Breaking News

National Report -- North Dakota and Oklahoma are the latest to join a growing number of states that have passed laws to make things easier for veterinary volunteers during declared emergencies.

Montreal, Canada -- An updated mitral valve disease consensus statement was presented at this month's American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) meeting in Montreal.

Lexington, Ky. -- The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) is offering incentives for stallion castration in an effort to address the neglected horse issue in the state.

Elmont, N.Y. -- Mine That Bird, this year's Kentucky Derby winner co-owned by a veterinarian, finished third in Saturday's $1 million Belmont Stakes, the final race in the 2009 Triple Crown.

Washington -- The American Horse Council (AHC) is putting together what it believes will be "the most inclusive presentation on safety and welfare ever assembled" June 16 at its annual National Issues Forum, focusing on "Welfare of the Horse."

Lexington, Ky. -- A racetrack veterinarian recently suspended for five years for medication violations, including possession of cobra venom, filed suit against the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to have the suspension overturned, claiming that it was "not supported by substantial evidence, is arbitrary and/or an abuse of discretion."

Philadelphia -- An outbreak that killed six dogs, resulting in the quarantine of two Pennsylvania SPCA shelters and a hospital, has been attributed to 'strep zoo,' a bacterial infection.

Louisville, Ky. -- A burglar stole the registration papers for Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird from his trainer's truck overnight Tuesday, but officials at Churchill Downs replaced them by afternoon, ensuring that the horse can compete in Saturday's $1 million Belmont Stakes.

Washington -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will host additional listening sessions regarding the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) in California, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina and South Dakota.

Fort Collins, Colo. -- Dr. Michael Lappin, of Colorado State's veterinary college, won the first-ever Winn Feline Foundation's Excellence in Feline Research Award.

Davis, Calif. -- The California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, which is managed by the University of California-Davis, will close on July 19 as a result of state funding cuts.

Bethesda, Md. -- FDA unveiled a grant program, totaling $750,000, to spur development of new animal drugs intended for minor species or minor uses in major species.

Fort Collins, Colo. -- The Rocky Mountain Regional Center of Excellence was awarded $36.4 million to continue researching vaccines, tests and treatments for some of the world's most plaguing infectious diseases.