News

The Sixth Annual Emergency Peparedness Satellite seminar is now available to DVMs without a satellite hook-up. On Wednesday, September 19 and Thursday, September 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., DVMs from around the country will be able to view the seminar, free of charge by visiting select locations. The two-day seminar will focus on deadly and contagious diseases that are threatening the U.S.

Rockville, Md. - Dr. Linda Tollefson, deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), is the first female veterinarian in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps to attain rear admiral rank.

Researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have teamed with the University of Alabama and Rutgers University to study and identify specific types of mosquitoes most likely to transmit the West Nile virus.

Washington, D.C. - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must take "prompt, substantial steps" to avert delays in its review of emerging breakthroughs in medical technology, the Lewin Group, a health care policy research firm, advises.

Chicago - Anthrax is believed to be the source of the deaths of at least 80 cattle in northwest Minnesota, according to the state board of animal health.

Lake Tahoe, Nev. - Laughter is the best medicine - even dogs will tell you that, report researchers at Sierra Nevada College.

West Lafayette, Ind. - With the help of an experimental procedure under way at Purdue University, a dog whose rear legs were paralyzed after being struck by a car has regained the use of the legs.

Washington - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking companies involved in animal cloning to not introduce these animals, progeny or food products into the human or animal food supply.

Austin, Texas - With the imminent threat of foot-and-mouth disease invading our borders, Texas legislators have voted it's time swine get a new diet.

Richmond, Va. - The health benefits of interacting with companion animals will be analyzed at a center launched by the Virginia Commonwealth University.

Raleigh, N.C. - A new non-invasive test, developed by researchers at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, can detect pulmonary problems in horses.

Washington - Nearly half of the total animal health product sales (45 percent) comes from the companion animal sector.

Washington - A new commercial blood test kit can detect chicks infected by an extremely deadly strain of avian leukosis virus, ALV-J, reports the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, which patented the technology.

Washington - The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the Michigan Pork Producers Association (MPPA) are asking a federal district judge to determine the constitutionality of the pork checkoff, and to rule on the legality of the settlement agreement between NPPC and the USDA.

The Association of Avian Veterinarians and the Alliance of Veterinarians for the Environment are spreading the word via posters that cat abandonment should be abandoned and that cats are best kept in-house.

Atlanta - Although salmonella has traditionally been associated with chicken, cats and other animals can shed Salmonella in their feces, and then spread the bacterial infection to humans, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Atlanta - Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin would like to "move up in line" to receive the USDA-approved vaccine for West Nile Virus, following confirmation of the virus in a horse in the state.

Washington - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has instituted new interstate movement, identification, and indemnity requirements for sheep and goats, agreed to by all 50 states.

Alameda, Calif. - The joint efforts of the California Veterinary Medical Association, 1,042 veterinarians in California and a $5.6 million grant from the Maddie's Fund, have resulted in the spaying and neutering of 100,000 feral cats.

Dayton, Ohio - The Iams Company has launched a service that will allow veterinarians to directly place and control home delivery orders.

Los Angeles - An ABCNews/Beliefnet poll reveals that 43 percent of Americans believe pets are heaven-bound (40 percent do not, 17 percent were unsure.)

Boston - Pharmacia Animal Health is underscoring its commitment to the companion animal segment of the veterinary market with the HEAL program (Help Educate Animal Lovers).

Tokyo - A Japanese gadget claiming to interpret emotionally-charged "barks" has a veterinary behaviorist trying to translate its authenticity.

Many years ago, in the good old days of the late '70s, when inflation was 15 percent and the gas lines were long, I got a call from a practitioner from the great and sovereign state of Ohio.

Lubbock, Texas - The latest debate in Texas has legislators in a frenzy to convince school officials that a new veterinary school belongs in the Lone Star State.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. He was the greatest practical joker that ever lived. With just a few pieces of wire and a homemade battery, he has managed to cause more confusion than even the most sophisticated of computer viruses. I am referring, of course, to that madcap funster, Alexander Graham Bell.

I have a secret to share. A secret method to solve problems within our offices.

Workers' compensation is not a particularly riveting topic. Financially, however, it is very significant to every veterinary practice, its staff members and, ultimately, to clients.

Cleveland - Miami's tropical locale is a hot spot for tourists, but when it comes to overall pet health it's a much chillier place according to consortium ranking "pet-friendly" cities.

Veterinarians are in the trust business, not the animal health business, says an expert in marketing and branding at Harvard University.