fish loss. It is safe for freshwater and saltwater aquariums and it helps eliminate harmful toxins. It has an ideal mixture of massive amounts of beneficial bacteria, nitrosomonas and nitrobacter which will make the water purer and the environment healthier in the aquariums. As an all natural product, it is not harmful to plants, animals or humans.

When a fish tank starts to form algae, Marineland has a product called Algae Eliminator that will combat green water and algae on the glass and décor. It’s safe for fish and plants and will not alter the pH.

Swheat Scoop Partners With Shelters

Swheat Scoop’s new shelter support program, Litter for Litters, is designed to donate one-pound of their natural, wheat-based cat litter for each new Swheat Scoop Facebook fan they receive.

Pet Project Rescue is the first Litter for Litters partner, and Swheat Scoop said they are looking forward to supporting the Minneapolis non-profit’s efforts in reducing animal-homelessness. The program will be ongoing, and their next shelter partner and benefactor will be announced at the close of the first phase with Pet Project Rescue on Sept. 17.

“The more we are able to facilitate the basic needs of shelters, like Pet Project Rescue, the more they can focus on what they do best – fostering abandoned animals and helping them find their forever homes,” Mark Hughes, national sales and marketing manager of Pet Care Systems, said. “We look forward to the Litter for Litters program having a long life with far reaching benefits for animal organizations.”

The Litter for Litters program launches, June 17.

For details on Swheat Scoop, their family of natural, eco-friendly cat litters and their efforts to help cats, visit www.swheatscoop.com

Hartz Recalls Betta Fish Food

Hartz is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Wardley Betta Fish Food 1.2 oz. size over a concern that one or more containers within the lot may potentially be contaminated with salmonella.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of illness in animals or humans as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers.

The product was shipped nationwide from May 13-June 4. In total, 8,112 1.2-oz. plastic containers of Wardley Betta Fish Food, UPC number 0-43324-01648, isolated to the lot code PP06331, which were packaged by Hartz at its Pleasant Plain, Ohio facility from a single production run, were shipped.

Routine sample testing conducted by Hartz as part of its quality control procedures detected the presence of salmonella in the lot specified.

Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

 

Former Petmate VP Moves to W.F. Young, Inc

Kenneth Oh was named director, pet care division, of W. F. Young, Inc., makers of Absorbine horse care products.

He most recently served as the vice president of sales for Petmate.

In this position, Oh will be responsible for all activities related to the establishment and growth of W. F. Young’s newly created pet care division.  

“We are very fortunate to have an individual of Ken’s caliber join us to head our new pet care division,” Adam Raczkowski, president and  COO of W. F. Young, said. “The pet care industry presents a tremendous opportunity for us to grow the company by capitalizing on our 121 years of experience in horse care.  Ken’s strong background and specific pet care experience make him a great fit to lead this major initiative.”

Oh has over 20 years of experience in the pet industry, holding progressive positions of responsibility in sales and marketing with companies such as United Pet Group, J W Pet and Petmate, Inc.  In addition, Oh is the current chairman of the board for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, and serves on the newly established Pet Leadership Council.