Association

National Report - The AVMA Executive Board's recent decision asking breed clubs to eliminate ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards earned praise from animal-rights groups and sharp criticism from the American Kennel Club.

Springfield, Ill. - Veterinary technicians can become members of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, based on an amendment to the ISVMA constitution.

National Report - California legislators may decide by mid-January the fate of a proposed 10 percent veterinary service tax that has outraged veterinarians and pet owners.

Schaumberg, Ill. -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is using a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released this week to reiterate its call for more food-animal veterinarians.

What can be done about the growing problem of unwanted and abandoned horses in America?

San Diego -- Attendance at the 54th annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) appears to be falling short of last year's record turnout but is still relatively on par with previous years, based on a preliminary count Dec. 8.

Brookings, S.D.- The South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association chose an attorney as its new executive director.

Schaumburg, Ill. - AVMA members and leaders differ on association roles in education and animal welfare, according to recent AVMA survey.

National Report - Veterinarians are protesting a state proposal to tax veterinary services in California. Hundreds of letters were sent to the California Veterinary Medical Association. Currently, only three other states tax veterinary services - Hawaii, New Mexico and South Dakota, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Schaumburg, Ill.- Veterinarians are the most content with their jobs, according to a 2007 member needs assessment survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

After completing a year as president of ACVS, Dr. Larry R. Bramlage was installed as chairman of its Board of Regents.

Harrisburg, Pa. - A newly formed nine-member Canine Health Board has just 45 days to establish guidelines.

Schaumburg, Ill. - The AVMA House Advisory Committee considered 10 resolutions at its November meeting, recommending three for approval.

Rockville, Md. - The American College of Veterinary Surgeons is developing sub-specialization certification program tentatively slated for introduction in 2010.

Schaumberg, Ill. -- "Chew on This," a new food-safety podcast series offered by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), got off on the right drumstick in November with a Thanksgiving-theme program about poultry safety and holiday dinners.

The AVMA announced its opposition to cosmetic tail docking and ear cropping Nov. 26.

Schaumberg, Ill. -- A comprehensive online continuing-education program will be unveiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association Dec. 1.

Columbus, Ohio -- The American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) has elected a new president, Dr. Michael D. Lairmore of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and a veterinarian with the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Use this form to help team members assess their job performance.

California is looking for ways to make ends meet, including a proposed new veterinary service tax.

San Diego -- The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and the ACVS Foundation honored two longtime diplomates with major awards at the recent 2008 ACVS Veterinary Symposium.

The AVMA is offering assistance to California food-animal producers in the wake of the Prop 2 passage.

This form will help you track missed charges.

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. - The American Veterinary Medical Assocation's Council on Education (COE) granted a request from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UnAM) for a site visit, which is a preliminary step in the accreditation process. The COE made a consultative visit in 2006, after which it made recommendations for what the school could do - such as facilities upgrades and curriculum completion - to receive accreditation.

New York - New York is the latest state to adopt a tougher stance on steroid use in racehorses.

While many in the country have seen a drop in their investment portfolios, the AVMA is doing pretty well.

Sacramento, Calif. - Should unregistered veterinary technicians get a one-year window to take a certification examination based on a lot of experience and just 24 hours of education?

Denver, Colo. - A year's worth of data on dog bites is in the hands of a research firm to provide a fresh analysis for the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).