Wild swans and other birds in Europe have died of infection from the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has also spread into Africa from its origins in Asia. Researchers recently developed new vaccines for the disease, while the Department of Agriculture began assembling expert teams for overseas assignments. Additionally, the U.S. government launched a Web site on pandemic influenza. President Bush has requested in his 2007 budget $57 million for avian influenza preparations and prevention, including surveillance of wild and domestic birds.
CDC on the offensive to stamp out rodent virus
Pest pathogen linked to deaths, birth defects
Three deaths linked to a rodent borne virus have the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention working to raise awareness about the zoonotic threat.
Last May, the national public health agency concluded that four organ transplant recipients in New England had contracted lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus from a common organ donor infected by a pet hamster. Three of the four patients died as a result.
This is a new development for a virus believed to have been circulating in North America since the region's colonization. As a result, the CDC is asking veterinary practitioners to inform the pet-owning public about the risks of owning hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, and other rodents.
“For example, we'd prefer if pregnant women and immunocompromised people do not own pet rodents,” said Abbigail Tumpey with the CDC Special Pathogens Branch.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection during pregnancy has been associated with spontaneous abortion. In addition, a human fetus infected by its mother during the early stages of pregnancy could suffer permanent developmental disabilities.
The virus is found throughout the world in wild rodents but especially in the common house mouse, Mus musculus. Approximately five percent of mice in the United States carry LCMV, according to the CDC.
Although the disease is rarely fatal in healthy people, the CDC says the disease is underreported. Numerous serologic surveys conducted in urban areas reveal an infection rate between two percent and five percent. Anyone exposed to an infected rodent is at risk of contracting LCMV. The virus is shed in urine, droppings, saliva, and nesting materials.
“Everybody has house mice in their dwellings, and that's where most of the infections come from,” explained Dr. Thomas G. Ksiazek, chief of the CDC Special Pathogens Branch. “So if the numbers of mice get high and the animals are infected, that creates a risk.”
While house mice are the most likely vectors for the virus, infections from pet rodents are not unknown. After the organ transplant patients died this past year, health officials traced the virus to a pet hamster purchased by the donor from a pet store in Rhode Island. Two hamsters and a guinea pig at the store were also infected with LCMV. A single distributor in Ohio was found to have supplied all four rodents.
The animals came from a breeding facility in Arkansas from which this particular viral outbreak is believed to have originated. Infected pet rodents were shipped to stores in some 22 states. “(The virus) was introduced at some point into the population and as the population continued to breed, the virus was spread to other animals,” Tumpey said. “If it were wider spread, we would've seen other viral strains.”
The most likely scenario is the breeding colonies at the facility were exposed to a wild mouse infected with LCMV. Rodents are attracted to large sources of food, and if proper biosecurity precautions aren't in place, the rodents can spread the virus as they crawl around the cage tops, according to Dr. Ksiazek.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus is not fatal in mice, and signs of illness are unlikely because of the well-adapted host-parasite relationship between the mouse and virus, Dr. Ksiazek said.
“You can get infection of animals in utero, and those animals are persistently infected, with little outward sign,” he explained. “Those animals will, in turn, infect their progeny and so on. And the virus is shed for the life of the animal. The virus can cause die-off in pet rodents—especially adults—when introduced into a colony until the virus establishes itself.”
If a veterinarian is presented with a pet rodent having signs of CNS illness, it may be a case of LCMV, Dr. Ksiazek said. Although there's little research in this area, dogs and cats are likely susceptible to LCMV, since the virus is known to infect a broad spectrum of mammals, including primates and pigs, he added.
The CDC and pet industry are now working toward ways of educating consumers to the risks of owning pet rodents and also developing guidelines to prevent additional infections at breeding facilities and pet retailers.
“The main thing we wanted to get out of these partnerships is to have recommendations and guidelines in place for breeding and distribution facilities to prevent wild rodent infestations and other biosecurity measures that could be put into place to prevent some of these outbreaks in the future,” Tumpey said.
Information about LCMV, including fact sheets for pet owners and pregnant women, is posted on the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/lcmv.htm.
—R. SCOTT NOLEN
Veterinarians seeking human rabies vaccinations, titer tests, have options
Physicians, local health departments, and travel clinics may offer pre-exposure human rabies vaccinations to veterinarians and their staff. Veterinarians also have several options on where to receive a rabies titer test.
Veterinarians can contact their physician and make an appointment to be vaccinated, said Dr. Connie Austin, state public health veterinarian at the Illinois Department of Public Health. Veterinarians should indicate the need for a rabies vaccination ahead of time, she said, because the vaccines are not as common as others and are generally more expensive. The physician might require a prepayment, especially if the veterinarian makes appointments for multiple staff members to receive vaccinations.
Though a physician is a good place to start looking for a rabies vaccination, Dr. Austin said, some physicians don't normally offer the vaccine and so, they may not feel comfortable administering it. In that case, veterinarians can help inform their physicians about human rabies prevention by providing them with “Human Rabies Prevention—United States, 1999 Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization,” a report published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report describes what persons should receive pre-exposure vaccinations, vaccines licensed for use in the United States, serologic testing, and precautions. For a copy of the report, visit the rabies section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies, click on Prevention & Control, and then click on the link under Preexposure prophylaxis.
If a physician is unable to provide a rabies vaccination, Dr. Austin said, the veterinarian might consider contacting the local health department for a vaccination. For a directory of local public health agencies, log on to the National Association of County Health Officials Web site at http://lhadirectory.naccho.org/phdir/, and then click on the appropriate state.
Travel clinics specializing in vaccinations for international travelers may also offer rabies vaccinations.
For veterinarians interested in obtaining rabies titer tests, several state veterinary medical associations provide them at their annual meetings.
It's an opportunity for busy veterinarians to take care of their rabies titer tests, and then they don't have to worry about it later, said Karlene Belyea, executive director for the Michigan VMA, which offers the tests at its conference.
The AVMA Group Health & Life Insurance Trust offers rabies titer tests in the Wellness Center at the AVMA Annual Convention.
In addition, state or local health departments can provide the names and addresses of laboratories performing rabies titer tests.
Once they've secured a location to receive a rabies vaccination, AVMA members insured under the AVMA GHLIT basic protection package can make use of the rabies prophylaxis benefit. The package is available to recent veterinary student graduates and veterinary professionals who qualify for the benefits. For more information, call the GHLIT at (800) 621-6360 or visit www.avmaghlit.org.
For Hendrix, teaching is a way of life
Academician explains his AVMA vice presidential candidacy
Dr. Charles M. Hendrix
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
The primary responsibility of the AVMA vice president is to be the Association's liaison to the Student AVMA and student chapters of the AVMA and to be a voting member of the Executive Board. Dr. Charles M. Hendrix believes he has what it takes to do the job. He is asking the AVMA House of Delegates to elect him to succeed Dr. René A. Carlson when her second and final term as vice president expires this July. Dr. Hendrix is the only candidate for AVMA vice president. A professor of pathobiology at the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine and a former AVMA Congressional Science Fellow, Dr. Hendrix says he would dedicate his time in office to teaching, as well as learning from, the next generation of veterinarians.
Why are you running for AVMA vice president?
I have always enjoyed working with veterinary students. The AVMA vice presidency affords me the opportunity to meet and interact with large numbers of veterinary students from across the United States and Canada. I have been teaching veterinary students since 1976 and, after 30 years, I still enjoy teaching them—and also learning from them. I am looking forward to meeting and working with our newest veterinarians of the 21st century. I guess that Christa McAuliffe said it best when she said, “I touch the future … I teach.” (McAuliffe was the teacher who died in the 1986 explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger.) I believe that the AVMA vice presidency will be the best teaching and learning opportunity of my life.
What are your skills and qualifications?
I am a very good listener. With regard to my leadership skills, I am not the norm when it comes to the qualifications for running for an office in the AVMA. Most of our AVMA candidates have come up through the ranks by serving in the AVMA House of Delegates. I never have served in the HOD; however, I did serve a full six-year term as a member and the chair of the now-sunset AVMA Committee on Wellness. I have been in academia for the past three decades, and I am even to the point that I am now teaching the children of my former students. I believe that my interest in veterinary students is my strongest suit.
When you announced your candidacy in Minneapolis, you named five areas upon which you would base your work with students. Again, what are they, and why did you pick them?
I have taken my campaign slogan from a quotation by one of our nation's premier poets of the 19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson, who challenged a nation to “Hitch your wagon to a star!” The five-pointed star serves as the capstone to drive home my take-home message for veterinarians in the 21st century. These five points are commitment to leadership skills, commitment to the betterment of society, commitment to communication skills, commitment to health and wellness issues, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. I believe that each of these points demonstrates a characteristic necessary for the success of the veterinary profession in the 21st century.
Since you work with veterinary students as part of your career, how do you see the veterinary profession trending?
We are seeing extreme shifts in the gender makeup of the veterinary profession. We are seeing some veterinary schools with classes that are almost 100 percent female. Likewise, I would not want to return to the days of veterinary classes with a 100 percent male population. I hope that the veterinary profession will become more balanced and more diverse.
What are your thoughts on the lack of diversity within the profession?
Our college currently has only six students representing a variety of diverse ethnic cultures. Out of 365 total students, that is a small proportion, but it is the quality of diversity and not quantity that makes the big differences in veterinary medicine. When these individuals finish their studies and begin practicing veterinary medicine, they will become excellent role models for the veterinary profession. With these quality graduates serving as role models, we can expect even larger numbers of excellent applicants in the future. I cannot wait to see the results.
What are the students' primary concerns regarding their academic lives and life after graduation?
I continue to be amazed at how our veterinary students are able to manage such large amounts of information needed for matriculating through today's veterinary curricula. Ten or 15 years ago, we used to talk about the “information explosion.” Students don't contend with that explosion any more. It is now the informational big bang. We must all become better lifelong learners. I tell my students that you can stop learning about veterinary medicine when your obituary appears in JAVMA! I am also amazed at some of the debt loads carried by today's students and our recent graduates. I hope that they will be able to have a good life after graduation. Money is very easy to borrow but very difficult to pay back.
Other subjects you'd like to address?
I am excited to see that the AVMA has become so involved in the process of mentoring our students and our graduates. Being mentored by an “old master” is a life-altering process. Everyone should experience the knowledge and expertise of a wise, trusted mentor. I know that I enjoyed knowing and learning from my mentor, and I am passing down the information I learned to the next generation of veterinarians. It is important to inform the mentee/protégé regarding where this vital knowledge or expertise came from—vital skills, knowledge, and aptitudes passed from old master to apprentice.
—INTERVIEW BY R. SCOTT NOLEN
Chaddock resigns as GRD director; Lutschaunig steps in
Dr. Mark T. Lutschaunig
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
Dr. H. Michael Chaddock resigned as director of the AVMA Governmental Relations Division on Feb. 27. Dr. Chaddock, who had been director of the AVMA Washington, D.C., office for three years, has joined the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges as communications director.
“Dr. Chaddock's contributions to the veterinary profession have been numerous and varied, from participating in the House of Delegates to leading our efforts in the AVMA's Governmental Relations Division,” said Dr. Bruce W. Little, AVMA executive vice president.
The AVMA has launched a national search for a new director of its Governmental Relations Division. Dr. Mark T. Lutschaunig has been named interim director until a permanent replacement is found.
Dr. Lutschaunig was hired as an assistant director at the GRD in September 2003. He has worked on animal welfare laws for the AVMA and has played a key role in the Association's efforts to block certain legislation banning horse slaughter in the United States.
Additionally, Dr. Lutschaunig works on federal issues pertaining to the human-animal bond, aquaculture, the environment, pesticides, zoo animals, and wildlife.
In 1988, Dr. Lutschaunig received a VMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He also holds an MBA from DeSales University.
To view the ad for GRD director, go to www.avma.org/jobs/ and click on AVMA Employment Opportunities. The ad will also be published in the April 1 issue of JAVMA.
Security a priority in president's 2007 budget
The $2.77 trillion budget proposals for 2007 that President Bush sent to Congress Feb. 6 continue to emphasize allocations for the nation's war on terrorism while reining in nonsecurity-related, discretionary spending.
Overall, the White House's spending priorities are on par with those of the past few years. The president has set out to eliminate or reduce 141 programs and cut nonsecurity discretionary spending by $2.2 billion from the fiscal year, which begins in October.
The president has asked Congress for $322 million to protect the nation's food supply and agriculture—a $69 million spending increase from the 2006 budget. Funding would go toward programs enhancing the Department of Agriculture's capabilities for detecting, responding to, and recovering from exposure to pathogens, pests, and poisonous agents.
Building on the $7.1 billion emergency supplemental request for a potential influenza pandemic submitted in November 2005, the president has asked for an additional $474 million to further improve readiness. This includes $57 million for the USDA to continue activities related to avian influenza preparations and prevention, including surveillance of wild and domesticated birds along with stockpiling of poultry vaccines.
Increases of $107 million for research by USDA scientists in such areas as food safety, emerging and exotic diseases, and animal genomics and genetics are proposed in the budget.
The president's budget plan also contains a proposal for Association Health Plans—a proposal supported by the AVMA that would allow employers to purchase health insurance across state boundaries to benefit from buying insurance in bulk. By allowing small businesses to band together and negotiate on behalf of their employees, AHPs would give working families greater access to affordable health care.
Other highlights from the president's budget include $14.8 million for the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service in the area of food safety; $945 million to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, of which $33 million is allotted for the National Animal Identification System; $12 million to APHIS Animal Care, with an additional $2 million for activities related to birds, rats, and mice; and $757 million to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
In his budget message, President Bush stated, “As this budget shows, we have set clear priorities that meet the most pressing needs of the American people while addressing the long-term challenges that lie ahead.”
Vaccines and veterinarians to tackle the spread of avian influenza
Researchers recently developed new vaccines for the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which had spread to birds on three continents by late winter—also prompting the Department of Agriculture to seek veterinarians to volunteer for overseas assignments.
A team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Purdue University published a study in the Feb. 11 issue of Lancet about a vaccine that protects mice against several strains of the H5N1 virus. A team from the University of Pittsburgh, CDC, and USDA published a study in the Feb. 15 Journal of Virology about a vaccine that protects mice and chickens.
The researchers developed the vaccines by genetically engineering adenoviruses, which cause respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. The altered adenoviruses have the same hemagglutinin protein on the surface that allows the H5N1 virus to attach to cells. The idea is that the immune system, in confronting the altered adenoviruses, learns how to fight the H5N1 virus.
In the CDC-Purdue study, an altered adenovirus caused the immune systems of mice to produce both antibodies and T-cells to attack the H5N1 virus. The vaccine provided effective protection against death and disease. In the Pittsburgh study, an altered adenovirus protected mice in a similar manner. Chickens that received subcutaneous vaccinations also survived, while all the unvaccinated chickens died within days of intranasal exposure to the H5N1 virus.
One advantage of altered adenoviruses is that they grow quickly in cell culture. The traditional approach to influenza vaccines is to grow the influenza viruses slowly inside chicken eggs, which could be scarce during an outbreak of infection with the H5N1 virus.
Another advantage of the altered adenoviruses is that they are live vaccines—though they are replication-incompetent—so they may activate the immune system better than the traditional, inactivated influenza vaccines.
Also, the altered adenoviruses show promise of being effective against mutations of the H5N1 virus, according to the researchers. Avian influenza virus would have to mutate before it could pass directly from person to person.
According to the World Organization for Animal Health, Asia has had the most outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza. By early March, the organization had received multiple reports of outbreaks in Europe and Africa. The World Health Organization had received reports of 175 total human cases of H5N1 avian influenza, with 96 deaths. At press time, the organization had also reported that domestic cats and a stone marten in Germany had contracted the virus.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is responding with expertise in epidemiology and laboratory diagnostics, as well as field experience in the eradication of avian influenza and exotic Newcastle disease. The APHIS plan includes developing a list of experts available for four types of assignments:
•teams, to travel to countries experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza as part of a broader U.S. government team, for one to two weeks
• teams and individuals, to build international capacity for responding to outbreaks of avian influenza, for one to three weeks
• individuals, overseas assignments, for four to six months
• individuals, overseas assignments, for one to two years
Veterinarians and other volunteers can express interest by e-mailing Dr. Jennifer Grannis at Jennifer.L.Grannis@aphis.usda.gov or Dr. Percy Hawkes at percywhawkes@hotmail.com. Drs. Grannis and Hawkes will contact volunteers to obtain information for the list of experts. The USDA will cover all the costs of the assignments.
Federal government creates Web site on pandemic influenza
PandemicFlu.gov is the government's new Web site for providing information about pandemic and avian influenza, including information about bird and animal issues.
The Department of Health and Human Services is the managing sponsor of the site, which President Bush launched during a Nov. 1 speech. PandemicFlu.gov provides information for the general public, health and emergency preparedness professionals, policy makers, government and business leaders, school systems, and local communities.
Sections of the site address subjects such as planning and response; monitoring outbreaks; health and safety; tests, vaccines, and medications; global activities; travel; and research activities. The section about bird and animal issues includes information on protecting birds and other animals, protecting workers, and surveillance.
PandemicFlu.gov is part of the HHS Risk Communication and Public Engagement Strategy for Pandemic Influenza. The government plans to develop the site in two phases. The first phase will focus on existing content about pandemic and avian influenza available through the Web from the U.S. and state governments. The second phase will be a broader outreach to all federal departments and nongovernmental partners.
A subgroup under the HHS Interagency Public Affairs Group on Influenza Preparedness and Response is responsible for reviewing structure and content of the site.
Practitioners can promote Prevent Lyme in Dogs Month
The Lyme Disease Foundation and Merial Ltd. have joined together to name April national Prevent Lyme in Dogs Month. Borreliosis is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the bite of infected deer ticks.
April was chosen because dogs are at an increased risk for contracting borreliosis during spring and summer, according to Merial.
“Dogs have been sentinels for the spread and concentration of Lyme disease in this country,” said Thomas Forschner, executive director of the Lyme Disease Foundation. “We feel that veterinarians are in a unique position to help their patients, their (clients), and their community through their vigilance and awareness of tickborne diseases.”
For more information on borreliosis and Lyme disease, visit the foundation at www.lyme.org or Merial's www.frontline.com.
Aquatic veterinarian, diagnostic laboratory databases now available online
Spearheaded by the AVMA, a unique, new resource for veterinarians, potential clients, and other individuals to locate aquatic veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories was recently made public after more than a year in development. Individuals seeking the services of aquatic veterinary medicine can now access information on more than 2,000 veterinarians and 100 diagnostic laboratories for no charge at www.AquaVets.com.
Previously, information about the veterinarians and laboratories involved with aquatic species was known only through word-of-mouth, said Dr. David Scarfe, assistant director of the AVMA Scientific Activities Division.
“Two recent U.S. national animal disease emergency declarations, one affecting food-producing salmon, the other for ornamental koi and other carp, have clearly heightened the awareness of these veterinary needs,” Dr. Scarfe said.
The databases were initiated with funds from the Department of Agriculture as a resource for reducing disease risks to commercial aquaculture. The databases incorporate all disciplines of veterinary medicine that involve any aquatic species, from crustacean and molluscan invertebrates to finfish, reptiles, amphibians, and marine mammals.
“The AVMA recognized that aquaculture is the fastest growing segment of agriculture,” said AVMA President Henry E. Childers. “More than 47 percent of all animal protein consumed is seafood, a third of which is farmed, yet no single source of information on how to locate aquatic veterinarians or diagnostic laboratories existed. This has left aquaculture producers, animal owners, government agencies, and other veterinarians at a disadvantage.”
Users can search the online databases using several criteria such as person or laboratory name, location, species type served, or disease and diagnostic test type. With password-protected access, veterinarians and laboratories can update their profile at any time, and new veterinarians and laboratories can easily register. As part of registration, veterinarians and laboratories can choose whether they want their information made public, and also if they want to subscribe to AquaVetMed, an e-mail news service moderated by the AVMA.
During the test phase of AquaVets.com, Dr. Scarfe said, the developers received a large number of requests from companion animal practitioners to participate.
“We always assumed that there were a large number of companion animal veterinarians servicing aquatic animal clients, but the response was quite surprising,” Dr. Scarfe said. Consequently, he said, the developers will examine the possibility of adding modules to AquaVets.com for online continuing education, disease surveillance, diagnostic laboratory submissions, and certificates of veterinary inspection.
The AVMA, AUMS Ltd./Aquaculture Underwriting & Management Services, and GlobalVetLink LLC developed the databases as part of the National Risk Management Feasibility Program for Aquaculture. Partial support for the online databases was provided by the Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency's Federal Crop Insurance Corporation through Mississippi State University.
A brochure on the resources available at AquaVets.com may be obtained by calling the AVMA at (800) 248-2862, Ext. 6636.
Texas laboratory expands with mobile trailer
The Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the Texas A&M University System, recently established a mobile diagnostic laboratory to expand its capability in responding to animal disease outbreaks. The 300-square-foot, mobile laboratory—pulled by a pickup truck—can process blood and tissue samples. The samples are then sent to the permanent diagnostic laboratory in College Station, Texas, for testing for animal diseases.
“Speed is critical in these highconsequence disease outbreaks,” said Dr. Lelve Gayle, TVMDL executive director. “Every day you're delaying, the disease may be spreading to other premises.”
The mobile laboratory operates at a biosafety level 3 rating, which means it had to pass stringent standards to keep disease organisms from escaping into the environment. The mobile laboratory has showers for the technicians, a centrifuge, ventilation hood, computers, and telephones. It is also equipped to send data electronically.
It is the only known mobile laboratory of its kind, Dr. Gayle said. Several other veterinary diagnostic laboratories operate modular, trailer-type BSL-3 facilities, but they're generally not as mobile as the TVMDL unit, Dr. Gayle said. He said a BSL-3 trailer might be stationed at a permanent laboratory that doesn't have a BSL-3 rating.
The addition of the mobile laboratory has increased the testing area at the TVMDL. In a highly infectious disease outbreak, Dr. Gayle said, the TVMDL might have had to use one of the two BSL-3 testing laboratories at College Station as a sample-processing laboratory.
Another benefit, he added, was that the mobile laboratory ensures proper processing of samples from quarantine zones. “We needed an area that we could process these samples in to … make sure they're safe to be transported from remote locations to the testing laboratory,” Dr. Gayle said. “The mobile unit … provides us with that flexibility.”
Along with the College Station laboratory, the TVMDL operates a laboratory in Amarillo and two poultry laboratories in Center and Gonzales.
USAHA sets sights on laboratory network, animal ID system
Association advances 51 resolutions
The National Animal Health Laboratory Network was a primary focus of the joint meeting of officials of the United States Animal Health Association, including the USAHA Committee on Government Relations, and the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians in Washington, D.C., Feb. 12–16.
According to Dr. Bret D. Marsh, USAHA president, only 12 of the nation's state and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories are now up to speed, ie, supplied with modern, up-todate equipment and trained technicians to deal with foreign animal disease outbreaks.
“With the nation currently facing the threat of H5N1 avian influenza, laboratory diagnostic capability is critical,” said Dr. Marsh, who is also Indiana state veterinarian.
The NAHLN, which began as a pilot project in 2002, is currently composed of just 12 state and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories linked together with a secure communication, reporting, and alert system. These laboratories have been provided with upgraded equipment and personnel to give them the capability to make preliminary diagnoses of certain foreign animal diseases. The Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories and Plum Island Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory are part of the network. Funding for up-to-date equipment, laboratory reagents, and trained personnel is essential for upgrading the remaining state and university laboratories.
Full implementation of the NAHLN will cost $90 million for equipment and materials plus $35 million annually for operating expenses.
In one of 51 resolutions approved by USAHA members during the 109th USAHA annual meeting/48th AAVLD annual conference this past November, the USAHA requested Congress to immediately provide the $90 million and the USDA to request line-item funding in its budget for the $35 million per year.
Dr. Marsh pointed out that if an outbreak of avian influenza or some other foreign animal disease were to occur, our current laboratory diagnostic capability could be quickly overwhelmed.
The National Animal Identification System was another priority addressed at the February meeting in Washington. In January, USAHA officials met with Agriculture Secretary Michael Johanns and offered to host a jointly facilitated session on the NAIS. Dr. Marsh said the objective of such a meeting would be to assemble a small group of key industry representatives to advance plans for a national system. The USDA is considering the USAHA proposal.
The visit to Secretary Johanns by Drs. Marsh and Bob Hillman of the USAHA arose from the November approval of a resolution on the NAIS tracking database—one of the association's four NAIS-related resolutions.
Dr. Bret D. Marsh (left) receives the USAHA president's gavel from his predecessor, Dr. Richard Willer.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
It was in 2004 that the USDA initiated implementation of the NAIS as a cooperative state-federal-industry partnership to standardize and expand animal identification programs and practices to all livestock species and poultry. The system will integrate three components—premises identification, animal identification, and animal tracking. Premises identification is the starting point, and progress continues to be made, with all states now operational. The long-term goal is to provide animal health officials with the capability to identify livestock and premises that have had direct contact with a disease of concern, within 48 hours after discovery.
The NAIS is currently a voluntary program; the USDA has adopted a phased-in approach to implementation. The AVMA supports an effective NAIS that contains certain key elements. Recently, an independent consortium called the United States Animal Identification Organization was formed to manage the industry-led animal ID movement database.
Other issues addressed in February included veterinary accreditation programs, surveillance for animal and poultry diseases, emergency management systems for foreign animal diseases, and plans for dealing with low- and high-pathogenic avian influenza.
At the 2005 annual meeting in November in Hershey, Pa., the general session focused on health concerns at the interface of wildlife, people, and domestic animals. Dr. Marsh was installed as USAHA president. “Over the next year, we will work together with input from the membership and, more specifically, from the board of directors to discover our core values,” he said. “We will use this foundation to plan for the future strategically.” Dr. Marsh is also the AVMA's current treasurer.
Other officers are as follows: Dr. Lee M. Myers, Georgia state veterinarian, president-elect; James Leafstedt, South Dakota pork producer, first vice president; Dr. Don Hoenig, Maine state veterinarian, second vice president; Dr. Richard Breitmeyer, California state veterinarian, third vice president; Dr. William L. Hartmann, Minnesota state veterinarian, treasurer; and Dr. J. Lee Alley, retired Alabama state veterinarian, secretary. Dr. Richard Willer, Arizona state veterinarian, is immediate past president.
The USAHA resolutions can be viewed at www.usaha.org via the Quick Links.
Turn to page 1006 to read about USAHA and AAVLD awards.
CRWAD dedicated to Mengeling
Animal disease researchers convene
Some 475 people gathered in St. Louis, Missouri, for the 86th annual meeting of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases, Dec. 4-6. The meeting was dedicated to Dr. William L. Mengeling of Ames, Iowa.
After receiving his DVM degree from Kansas State University in 1960, Dr. Mengeling practiced as a small animal clinician for a year in New Mexico before joining the Agriculture Department's National Animal Disease Center. There, he served as a research scientist and research leader before his appointment in 1991 to the senior executive service within the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
Dr. Mengeling's contributions to the improvement of animal agricultural research have had important economic benefits for the agricultural industry and on biomedical research. In 1999, he was inducted into the ARS Hall of Fame. The ARS Hall of Fame citation reads: “During his early career, he developed a diagnostic test which was the primary test used in eradicating hog cholera from U.S. swine herds. The United States was declared free of hog cholera in 1978, saving the swine industry more than $100 million annually.
“Mengeling was the first scientist to isolate porcine parvovirus from swine in the United States. He established under both laboratory and field conditions that this virus plays a role in maternal reproductive failure of swine. Mengeling's research provides a basis for enhanced understanding of several other swine diseases, including pseudorabies and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).”
Life membership was awarded to Drs. Richard J. Hidalgo, Baton Rouge, La., Edward C. Mather, East Lansing, Mich., and Ronald D. Smith, Urbana, Ill.
Officers of CRWAD for 2006 are Dr. Prem Paul, Lincoln, Neb., president; Dr. Lynn A. Joens, Tucson, Ariz., vice president; and Robert P. Ellis, PhD, Fort Collins, Colo., executive director.
At the CRWAD meeting, the Association for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine named Dr. James H. Steele the 2005 recipient of the Calvin W. Schwabe Award. At 92, Dr. Steele remains a world-renowned expert in veterinary public health.
A 1941 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Steele advocated for veterinarians in public health, leading to acceptance of his recommendations to create within the U.S. Public Health Service the Veterinary Public Health Program in 1945 and the veterinary medical officer category in 1947.
Dr. Steele was the first chief of the Veterinary Public Health Division—the first such position established by any government in the world. In 1950, Dr. Steele became the first chief veterinary officer in the PHS and continued to expand the visibility of veterinary public health nationally and globally. In 1968, he became assistant surgeon general for Veterinary Affairs and was the first veterinary officer to attain two-star flag rank.
Dr. William L. Mengeling
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
Dr. James H. Steele
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
When he retired in 1971, Dr. Steele joined the faculty of the University of Texas School of Public Health as professor of Environmental Health Sciences. Although he retired in 1983, he has remained closely involved with the university as an emeritus and has continued his extensive international efforts to enhance public health.
Recipients of the AVEPM student awards were as follows: Linda Lord, The Ohio State University, for “An analysis of factors associated with recovery of a lost pet.” Audrey Torres, The Ohio State University, for “Maintaining udder health in low somatic cell count cows treated selectively at dry-off.” J. T. Fox, Kansas State University, for “Influence of grain processing (steam flaked vs. dry rolled) on fecal shedding of E. coli O157 in feedlot heifers.” Poster: Wonkie Bae, Washington State University, for “Association of antimicrobial resistance and PFGE genotypes of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. isolated from cattle farms in WA and CA.” The Mark Gearhart Memorial Graduate Award in Veterinary Epidemiology was awarded to George Moore, Purdue University, for the following publications: “Adverse events diagnosed within three days of vaccine administration in dogs” (JAVMA 2005; 227:1102-1108) and “Postmarketing surveillance for dog and cat vaccines: new resources in changing times” (JAVMA 2005; 227:1066-1069).
The American Association of Veterinary Immunologists presented Dr. Gary A. Splitter, Madison, Wis., with its Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist Award. Recipients of the AAVI award are individuals whose contribution to veterinary immunology is widely acknowledged as significant and important to the understanding of the immunology of domestic and/or wild animals.
Dr. Splitter is a 1969 graduate of Kansas State University and is now a professor in the Department of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences at the University of WisconsinMadison School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Splitter studies host-pathogen interactions to better understand the host defense and pathogen evasion mechanisms that define a disease process.
Recipients of the AAVI student awards were as follows: First place: M. C. Dominguez, Universite de Montreal, for “Activation of innate immunity by the swine pathogen Streptococcus suis serotype 2 in both the central nervous system and at the systemic level using a murine experimental model of infection.” Second place: M. Rambeaud, University of Tennessee, for “Differential intracellular calcium release in neutrophils of cattle with different CXCR2 genotypes upon interleukin-8 activation.” Posters: Yanjing Xiao, Oklahoma State University, for “Structure-Activity relationships of fowlicidin-1, a novel cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide in chickens.” X. Hu, Auburn University, for “Regulation of channel catfish hepcidin expression by infection and anemia.”
The Society for Tropical Veterinary Medicine and the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists presented the following student awards: First place: Dalen Agnew, University of California, Davis, for “A pregnant mouse model for Tritrichomonas foetus, infection and pregnancy loss.” Second place: Eduardo Cobo, University of California-Davis, for “Incapacity of Tetratrichomonads and Pentatrichomonas hominis to colonize and survive in intravaginally inoculated heifers.” Third place: John Schaefer, The Ohio State University, for “Preliminary observations of antibiotic efficacy associated with different means of experimentally infecting dogs with Ehrlichia canis.”
The NC-1007 Gastroenteric Diseases Awards were presented to the following students: Kerry Cooper, University of Arizona, for “The ability of crude toxins from Clostridium perfringens type A to produce necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.” Poster: N. Holt, Kansas State University, “EAST 1 induces anion secretion by IPECJ2 pig intestinal cells in vitro.”
Recipients of the Biosafety and Biosecurity Awards, sponsored by the Animal Health Institute, were as follows: First place: Linda Highfield, Texas A&M University, for “A linked epidemic and transportation modeling environment for foreign animal disease intervention.” Second place: Carlos Trincado, University of Minnesota, for “Evaluation and viability of two washing protocols for oocytes after culture with PRRSV, PCV-2 and PPV by PCR.” Second place: Jill Bieker, Kansas State University and Sandia National Laboratories, for “Inactivation of bovine enterovirus-2 as a surrogate for foot and mouth disease virus.”
Recipients of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists' graduate student awards were as follows: Lalitha Peddireddi, Chuanmin Cheng, Vijayakrishna Singu, Kamesh R. Sirigireddy, and Roman R. Ganta, Kansas State University, for “Unique macrophage and tick cell-specific gene expression from the p28-Omp multilocus of Ehrlichia chafeensis, a possible strategy to aid the pathogen to persist.” P. J. Plummer, M. Akiba, and Q. Zhang, Iowa State University, for “The identification and characterization of a naturally occurring autoinducer-2 deficient strain of Campylobacter jejuni.” N. B. Butchi, S. Perez, A. Doster, R. Sangena Boyina, J. Simon, and S.I. Chowdhury, Kansas State University, for “Role of envelope proteins gE and Us9 in the anterograde transport of BHV-1 following reactivation in the trigeminal ganglia.” Poster: Alexander Maas, Jochen Meens, and Gerald F. Gerlach, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany, for “Development of a negative marker subunit vaccine against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection.” The Don Kahn Award was given to V. Chauhan, J.M. Rowland, and R.R.R. Rowland, Kansas State University, for “Absence of nuclear targeting activity within the lysinerich domain of the SARS-CoV N protein is the result of an aspartic acid residue at position 372.”
Additionally, the ACVM recognized two new diplomates upon successful completion of certifying examinations. Dr. Deepanker Tewari, Harrisburg, Pa., was certified in immunology and Dr. Rebecca P. Wilkes, Maryville, Tenn., was certified in virology.
college news
Tennessee renames hospital after founding veterinary dean
The University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine recently renamed its teaching hospital in honor of its founding dean, Dr. W.W. Armistead.
Dr. W.W. Armistead
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
The state retained Dr. Armistead as a consultant in 1973 to develop a report on the need for a veterinary college in Tennessee. He completed his career at the university as vice president for agriculture before retiring in 1987.
Previously, Dr. Armistead had served as dean of the veterinary colleges at Michigan State and Texas A&M universities. He served twice as the president of the AVMA. He is also a past president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges and founding editor of the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education.
During World War II, Dr. Armistead served as a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1938.
Florida dean leaves to head Tennessee agriculture
Dr. Joseph A. DiPietro
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
Dr. Joseph A. DiPietro is the new vice president for agriculture at the University of Tennessee, leaving his prior position as dean of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. James P. Thompson is serving as interim dean.
Dr. DiPietro will oversee operations at the Tennessee Institute of Agriculture—which includes the university's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension program.
At the University of Florida, Dr. DiPietro was dean of the veterinary college for nine years. He has held a multitude of positions within the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, and he became president of the AAVMC last summer.
Previously, Dr. DiPietro had served as associate dean for research at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and assistant director of that institution's agricultural experiment station. He has also conducted research on parasitic diseases in horses, cattle, and swine.
Dr. DiPietro has been a member of many boards and committees for groups including the American Association of Equine Practitioners. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1976.
At the University of Florida, Dr. Thompson has been the veterinary college's associate dean of students and instruction since 1996. The interim dean joined the faculty in 1986 after completing a residency there in small animal internal medicine.
Dr. Thompson graduated in 1981 from the University of Florida. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.
Alumnus donates $1 million for Auburn professorship
Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine recently received a donation of $1 million from alumnus Dr. Bruce Pratt to endow a professorship.
The Dr. Bruce Pratt Distinguished Professorship in Veterinary Medicine will be within the Department of Clinical Sciences, which includes the large- and small-animal teaching hospitals and a radiology section.
A 1953 graduate, Dr. Pratt operated Holly Hall Animal Hospital in Beaufort, S.C., until retiring in 1993. Earlier, he had served in the U.S. Air Force for three years.
He inherited the $1 million that he donated from his grandparents. His grandfather was one of the founders of Feenamint, a laxative manufacturer, which later became part of Schering-Plough, the pharmaceutical company. Dr. Pratt's grandmother founded the Rockland County, N.Y., Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
accolades
Industry
Dr. Ron Prestage (AUB '82) has become chairman of the board of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association for 2006.
Dr. Prestage is president of Prestage Farms of South Carolina. He has been on the board of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association since January 1997, and he has served as chairman of the National Turkey Federation and the South Carolina Poultry Federation.
Dr. Prestage said he'll draw on his experience in the poultry industry to contribute to the development of the association.
“This year is going to be an even more successful year as we continue to work together to meet the needs of the poultry industry,” Dr. Prestage said during the International Poultry Expo in Atlanta.
Dr. Robert A. Smith (KSU '76) has become a member of the board of the U.S. Animal Identification Organization.
Dr. Smith will represent the National Cattlemen's Beef Association on the board. The bovine practitioner from Stillwater, Okla., has chaired the NCBA Cattle Health and Well Being Committee. He has served on the Beef Quality Assurance Advisory Board for more than a decade.
Dr. Smith is also a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, editor of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners' publications, and a Western Veterinary Conference board member. He served 23 years on the Oklahoma State University faculty.
Government
Dr. W. Ray Waters (AUB '88) recently received recognition as the Midwest's Early Career Scientist of the Year from the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service.
The ARS presented awards to scientists who earned PhD degrees within the past decade and have been with the agency for seven years or less. The ARS highlighted Dr. Waters' contribution to the diagnosis and control of tuberculosis in livestock and wildlife.
Dr. Waters, who earned his PhD in immunobiology from Iowa State University, is a veterinary medical officer with the ARS Bacterial Diseases of Livestock Research Unit in Ames, Iowa.
Organizations
Several veterinarians were honored at the 2005 joint meeting of the United States Animal Health Association and American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians this past November in Hershey, Pa.
Dr. J. Lee Alley (AUB '56), secretary of the U.S. Animal Health Association and retired Alabama state veterinarian, was presented with the initial USAHA President's Award. Dr. Richard Willer, 2004-2005 USAHA president, presented the award.
Dr. Alley was USAHA president in 1992 and chaired the Committee on Brucellosis from 1994-2000.
As president, Dr. Willer presented a special recognition to USAHA life member, Dr. Lowell Barnes (OSU '35), and his wife, Maryhelen. He praised Dr. Barnes for his lifetime spent protecting U.S. animal agriculture and his longtime involvement in the organization.
Dr. Willer (COL '80) accepted the annual award of the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials from Dr. David Thain, Nevada state veterinarian and NASAHO president. Dr. Willer, who is Arizona state veterinarian, was chosen for his outstanding contributions to U.S. animal health in the regulatory field.
Dr. Bob Hillman (TEX '71), Texas state veterinarian, received the APHIS Animal Health Award, also known as the Administrator's Award, from Dr. John Clifford, deputy administrator of Veterinary Services for the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Dr. Clifford noted that Dr. Hillman's work with tuberculosis, brucellosis, and trade issues—particularly with Mexico—has been critical to furthering the APHIS mission of safeguarding animal health. He also cited Dr. Hillman's organizational leadership.
Dr. Patricia Blanchard (MSU '82) received the E.P. Pope Memorial Award, given by the AAVLD for noteworthy contributions to the association and to the implementation and recognition of the specialty of veterinary diagnostic laboratory medicine. Dr. Blanchard is branch chief of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, Tulare.
Academia
Louisiana State University's Equine Health Studies Program recently received a Heroes for Horses Award from the United States Equestrian Foundation for efforts in assisting horses and horse owners through hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Faculty, staff, and students with the program helped rescue and care for horses that fell victim to the storms. Dr. Rustin Moore (OSU '89), director, accepted the award on behalf of the team.
Dr. Nicholas H. Booth has received the William E. Morgan Achievement Award from the Colorado State University Alumni Association.
Dr. Booth (MSU '47) retired as emeritus professor of physiology and pharmacology at the University of Georgia.
Previously, he was director of the Food and Drug Administration's Division of Veterinary Medical Research and dean of Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
He has been chairman of the AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents and the National Research Council Veterinary Drug Panel, and he served as a member of three AVMA panels on euthanasia. Dr. Booth was a contributing author and co-editor of the textbook “Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.”
Dr. James G. Fox (COL '68) received a College Honor Alumnus Award from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Fox is a professor and director of comparative medicine at the Whitaker College of Health and Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has served as a Colorado State consultant for laboratory animal medicine. He is also a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.
Previously, Dr. Fox worked in the Laboratory Animal Branch of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps.
Dr. Marion Hammarlund (KSU '53) has received a 2006 Alumni Recognition Award from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Hammarlund is a consultant in Riverside, Calif., for laboratory animal care and poultry production farms. He is also a volunteer with Heifer International and Winrock International.
Originally from Topeka, Kan., Dr. Hammarlund once owned a food animal clinic in Colorado and later owned a small animal practice in California. He has worked for Ralston Purina Co. in St. Louis, Arlington Veterinary Laboratories in Riverside, and the San Bernardino County Health Department in California.
assemblies
Connecticut VMA
Dr Sheldon Z. Yessenow
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
Dr Laura N. Rand
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
Dr. Larry J. Nieman
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 228, 7; 10.2460/javma.228.7.993
Event: Annual meeting, Feb. 1-2, Hartford
Awards: Veterinarians of the Year: Drs. Sheldon Z. Yessenow, Trumbull; and Laura N. Rand, Woodbury. A 1977 graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. Yessenow practices at Oronoque Animal Hospital in Stratford. As a member of AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Team 1, he assisted with efforts on the Gulf Coast after the recent hurricanes. Dr. Rand is a 1994 graduate of Tufts University and practices at Watertown Animal Hospital. She has lectured at the Naugatuck Valley Health District on disaster preparedness, also assisting on the Gulf Coast as a member of AVMA VMAT-1. Distinguished Service Award: William H. Austin, West Hartford; and Sam McGee, Vernon. Fire chief of West Hartford and chair of the Capitol Region Emergency Planning Committee for the Hartford area, Austin was honored for his vision and accomplishments in moving Connecticut forward with disaster preparedness on behalf of animals, through his support of the Connecticut State Animal Response Team. Prior to retirement in 2003, McGee was a senior territory manager for Pfizer Animal Health. He was honored for his contributions to veterinary medicine in Connecticut. Technician of the Year: Alexis Reid, Vernon. A member of the board of directors of the Veterinary Health Care Team of Connecticut, Reid works at North Veterinary Clinic in Ashford. She was honored for her services on behalf of animals displaced by the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes. Life membership was granted to Drs. Michael P. Ratner, Trumbull; Mark R. Graves, Norwich; and Richard E. Lau, Cheshire.
Officials: Drs. Larry J. Nieman, Trumbull, president; Eva Ceranowicz, Suffield, president-elect; Robert H. Belden, New Milford, vice president; Peter S. Conserva, Suffield, treasurer; Richard Willner, Stonington, assistant treasurer; Steven M. Price, Watertown, secretary; Lynn S. Keller, Portland, assistant secretary; and Arnold L. Goldman, Canton, immediate past president.
Indiana VMA
Event: Annual meeting, Jan. 27-29, Indianapolis
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Sandra Dean, Indianapolis. A 1980 graduate of Purdue University, Dr. Dean directs the Companion Animal and Equine Division of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. She is a past president of the IVMA and has chaired several of its committees. Recently, Dr. Dean served with AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Team 5 in Louisiana. President's Award: Dr. Lyndon Conrad, Elkhart. A 1968 graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. Conrad owns Noah's Landing Pet Care Clinic. He serves on the IVMA board of directors, which he chaired recently.
Officials: Drs. Jim Weisman, Evansville, president; Bill Somerville, Clinton, president-elect; Tony Rumschlag, Noblesville, vice president; Ross Clayton, Carmel, treasurer; and Carl Watters, South Bend, immediate past president
obituaries
AVMA Honor Roll Member, AVMA Member, Student AVMA Member, AVMA Nonmember
Robert R. Barker
Dr. Barker (COL '52), 81, Grand Junction, Colo., died Dec. 14, 2005. From 1953 until retirement in 1990, he owned Barker Pet Hospital in Shawnee, Okla. Dr. Barker was a life member of the Oklahoma VMA. A World War II veteran of the Navy and Army Veterinary Corps, he attained the rank of captain in the veterinary corps.
Dr. Barker's wife, Phyllis, and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 60307, Grand Junction, CO 81506; or American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Department 201122, P.O. Box 5940, Carol Stream, IL 60197.
John E. Blake
Dr. Blake (ONT '35), 90, Windham, Conn., died Dec. 16, 2005. He practiced in eastern Connecticut for more than 60 years. Dr. Blake was a member of the Connecticut VMA. From 1958-1972, he was also a member of the Connecticut General Assembly, chairing the banking, public utilities, and agriculture committees.
A World War II veteran, Dr. Blake served as a captain in the Army Veterinary Corps for four years. He was a member of the American Legion. Dr. Blake's wife, Ruth, and daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Living Center, 14 Club Road, Windham, CT 06280.
Johnathan M. Boswell
Boswell (TUS '09), 24, Tuskegee, Ala., died Sept. 24, 2005. He was a member of the Tuskegee University student chapter of the AVMA. Memorials toward the Class of 2009 may be made to Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee, AL 36088; or Chehaw AME Zion Church, 1450 Alabama Highway 199, Tuskegee, AL 36083.
Robert J. Caldwell
Dr. Caldwell (MIN '56), 81, St. Paul, Minn., died Aug. 2, 2005. From 1958 until retirement in 2000, he owned a small animal practice in New Brighton, Minn. Earlier in his career, Dr. Caldwell worked as a meat inspector in St. Paul. He was an Army veteran of World War II.
Ray O. Delano Jr.
Dr. Delano (COR '46), 82, Lakeville, Mass., died Dec. 16, 2005. Prior to retirement in 1991, he owned a practice in Lakeville. Dr. Delano was a member of the Massachusetts VMA. A World War II veteran, he served in the Army. Dr. Delano's wife, Annette; a daughter; and two sons survive him.
Memorials may be made to the Rock Cemetery Chapel Restoration, c/o Henry Tinkham, 72 E. Grove St., Middleboro, MA 02346; Lakeville Historical Society, c/o Susan Chadwick, 30 Fuller Shore, Lakeville, MA 02347; or Jordan Hospital Oncology Clinic, 275 Sandwich St., Plymouth, MA 02360.
Thomas A. Jeter Jr.
Dr. Jeter (TUS '53), 78, Dover, Del., died Aug. 7, 2005. He owned Jeter's Animal Hospital in Dover for more than 50 years. Dr. Jeter was a member of the Delaware VMA. A World War II veteran, he served in the Air Force, attaining the rank of lieutenant. Dr. Jeter is survived by his wife, Odaris; two daughters; and a son.
Richard G. Knight
Dr. Knight (TEX '45), 82, Fayetteville, N.C., died Oct. 17, 2005. He owned Spring Lake Animal Hospital in Fayetteville. During his 60year career, Dr. Knight also practiced in Texas. He was a life member of the North Carolina VMA. Dr. Knight's wife, Vonnie; a daughter; and five sons survive him.
Maureen Krout
Dr. Krout (UP '93), 40, Fayette, Maine, died Jan. 12, 2006. She worked at Kenneth H. Rockwood Veterinary Clinic and Greyhound Placement Service in Farmington and Augusta, Maine, respectively. Dr. Krout was a member of the Maine VMA. Her husband, Roy; a son; and two daughters survive her. Memorials may be made to the Krout Children Education Trust Fund, c/o Maine State Credit Union, P.O. Box 5659, Augusta, ME 04332.
Maurice P. L'Heureux
Dr. L'Heureux (ONT '50), 91, Dearborn, Mich., died Dec. 27, 2005. From 1950 until retirement in 1984, he owned Harper Avenue Animal Hospital, a small animal practice in Detroit. Dr. L'Heureux also bred Thoroughbreds.
He was a life member of the Michigan and Southeastern Michigan VMAs. A World War II veteran, Dr. L'Heureux served in the Canadian Navy.
His two daughters and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013; American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368; or American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Department 20-1122, P.O. Box 5940, Carol Stream, IL 60197.
Chester A. Maeda
Dr. Maeda (COL '44), 87, San Bernardino, Calif., died Dec. 21, 2005. He owned Arrowview Animal Clinic in San Bernardino for 50 years. Dr. Maeda was a past president of the California and Orange Belt VMAs, and a member of the Southern California VMA. In 1977, he received Colorado State University's Honor Alumnus Award.
A World War II veteran, Dr. Maeda served in the Army Veterinary Corps. Drafted by the National Football League's Detroit Lions in 1942, he was traded to the Chicago Cardinals and played one season as backup quarterback in 1945. Dr. Maeda is survived by his wife, Nauni; two daughters; and a son.
Bruce W. Van Zee
Dr. Van Zee (ISU '66), 63, Oakland, Iowa, died Oct. 6, 2005. He owned Riverside Animal Hospital in Oakland. Dr. Van Zee also served as veterinarian for the East and West Pottawattamie County fairs, Carson Community Rodeo, and Iowa High School Rodeo.
He was a member of the Iowa VMA, receiving its Veterinarian of the Year Award in 1997. Dr. Van Zee served on the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine for several years. A past president of the Pottawattamie County Cattlemen's Association, he received the county's Beef Promoter Award. Dr. Van Zee was a member of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
His wife, Joy; a son; and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Bruce Van Zee Memorial, Citizens State Bank, 301 Oakland Ave., Oakland, IA 51560.
John M. Waters
Dr. Waters (AUB '42), 90, Hightown, Va., died Jan. 17, 2006. He founded Morganna Animal Clinic in Manassas, Va., practicing there until retirement in the mid-1970s. Dr. Waters also helped establish a local humane society. An Army veteran of World War II, he served in the European theater.
Dr. Waters is survived by three daughters. One daughter, Dr. Susan Waters (CAL '87), is a veterinarian in Waialua, Hawaii. Memorials may be made to Highland County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Monterey, VA 24465; Highland Medical Center, P.O. Box 490, Monterey, VA 24465; or The Springs Nursing Center, Residential Fund, P.O. Box Drawer I, Hot Springs, VA 24445.
Leonard Wood
Dr. Wood (COR '58), 78, Tucson, Ariz., died Oct. 4, 2005. Prior to retirement, he practiced small animal medicine in Bloomingdale, N.J., and Philadelphia. Dr. Wood's daughter and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 N. 5th St., Tucson, AZ 85711.
