Stephanie Davis

As West Nile Virus (WNV) dominates headlines worldwide, the only vaccine on the market - available to horses - is quietly making noise in equine veterinary circles.

New rules issued this summer are requiring 190,000 research and diagnostic laboratories, including veterinary facilities, to notify federal authorities if they are in possession of any of 36 "select" biological agents.

The notepad on Dr. Bill Rood's desk sums up the work ethic of a hospital whose clientele ranges from the Queen of England to Arab sheikhs. It reads, "Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to produce uncommon results."

Although reservoirs of birds are known to serve as amplifying hosts for West Nile Virus in horses, humans and other animals, what isn't yet proven is whether those birds are migratory or contained.

USDA-APHIS report assesses WNV's potential impact on wild horse, burro population

Albany, N.Y.-As the allure of pet-inclusive wills and health insurance saturates mainstream America, the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) now welcomes such discussions in the courtroom.

Atlanta-After swallowing the financial side effects of the Food and Drug Administration's $500 million fine on Schering-Plough, a patent holder for canine "dry eye" medication is, in turn, slapping lawsuits on negligent compounding pharmacies.

State launches model survey to mine untapped equine industry; state has 'tremendous' equine practice potential

Government to decide fate of multi-million dollar, heavily-manpowered-federal agencies

Columbus-A leading veterinary neurologist, equally celebrated and denigrated for his progressive study of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), is departing The Ohio State University (OSU). Expected to leave this summer, Dr. Michael Podell - regarded as a "highly brilliant" veterinary clinician and investigator - says his decision to leave is three-fold,

Officials at Washington State University (WSU)'s College of Veterinary Medicine are exploring ways to tighten the budget in the anticipated loss of future veterinary students and funding.

If Dr. Franklin McMillan, companion animal practitioner in Los Angeles, had his wishes, he would never hurt an animal's feelings.

Dallas-The lingering threat of terrorism prompted ACVIM to devote a half-day symposium on its biological, chemical and agricultural aspects, during its annual forum concluded June 1.

University of Florida neurologist earns Kirk Award

Stroke setback didn't stop Kansas DVM from competing in grueling Boston Marathon; first stroke survivor to complete 'king of marathons'

It's not unusual for the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) to receive numerous phone calls from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), but when it's the homeland security office a new sense of urgency emerges.

Insurance companies, wary of high-profile dog attacks and stung by rising liability claims, are re-evaluating their policies on the ownership of select breeds.

Bowling Green, Ky.-Food animal identification to promote food safety and disease outbreak prevention has been endorsed for years - if only the same were true for the horse industry, its proponents argue.

While the American Crow is a known West Nile Virus (WNV) carrier, researchers are focused on whether rarely observed species, such as the psittacine, are also at risk, and whether a vaccine for horses has application in psittacines.

In May, the University of Kentucky (UK) released preliminary test results suggesting the eastern tent caterpillar and its waste remain chiefly responsible for increased foal losses in 2001, but the picture is "far from fully developed."

Washington-The House-Senate Farm Bill Conference has elected to remove the Puppy Protection Act (PPA) from the final Farm Bill (H.R. 2646 ­ Farm Security Act), as of late April.

European connoisseurs of horsemeat may no longer be able to rely on U.S. exports, should a new bill pass Congress.

Respectable leadership hinges on sound management behavior, not vice versa, says a presenter at the management conference of the American Animal Hospital Association's 69th annual meeting in Boston.

Have you ever been bamboozled by an embezzler? Dr. Alice Villalobos of Hermosa Beach, Calif., planted the thought in the minds of about 75 practitioners and practice managers during a management conference hosted by the American Animal Hospital Association in Boston.

Following reports of a drug user fee agreement between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and regulated human drug manufacturers, the Animal Health Institute (AHI) and FDA have blueprinted a similar arrangement.

Three issues top newly appointed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner Dr. Lester Crawford's agenda: bioterrorism, "intelligent" staffing and appropriate use of the FDA's whopping $1.6 billion budget.

Rockville, Md.-A recent Food and Drug Administration update warning that prescribing, purchasing, or distributing "compounded" clenbuterol violates federal law, is a first step to reform, indicate several DVMs.

The distinction between therapeutic and non-therapeutic use may split the fate of select antibiotics targeted in a federal bill unveiled in Congress Feb. 28.

Experts predict the severity of vector-borne diseases, fleas and ticks will be a mixed bag in 2002 with the continuing spread of West Nile Virus still the biggest threat.

Swine veterinarians have a marginally higher risk of contracting swine hepatitis E virus (HEV) than the general non-veterinary population, a recent study concludes.