News

A new study has found that an internal conflict is at the base of barking that occurs not only in dogs, but birds, deer, monkeys, and more.

New York -- The American Kennel Club (AKC) organized a new AKC Canine Health and Welfare Advisory Panel.

Boston -- A proposed Massachusetts bill aimed at banning the controversial devocalization surgery in dogs has veterinarians barking about public disclosure of client information and infringement of medical practice.

Vote for your favorite of these 12 well-trained dogs and cats, which are part of the Washington Post's Best Pet Tricks contest.

San Francisco -- San Francisco may become the second U.S. city to adopt legislation banning the declawing of cats for non-therapeutic reasons.

Washington -- The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges has a new president -- Dr. Warick Arden, dean of North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

NAVTA has announced that veterinary technicians can now specialize in neurology, zoological medicine, and equine medicine.

Washington -- With the backing of the Obama administration, a new measure introduced in the U.S. House seeks to ban non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics for food animals because they are too important for human health.

Technicians now enjoy more ways to develop expertise.

In San Jose, a Federal law that protects against violent animal-rights protests is being challenged as an infringement on free speech.

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, strains have become more prevalent over the last 10 years.

Seattle -- Some 4,228 veterinarians attended the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) meeting this week.

Researchers from the Plum Island Animal Disease Center have isolated a strain of Ebola virus in pigs from the Philippines, but they believe the risk of mutation to a form that can infect people is low.

Seattle -- Veterinarian volunteers made improvements, not only to an equine rescue facility as announced earlier, but also to two Seattle area pet shelters during the American Veterinary Medical Association convention.

This fall could find the flu rampaging more than ever, so the government is making plans to help prevent the worst, including preparing a vaccination drive.

Abbott Park, Ill. ? A multi-year agreement to market a new chemotherapeutic agent for dogs was finalized by Abbott and Oasmia Pharmaceutical of Uppsala, Sweden.

Sacramento -- In a proactive measure aimed at increasing the number of practicing veterinarians in California, legislators moved forward a bill that will require the state to loosen its licensing practices.

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.

Carson City, Nev. -- Feeding Pets of the Homeless is working to make things a little easier for veterinarians who want to help pets living with homeless people.

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.

DR. ANNE SCHOLL-MEALEY isn?t the only DVM offering up her craft for the benefit of the pets of the homeless. Through grants or on their own, there are many other veterinarians who help indigent pet owners.

As the weather gets nicer, more dogs and their owners will head to dog parks for a dose of fresh air. But what are the risks?

The AVMA House of Delegates has voted to not change its policy toward animal use in research, testing, and education.