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While several AVMA delegates expressed displeasure about being cut out of last November's ear cropping and tail docking policy change, the buzzwords on Friday were that any policy reversal would result in negative "unintended consequences."

Seattle -- AVMA member dues will not increase in 2010 despite a downturn in association revenue due to the recession.

"We are not working as a team," says AVMA Executive Board Chair Dr. David L. McCrystle to a packed House of Delegates meeting Friday.

About a dozen PETA protesters converged on the AVMA's annual meeting to voice opposition to a scheduled motivational fish toss slated during the conference.

Saskatchewan, Canada -- Canadian public health officials are investigating a new strain of influenza that has sickened two pig farm workers in Saskatchewan.

VPI signed on this year as a third sponsor of the 2009 National Pet Wellness campaign, joining the AVMA and Fort Dodge.

With an SUV stuffed with medicine and food, Dr. Anne Scholl-Mealey pulls off an Orlando highway and stops at a clearing. She walks carefully through the sticky swamp and clouds of mosquitoes until she finds what she's looking for -- indigent animal owners.

St. Louis -- State and federal authorities, assisted by humane society agents, seized nearly 450 dogs and made nearly 30 arrests in eight states in what is perhaps the nation?s largest-ever dogfighting sweep.

Arrests made in eight states thanks to a group effort.

Seattle -- Many veterinarians attending the 2009 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) convention will volunteer some time to make repairs and cosmetic improvements to a nearby equine shelter.

An AVMA resolution that would have revised its policy on use of random-source dogs and cats for research has been quietly killed.

A new bill will prevent cities and counties from passing laws banning state-approved veterinary medical procedures.

Los Angeles -- VCA Antech Inc. has acquired Eklin Medical Systems Inc., a seller of digital radiology, ultrasound and practice management software systems, making the merged companies the largest supplier of diagnostic imaging equipment to the veterinary market.

Lexington, Ky. -- Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 were awarded through the Winner's Circle Scholarship Program during June to 33 students who study equine veterinary medicine in 28 states, four Canadian provinces and at one school in the West Indies.

Raleigh, N.C. -- The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) is adding a second "Focus" continuing-education session this year, offering two days of lectures and a day of laboratories on equine ophthalmology in October.

Denver -- For the third year in a row, Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is setting out to find America's "best" veterinarian.

Washington -- Starting Aug. 3, imported horses can be quarantined in permanent, privately owned facilities.

Sacramento, Calif. -- California employees, including veterinarians employed by the state, already are being forced to take three days of unpaid leave each month, and the University of California-Davis is trying to figure out how to absorb a $2.1 million state funding cut. Now, businesses and organizations that receive state funding, including social programs like animal shelters, can expect their state funds to come in the form of IOUs.

The USDA again will provide access to annual reports for facilities conducting animal research.

Elmont, N.Y. - At least the victory stayed in the family. Mine that Bird, this year's Kentucky Derby winner, finished third in this year's $1 million Belmont Stakes.

Lakewood, Colo. - A study testing the effects or irradiated food led to the discovery that a cat's central nervous system can repair itself.

Gainesville, Fla. - Veterinarians and physicians from the University of Florida's Glycogen Storage Disease Program believe they have successfully used gene therapy to treat a dog born with glycogen-storage disease.

Albany, N.Y. - New York veterinarians may have to certify some animal breeders if a bill is passed by state legislators.

National Report -- Investigators continue to look for the source of an outbreak that has spread to 48 states.

Columbia, Mo. -- Scientists at the University of Missouri say they found a way to convert regular cells from a pig's connective tissue -- called fibroblasts -- into stem cells, with no cloning involved.

Annapolis, Md. -- A 60-year-old Wisconsin relief veterinarian finished first in his category and fourth overall in the 28th Ride Across America, a 3,021-mile coast-to-coast bicycle race.

Bill targets shortage of veterinarians in public health, underserved areas.

Ithaca, New York -- Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine is talking with county government officials and a local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to build an emergency animal shelter and clinic.