Breaking News

London, England -- A British veterinarian has developed a realistic model of a cow's backside that students can use for practice in detecting pregnancies and infections.

Geneva, Switzerland -- Concerned by the potential of the H1N1 pandemic virus to become more virulent as the pool of viral genes circulates among a number of hosts, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for close monitoring and proper management of animals that exhibit symptoms of respiratory infections.

In this edition, live from CVC San Diego, an immunologist comments the H1N1 case in a cat, a tip for getting home on time, and a discussion of student debt and the economies of practice.

Dr. Michael Andrews participated in the DVM Newsmakers Summit at CVC in San Diego, and afterward shared these insights into the financial realities veterinarians face.

Schaumburg, Ill. -- The American Veterinary Medical Association has made new information available on its Web site for veterinarians and pet owners who have questions about H1N1 influenza in light of recent detection of the virus in an Iowa cat.

Fort Collins, Colo. -- A 15-member veterinary surgical team at Colorado State University (CSU) recently fit two artificial limbs on yearling calf.

Washington -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recalled 11,500 pounds of various meat and poultry products produced by a California company after they were distributed without having been inspected by federal authorities.

National Report -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded a voluntary recall initiated by PetSmart on Pet Carousel products Nov. 6.

The genetic sequence of the domestic horse has been completed.

Phoenix, Ariz. -- PetSmart is voluntarily recalling two Dentley's Beef Hoof products, manufactured by Pet Carousel Inc. in Sanger, Calif., due to possible salmonella contamination, according to the FDA.

Washington -- Tufts University and the University of Minnesota received a five-year grant for up to $185 million to improve synergies among veterinarians, doctors and public health officials in responding to emerging infectious diseases.

Madison, Wis. -- The Wisconsin State Assembly voted unanimously to send a new bill to the state Senate that would provide another pathway to licensure for veterinarians who study at foreign veterinary schools.

Livestock housing standards in Ohio now will be set by a Livestock Care Standards Board.

The first documented case of H1N1 flu in a cat was confirmed Nov. 4.

Columbus, Ohio -- Ohio voters today will decide whether or not a state board is needed to regulate livestock housing.

National Report -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert on the possible variation in the amounts of crystalline zinc insulin contained in the formulation of Vetsulin.

Richmond, Va. -- Veterinarian-turned-politician Jim Shuler (D-Va.) is up for re-election today, and his opponent is a college student from his former alma mater.

National Report -- New suppliers of random-source cats and dogs for medical research are needed to replace Class B dealers, according to a report from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

National Report -- A new federal rule aimed at preventing identity theft has been postponed for a third time.

Anderson, Ind. -- Kentucky Department of Agriculture officials lifted a ban that prevented horses from Indiana?s Hoosier Park from entering Kentucky racetrack barn areas and training facilities.

Owners give a lot to their pets, but are they sharing too much?

Should racehorse owners, trainers and veterinarians have to produce horses' medical records on demand?

Dr. John Albers readies his departure from AAHA, but still believes in his profession.

Lexington, Ky. -- Lectures on equine lameness, neurologic disease and performance examinations will be offered in a tropical setting during the American Association of Equine Practitioners' (AAEP) 12th annual Resort Symposium Jan. 24-26 in Costa Rica.

Germantown, Md. -- The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) honored several surgical residents for publication in Veterinary Surgery and for presentation of scientific research in poster format and at the Residents' Forum.

Denver -- Research into the health of cats, dogs, horses, wildlife and even alpacas is getting another boost from Morris Animal Foundation, which will fund more than 200 animal-health studies with $13 million over the next three years.

Lexington, Ky. -- Veterinarians who specialize in the care of racehorses will answer questions on that topic during November as part of the American Association of Equine Practitioners' (AAEP) "Ask the Vet" online discussion.

Whitehouse Station, N.J. -- Merck & Co., Inc. and Schering-Plough Corp. received clearance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Swiss Competition Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau for their proposed merger.