A time of transition at the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
Former director overseeing FDA food safety, new director is former AVMA staff member
Import safety, risk communication, and new biotechnologies are among the issues facing any director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine.
The former CVM director hasn't left these issues far behind. Dr. Stephen F. Sundlof became the director of the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, effective Jan. 7, after serving for more than a decade as director of the CVM.
The new CVM director is eager to face the challenges ahead of her. Dr. Sundlof's successor is Dr. Bernadette M. Dunham, who served as acting director of the AVMA Governmental Relations Division before joining the FDA. She has worked closely with Dr. Sundlof as the CVM deputy director since 2006.
Up to a challenge
As she starts in her new position, Dr. Dunham's vision for the CVM is to follow in the footsteps of her predecessor and continue public outreach.
“Steve Sundlof has left a legacy at CVM, and I'm very much hoping to help that grow further,” Dr. Dunham said in an interview during the recent AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference. “There is a lot that we can do at CVM to help the public, yet they are often not aware of the diverse issues we cover.”
The CVM helps protect animal and human health by regulating feed, food additives, and drugs for animals—including food-producing animals, companion animals, and other nonfood-producing animals such as zoo animals.
The massive recalls of pet food in 2007 heightened public awareness of the CVM, and Dr. Dunham would like to build on that awareness so the public is far more familiar with the center and ready to rely on the center as a resource.
The recalls also focused attention on the safety of imports. The problems with pet food were associated with the adulteration of an ingredient from China. The FDA recently responded to concerns about food imports with the new Food Protection Plan.
Dr. Dunham said the plan promotes cooperation and emphasizes the areas of prevention, intervention, and response to protect food safety. She said the CVM needs to embrace legislation that emerges relevant to the Food Protection Plan and to consult stakeholders in creating regulations to implement the plan.
“When you bring the best minds from all the best groups together, usually you get the very best result,” Dr. Dunham said.
At the same time, the FDA will continue to work with other countries to improve food safety. Dr. Dunham said the agency has been in discussions with various countries, such as China and India, about the possibility of placing representatives on site as part of a new strategy to build safety into every product and develop common standards.
Communicating the risks that are inherent in food and drugs is another challenge for the CVM, Dr. Dunham said. Members of the public may not have the same understanding of risk as scientists do.
“You have to have the best science,” Dr. Dunham said. “But then, you have to work with everybody to help them understand how it helps lead to policy, how it helps lead to regulation, and how it helps them every day in their lives. Reassure them and help them make decisions based upon the best science that we have.”
Dr. Dunham said regulating new biotechnologies—while reassuring the public about the safety of the technologies—is another activity at the CVM. In a recent JAVMA News article, Drs. Dunham and Sundlof discussed how the center is studying areas ranging from pharmacogenomics to transgenic animals to nanotechnology (see JAVMA, page 824, Sept. 15, 2007).
Looking back, looking forward
In her previous position as CVM deputy director, Dr. Dunham also was director of the Office of Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Drug Development. The CVM's newest office offers an alternative development process to improve availability of animal drugs for minor species and uncommon diseases in major species.
“What's so nice is the versatility of CVM to be creative—because one size doesn't always fit everything, and so you have to be flexible,” Dr. Dunham said. “Embracing some of the newer approaches and new ideas is challenging and rewarding and exciting, and that will continue with MUMS.”
The CVM plans to hire more veterinarians and other staff to expand the office, while the office's Dr. Meg Oeller will serve as acting director.
Dr. Dunham's five years with the FDA haven't been her only preparation for becoming the CVM director. Previously, she worked for the AVMA Governmental Relations Division in Washington, D.C., for eight years. She started as a policy specialist, advancing to become assistant director and then acting director.
“I had wonderful opportunities to build relationships, to understand government,” Dr. Dunham said. She said she learned about pulling together coalitions, advocating for the veterinary profession, and providing input on legislation and regulations.
Dr. Bernadette M. Dunham
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 232, 4; 10.2460/javma.232.4.488
Before joining the AVMA staff, Dr. Dunham had worked at several universities. She was a faculty member in the Department of Pharmacology at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse, where she concurrently held the position of director of laboratory animal medicine.
Dr. Dunham said her experience in academia has helped her understand the need to support research to keep medicine moving.
A change of directorships
A number of issues cross over from the CVM to the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. In his new position as CFSAN director, Dr. Sundlof will still be addressing the safety of imports. Other crossover issues include how feed and drugs for aquatic animals and dairy cattle affect the safety of seafood and dairy products, respectively. (The USDA regulates eggs and most meat.)
“It is more important than ever that the American public feel confident in the safety of the food they eat and feed their loved ones,” said Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD, FDA commissioner, when announcing the new directors of the CFSAN and CVM. “Drs. Sundlof and Dunham are world-class scientists and leaders, with the dedication, vision, and expertise needed to tackle challenges and enhance the science involved in assuring the safety and nutritional value of something so vital to healthy life— namely, our food.”
Dr. Stephen F. Sundlof
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 232, 4; 10.2460/javma.232.4.488
Dr. Sundlof succeeds Robert E. Brackett, PhD, as CFSAN director. Dr. Brackett became senior vice president of the Grocery Manufacturers Association in November.
When he was CVM director, Dr. Sundlof served on domestic and international committees regarding food safety, leading to development of new international policies and safety standards. Since 1994, he has served as the chairman of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods. He also provided input for the new FDA Food Protection Plan.
Dr. Sundlof was instrumental in putting programs in place to prevent bovine spongiform encephalopathy from entering the U.S. feed system. The United States has had no cases of BSE resulting from a failure of the feed system. Dr. Sundlof also has tackled topics such as antimicrobial resistance in foodborne bacteria, consumer concerns about recombinant bovine somatotropin for increasing milk production in dairy cows, and the safety of food from animal clones. Prior to joining the FDA, Dr. Sundlof served on the faculty of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
–KATIE BURNS
USDA allows more synthetic drugs in organic livestock production
Veterinarians may now use additional synthetic drugs—atropine, butorphanol, flunixin, furosemide, magnesium hydroxide, poloxalene, tolazoline, and xylazine—in organic livestock production, under certain restrictions.
The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service recently published a final rule amending the National Organic Program's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances to add a handful of synthetic substances for use in organic livestock production. The rule enacts recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board between late 2000 and early 2005.
The USDA had received a number of comments opposing addition of any synthetic substances in organic livestock production. The department determined, however, that the record supports the need for livestock medications in the interest of humane treatment.
For many of the synthetic drugs, the new rule specifies longer meat and milk withdrawal times in organic livestock production than in traditional livestock production. The USDA indicated that it did not use food safety arguments to support the extension of withdrawal periods. Rather, the department determined that longer withdrawal periods are more compatible with consumer expectations of organic livestock production.
For atropine, the rule requires a meat withdrawal interval of at least 56 days and a milk discard period of at least 12 days in organic livestock production. For butorphanol, the meat withdrawal interval is 42 days and the milk discard period is eight days.
The withdrawal periods for flunixin and furosemide in organic livestock production must be at least two times the withdrawal periods that the Food and Drug Administration has specified for traditional production.
The new rule limits the use of xylazine in organic livestock production to emergency situations. The rule allows tolazoline only to reverse the effects of xylazine. For both drugs, producers must adhere to a meat withdrawal interval of eight days and a milk discard period of four days.
The new rule permits magnesium hydroxide in organic livestock production under the usual FDA regulations. The rule allows poloxalene only for the emergency treatment of bloat. Also, producers may now use peroxyacetic/peracetic acid to sanitize equipment.
The rule appeared in the Dec. 12, 2007, issue of the Federal Register. Back issues are available at www. gpoaccess.gov/fr/browse.html .
Additional information is available from Robert Pooler, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA/AMS/TM/ NOP, Room 4008-So., Ag Stop 0268, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, DC 20250; phone, (202) 720-3252.
AVAR joins HSUS to form veterinary association
On Jan. 14, the Humane Society of the United States and Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights announced the formation of a new veterinary advocacy organization, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, as part of a “corporate combination agreement” between the two groups.
Although the boards of directors of each organization had approved the initiative, the agreement was not yet official at press time in mid-January but was expected to take effect Feb. 1.
AVMA Executive Vice President Ron DeHaven responded to the news, saying, “The more than 76,000 AVMA members belong to many diverse associations. AVMA members and leaders are veterinarians who have dedicated their lives to improving the health and welfare of animals.
“The HSUS has often expressed frustration with several AVMA animal welfare positions or areas of welfare in which the AVMA does not yet have a policy. We understand that the HSUS wants a simple solution. We wish there were a simple solution as well. These areas are extremely complex and when you opt for a quick fix in one area it can create a crisis in another.”
Part of the AVMA's response to the new association is to continue to formulate sound, caring animal welfare policies that take veterinarians' responsibility to public and animal health into consideration.
Dr. DeHaven explained that the new organization's singular focus is animal welfare whereas the AVMA deals with a multitude of issues including the humane treatment of animals as well as public health and food safety. The AVMA's evaluation of animal welfare issues includes looking at the entire system of animal care, not just one or two pieces of it.
“While we value our independence in decision making, we also recognize that stakeholder input and involvement are critical to the identification and implementation of effective solutions to animal welfare problems,” Dr. DeHaven said. “In that regard, the AVMA regularly communicates with a broad range of stakeholders, including individuals and organizations associated with the animal protection community, the animal industries, and governmental agencies.”
Members of the new association would not be precluded from membership in the AVMA, Dr. DeHaven added. In fact, a number of AVMA members are also members of the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, which, while not a constituent allied veterinary organization, regularly presents resolutions before the AVMA House of Delegates.
More about the AVMA's response can be read at the AVMA Web site (www.avma.org), where a Frequently Asked Questions document has been posted.
Veterinarian professes ignorance on euthanasia statute
Charges filed against a Tennessee veterinarian come as a reminder that practitioners must adhere to state laws and regulations involving animal restraint and euthanasia as well as to standards of conduct established by the veterinary profession.
This past November, a Nashville TV station aired an undercover video that allegedly showed Dr. William E. Baber of Gallatin using illegal methods to euthanize animals at the Sumner County Animal Shelter. The county district attorney asked the sheriff's office to investigate.
Dr. Baber was arrested Jan. 3 and charged with 12 misdemeanor offenses—two counts of “unlawful intracardial injection” in dogs, two counts of unverified deaths of dogs, two counts of unverified deaths of cats, two counts of cruelty to animals (dogs), two counts of cruelty to animals (cats), and two counts of falsifying government records.
Dr. Baber was scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on the criminal charges Jan. 16, but the case was continued to Feb. 6.
In November, the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners summarily suspended Dr. Baber's license to practice but lifted the suspension several days later, deciding he did not pose a threat to public health and safety. In December, the board fined him and suspended his license to practice until April, when it decides whether to revoke his license. The board cited the following violations:
• engaging in gross malpractice or a pattern of continued or repeated malpractice, ignorance, negligence, or incompetence in the course of practicing veterinary medicine
• unprofessional or unethical conduct or engaging in practices in connection with the practice of veterinary medicine that are in violation of the standards of professional conduct
• conduct reflecting unfavorably upon the profession of veterinary medicine
• professional incompetence
• leaving nonlivestock animals unattended during euthanasia procedures and before death occurs, and not confirming death before disposal of the body
According to the veterinary board, in or around 2005-2007, Dr. Baber failed to euthanize animals in accordance with the methods prescribed by the Non-Livestock Animal Humane Death Act in Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-17-303. That state law requires that the animal be heavily sedated, anesthetized, or comatose if euthanized by “intracardial” injection of sodium pentobarbital or such other agents. The board states that Dr. Baber injected the animals with sodium pentobarbital “in the chest (not an intercardial injection)” while they were not heavily sedated, anesthetized, or comatose.
At his disciplinary hearing, Dr. Baber maintained he was unaware that the state statute was changed in 1982 to prohibit intracardial injection without sedation. He said, “If I had known about this statute change, that would have solved a lot of this.”
The 1982 University of Tennessee graduate, who also owns a private practice, does not face disciplinary action from the AVMA because he is not a member.
The AVMA Web site provides links to state resources, including each veterinary practice act and administrative rules affecting veterinarians. Go to www.avma.org, click on the Advocacy bar, State Legislative Resources, and Resources by State.
The method allegedly used by Dr. Baber is also not consistent with the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia, which are considered the gold standard. They state: “Intracardiac injection is acceptable only when performed on heavily sedated, anesthetized, or comatose animals.” Further, the AVMA guidelines classify intrathoracic and other nonvascular injections of euthanasia agents as unacceptable. The euthanasia guidelines along with animal welfare policies on “Physical Restraint of Animals” and other guidance are available online by clicking on the dark blue Issues bar.
—SUSAN C. KAHLER
News Update: FARAD funding: the long and the short of it
On the heels of a year without funding, the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank began 2008 with funding for the short term and prospects for the long term.
An online decision support system, FARAD offers information about how to avoid residues of medications and contaminants in food animals. This makes it a valuable resource for veterinarians, livestock producers, and state and federal regulatory and extension specialists. Online and through its hotline, FARAD provides rapid response to inquiries about residue issues affecting food animal health and product contamination.
The program also encompasses a newsletter, academic work developing predictive models and algorithms, veterinary student and resident training in the principles of residue avoidance, and the FARAD Digest in the JAVMA. In trade matters, FARAD assists by maintaining databanks of foreign drug approvals.
Administered through the Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, the program operates from three locations—North Carolina State University, Raleigh; the University of California-Davis; and the University of Florida, Gainesville.
With funds granted year to year since FARAD was created in 1982, funding has been an ongoing crusade. In 2007, Congress did not fund the program at all, resulting in a suspension of interactive services beginning May 15, with the database preserved.
Recently, CSREES and the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine shifted some funds on a short-term basis to keep FARAD going through this June.
The AVMA has been actively advocating for permanent multiyear funding of $2.5 million per year for FARAD. The Senate version of the 2007 Farm Bill includes language authorizing that amount for fiscal years 2008-2012. The House version, however, does not address FARAD. At press time, the two versions of the bill were headed for a conference committee to reconcile their differences. Even if the FARAD provision is retained, appropriation of the funds is not guaranteed.
North Carolina Rep. David Price, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is a longtime champion of FARAD. The congressman inserted language in another piece of legislation, the FY 2008 Agricultural Appropriations bill, to direct the secretary of agriculture to find a permanent solution to FARAD funding. That bill was signed into law by President Bush on Dec. 26, 2007, as part of the FY 2008 omnibus appropriations bill.
The provision states the following:
“Food safety.—The Committee recognizes the contributions that the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) has made toward ensuring the security of the nation's food supply. The Committee is concerned that, although USDA is fully aware of the public reliance on the database and its importance in maintaining food safety, it has continued to rely on Congress to earmark funds for the initiative, neither requesting funding in its annual budget submission nor providing another source for this information, which relates directly to the department's core mission. The Committee directs USDA to report to the Committee on Appropriations in the House and Senate within 45 days of enactment on its long-term plans to maintain the critical function that FARAD has provided in protecting the U.S. livestock industry from accidental or deliberate contamination.”
Report summarizes new state laws and regulations in 2007
State governments adopted or considered a variety of measures during 2007 in areas that affect veterinarians—such as animal cruelty, mandatory spay/neuter, and loan repayment.
The AVMA recently released a year-end summary of the new state laws, regulations, and court decisions relevant to the veterinary profession. The report also extends to measures that came under consideration or are still pending.
In 2007, the AVMA's electronic tracking system identified more than 4,400 state bills and regulations of interest to veterinarians. The AVMA Department of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs distributed 1,390 alerts to state veterinary medical associations. The department responded to 83 requests for research.
States continued to increase penalties for animal cruelty, with 43 states now providing felony penalties. New Mexico and Louisiana became the last states to ban cockfighting. Four states passed laws allowing the inclusion of family pets in orders of protection, while North Dakota joined the growing list of states allowing pet trusts.
Six more states adopted language in 2007 that restricts dog tethering. The AVMA is not aware of any states enacting breed-specific legislation, but several states adopted bills requiring microchip identification of dangerous dogs.
Colorado now requires veterinarians to report instances of animal cruelty and fighting, while North Dakota passed legislation directing veterinarians to report the possibility of child abuse that they suspect from information they receive in a professional capacity. North Carolina and Oregon adopted immunity for veterinarians reporting animal cruelty.
California experienced an emotional battle on the issue of spay/neuter for dogs and cats. The legislature shelved a bill calling for mandatory sterilization, but legislators may introduce a narrower version this year that addresses irresponsible owners.
Maine will have new voluntary humane handling and slaughter standards for livestock, while Oregon will prohibit stalls for housing pregnant sows starting in 2012. California is bracing for a ballot initiative in 2008 on confinement of pigs, calves, and hens on farms.
The legislative aftermath of Hurricane Katrina continued in 2007, with eight more states adopting legislation enabling the rescue of domestic or service animals during a disaster. Three states passed legislation authorizing veterinarians to provide volunteer services during disasters.
The authority of massage therapists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and equine dental technicians to treat animals is still a major issue for state legislators and regulatory bodies. States adopted or considered a number of new rules to govern animal treatment by such nonveterinarians.
North Dakota established a loan repayment program for large animal veterinarians to help address workforce shortages in rural areas, while Missouri is expanding a similar loan repayment program. In the future, more states may offer loan repayment in response to rural and public health shortages.
The year-end report also addresses state measures on several other topics— such as animal identification, horse slaughter, and pharmaceuticals. The summary concludes with a preview of bills that legislators have pre-filed for 2008.
The report is available at www.avma.org by clicking on State under Advocacy and then clicking on State legislative updates.
NCVEI offers tools to aid communications, teaching hospitals
Two new learning resources from the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues will allow veterinarians to hone communication skills and veterinary teaching hospitals to compare practice management and economic data.
During the North American Veterinary Conference, the NCVEI introduced a series of online lessons covering communications for veterinarians and veterinary staff.
Dr. Lawrence E. Heider, who serves as NCVEI interim chief executive officer, said the commission always has aimed to promote nontechnical skills and knowledge that can help veterinarians succeed in business.
“How we communicate determines, to a great degree, our success or failure,” Dr. Heider said, in an interview before the NAVC.
The AVMA has sponsored the NCVEI communications tools. The commission developed the new online lessons largely in consultation with experts in the communications field, including from the University of Cincinnati.
The initial stage of the communications project featured a Web survey for assessing communication style. The latest release includes five lessons that will provide an overview of basic communications concepts along with information about empathy, openended questioning, reflective listening, and nonverbal communication. Videos show examples of communication and miscommunication at a veterinary clinic.
Kerric Tratt, an NCVEI consultant, said the plan is to make the communications lessons more interactive in the future. He hopes to add an assessment of knowledge, for example, and links to other communications training programs.
The NCVEI also is developing a new area of its Web site for veterinary teaching hospitals. The commission hopes to launch benchmarking tools for teaching hospitals during the meeting of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges in mid-March.
Dr. Heider said the tools have met with enthusiasm from hospital directors and chairs of clinical science departments. He said, “The purpose is to provide information on best business practices and to allow teaching hospital administrators to compare how they're doing with others and some benchmark standards.”
Bill Cummings, another NCVEI consultant, said the hospital benchmarking tools will be somewhat similar to existing Web tools that allow private practices to compare their economic data with averages and from year to year. The new tools will ask questions specific to teaching hospitals, though.
While comparison data for hospital economics are already available, existing data don't adjust for college size or adhere to a standard format. The NCVEI plans to finish the new benchmarking tools before creating an online repository that will allow hospitals to share best business practices.
More than 14,000 practices, representing nearly 39,000 veterinarians, had taken advantage of NCVEI Web resources by the end of 2007. The most popular tools allow veterinarians to evaluate fees and salaries. Resources are available for veterinarians by species focus—companion animals, horses, beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, small ruminants, and mixed animal practice—and for support staff. The tools are free to AVMA members and members of the American Animal Hospital Association.
The NCVEI's first chairman, Dr. James E. Nave, and the commission's former and founding CEO, Howard Rubin, received recognition during the recent AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference. Dr. Heider served as NCVEI chairman briefly, before the commission's board elected Dr. Ralph Richardson as the new chairman. The search committee for a new CEO began reviewing resumes Jan. 15.
The NCVEI has been collecting economic data for 2007 since the beginning of this year. The Web site is www.ncvei.org .
–KATIE BURNS
GHLIT announces expansion of network to include Mayo providers
Aetna Signature Administrators, the preferred provider organization for the AVMA Group Health & Life Insurance Trust, has expanded its network to include the Mayo Clinic Rochester and Mayo Health System.
“This expansion of the ASA PPO network serves to increase member choice and improve hospital and physician access for our participants by providing them with in-network coverage for care by one of the premier health care organizations in the world,” said Dr. Gary Holfinger, GHLIT chair. “It further demonstrates the exceptional network, programs, and health care services provided by ASA to support the evolving needs of Trust participants.”
The Mayo Clinic and Mayo Health System providers have locations in various cities and states. Their addition to the ASA network took effect Jan. 1 and expands access to services in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin—including areas around Eau Claire, Wis. The agreement also includes the Mayo Behavioral Health providers.
Personal health records create a picture of health
Ensuring that vital medical information is available when and where it is needed
Many veterinarians encourage their clients to maintain copies of veterinary records to ensure that animals receive appropriate care if they must be seen by someone else. The AVMA even recommends keeping copies of veterinary records as part of its family disaster preparedness planning guide.
It is advice that veterinarians should apply to their personal health records, as demonstrated by two recent cases reported in the Markle Foundation's Weekly Digest.
In the first, a California woman traveling on business in Philadelphia developed a severe pain in her abdomen and went to the emergency room. Results of a battery of cardiac tests were normal, so she requested copies of the reports and took them to her regular doctor. Wasting no time repeating tests already performed in Philadelphia, he instead ordered an ultrasound and CT scan. A malignant kidney tumor was found and surgically removed before the cancer could spread.
In the second case, an elderly woman with a history of heart disease complained of light-headedness. The woman's daughter printed out her mother's personal health record and gave it to the emergency room physician, who was then able to base treatment decisions on a detailed medical history, including information from the patient's most recent visit to her cardiologist.
Selecting a secure PHR
A personal health record, which is a comprehensive profile of an individual's health status, offers many benefits. A PHR can save time and money by reducing or eliminating the need for duplicate procedures and processes—such as repeated laboratory tests and radiographs—and by tracking insurance claims, deductibles, and benefits. A PHR can also facilitate health management by reminding patients about specific care instructions; providing detailed information on prescription medications, allergies, and vaccinations; and tracking appointments and progress toward specific health-related goals such as fitness or weight loss.
Personal health records can be as simple as paper files or as elaborate as computer programs and online services. Electronic formats are the most popular, as they are more efficient than paper, highly portable, and accessible from any computer. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to privacy and security breeches, which can result in unauthorized access to sensitive health data and even identity theft.
That is why it is critical that the selection process for an electronic PHR start with a close examination of the vendor's privacy and security policies, as well as the ability of the user to control access to the information in the PHR. It is also important to know the sources of data that are stored in the PHR—such as medical records from physicians, insurance claims data, or patient-provided information—and what rights those sources have over the information they provide.
A PHR “can become the richest, most detailed source of information about all things that affect your health, so there is absolutely no logic at all for anyone but the patient to control what goes in it and with whom it is shared,” said Deborah Peel, MD, founder of the Patient Privacy Rights Foundation, a national watchdog organization for consumer health privacy.
Dr. Peel points to HealthVault, a free online service from Microsoft Corp., as an example of a PHR provider that has “set the absolute highest privacy bar in the industry.”
In addition to letting patients control who can access the information saved within HealthVault, as well as for how long and to what extent, Microsoft prohibits the use of that data for any commercial purposes by anyone, even those to whom the patient has granted access.
The American Health Information Management Association, which launched www.myphr.com as an information source on PHRs, and the American Medical Informatics Association jointly issued basic principles for PHR adoption to guide the selection process. One principle is that people should have control over how their PHR information is accessed, used, and disclosed, and that all secondary uses of data must be disclosed to the consumer, with an option to opt out, except as required by law.
Further, PHR products should meet security criteria consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and PHR providers must be accountable for unauthorized use or disclosure of personal health information, including immediate notification of any breeches that could lead to disclosure of information.
What to include
Once a PHR format is selected, it must be populated with enough information to maximize its potential to aid consumers in taking a proactive role in the management of their health care. The AHIMA recommends that all PHRs contain information about personal identification, emergency contacts, and contacts for all health care and health insurance providers, as well as the following:
• Notable illnesses and surgical procedures, including dates
• Current medications and dosages
• Vaccinations, including dates
• Allergies or sensitivities to drugs or other materials, such as latex
• Important events, dates, and hereditary conditions
• Results from a recent physical examination
• Opinions of specialists
• Important test results, including ophthalmology/optometric and dental records
• Correspondence between patient and providers
All PHRs should also include information on living wills, advance directives, medical power of attorney, organ donor authorization, and any other health-related information the patient wants to track—such as exercise regimens, herbal medications taken, or counseling received.
Taking control
Once it is populated with information, the PHR should be updated with every new health event. Also, while a trusted caregiver should know where the PHR is, access should be strictly limited.
The work involved in selecting and maintaining a PHR is worth the effort. A PHR empowers patients and gives them “more intimate knowledge of [their] health information, including an active role in preventive care and care management,” notes AHIMA on www.myphr.com .
–PREPARED BY THE AVMA GROUP HEALTH AND
LIFE INSURANCE TRUST
Correction:
A phrase was mistakenly repeated in an AVMA policy reported in the Jan. 1, 2008, JAVMA News (pages 16-17). As reported, the Executive Board had approved a revised policy on “Use of Random-Source Dogs and Cats for Research, Testing, and Education.” The policy had been revised to ensure consistency with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act and with local and state laws governing acquisition and use of animals for such purposes.
Correctly stated, the revised policy reads as follows:
USE OF RANDOMSOURCE DOGS AND CATS FOR RESEARCH, TESTING, AND EDUCATION
The carefully controlled use of random-source dogs and cats contributes greatly to improving the health and welfare of both animals and human beings. Therefore, the AVMA believes there is ample justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, provided that:
• The institution conducting such research, testing, or education has met all legal requirements and guidelines pertaining to the acquisition, care, and use of dogs and cats for these purposes;
• The investigators have thoughtfully examined the need for such dogs and cats, appropriately justified the use of the species, and carefully determined the minimum number required to meet the needs of the protocol;
• Adequate safeguards are used to ensure that only appropriately screened dogs and cats are obtained legally; and
• Preventive measures are taken to optimize the health of dogs and cats used in research, testing, and education.
AVMF to sponsor disaster training
Because of the frequency and unpredictability of natural disasters, emergency medical training is a key component of veterinary education. That is why the American Veterinary Medical Foundation will begin sponsoring disaster-related training sessions this year.
AVMF will sponsor state, regional, or national training sessions aimed at preparing veterinarians to care for animals before, during, and after a disaster. Up to $5,000 is available per session.
An organization may apply for sponsorship of one training session per year. A total of five sessions may be sponsored in 2008, depending on application merit and availability of funds.
For application information, visit www.avmf.org, or contact Monique Buonincontro, AVMF grants coordinator, at (800) 2482862, Ext. 6691; or e-mail her at mbuonincontro@avma.org.
New swine flu subtype has avian flu genes
Researchers have identified a new strain of swine influenza, H2N3, which belongs to the group of H2 influenza viruses that last infected humans during the 1957 pandemic. This new strain has a molecular twist—it is composed of avian and swine influenza genes.
Agricultural Research Service veterinarians, Drs. Juergen Richt, Amy Vincent, Kelly Lager, and Phillip Gauger, conducted this research with Iowa State University visiting scientist Wenjun Ma; ISU veterinary pathologist, Dr. Bruce Janke; and other colleagues at the University of Minnesota and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The ARS veterinarians work at the agency's National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa.
The research team studied an unknown pathogen that infected two groups of pigs at separate production facilities in 2006. Both groups used water obtained from ponds frequented by migrating waterfowl.
Molecular studies indicated the pathogen was an H2N3 influenza virus that is closely related to an H2N3 strain found in mallard ducks. This was the first time it was observed in mammals.
Influenza viruses have eight gene segments, all of which can be swapped between various virus strains. Two of these gene segments code for virus surface proteins that help determine whether an influenza virus is able to infect a specific host and start replicating—the first step in the onset of influenza infection.
In the newly isolated swine H2N3, the avian H2 and N3 gene segments mixed with gene segments from common swine influenza viruses. This exchange and additional mutations gave the H2N3 viruses the ability to infect swine. Laboratory tests confirmed that this strain of H2N3 could also infect mice and ferrets.
The findings provide further evidence that swine have the potential to serve as a “mixing vessel” for influenza viruses carried by birds, pigs, and humans. They also support the need to continue monitoring swine and livestock workers for H2-subtype viruses and other influenza strains that might someday threaten swine and human health.
Results of this study were published Dec. 26, 2007 (Vol. 194, No. 52), in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
Veterinary behavior society announces position on punishment
In response to the popularity of television shows such as “The Dog Whisperer,” the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has issued a position statement and guidelines on the use of punishment for dealing with behavior problems in animals.
The guidelines clarify that while punishment can be effective in specific contexts, it also has an association with many adverse effects.
“A major problem with using punishment is that it suppresses behavior temporarily but does not necessarily modify the underlying cause of the behavior,” said Dr. John Ciribassi, AVSAB president. Also, punishment may interfere with the human-animal bond. Owners tend to punish pets inconsistently and as a consequence of anger, so punishment may occur long after the bad behavior and may be intense. Dr. Ciribassi said, “We can have a problem with the pet not trusting the owner because it is unable to consistently anticipate what the owner is going to do in any given situation.”
The pitfalls and possible adverse effects of punishment include the following:
• Timing punishment correctly is difficult
• Punishment can strengthen the undesirable behavior.
• The punishment must be strong enough to be effective, but intense punishment can lead to physical harm.
• Regardless of the strength, punishment can cause some animals to become extremely fearful, and this fear can generalize to other contexts.
• Punishment can facilitate or even cause aggressive behavior.
• Punishment can suppress behaviors, including those behaviors that warn of aggression.
• Punishment can teach the animal to associate the owners, other animals, specific contexts, or environments with bad experiences.
• Punishment often does not address the underlying cause of behaviors or teach alternate behaviors.
The AVSAB's position is that punishment is not appropriate as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems. Modification should focus on reinforcing desirable behaviors, removing reinforcement for inappropriate behaviors, and addressing the emotional state and environmental conditions driving undesirable behavior.
The AVSAB position statement and guidelines are available at www.avsabonline.org .
New Diplomates: American Board of Veterinary Practitioners
The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners certified 38 new diplomates following the board certification examination it held in November 2007.
New diplomates are as follows:
Avian Practice—Drs. Kimberlee Buck, Birch Run, Mich.; Todd Cecil, San Diego; Len Donato, Wayne, Pa.; Ady Gancz, Jerusalem; Marcy Souza, Knoxville, Tenn.; Niklos Weber, Magalia, Calif.; and Nicole Wyre, Philadelphia. Beef Cattle Practice—Drs. Andrew Acton, Ogema, Saskatchewan, Canada; and Robert Sager, Wilsall, Mont. Canine/Feline Practice—Drs. Douglas Casey, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Gina Davis-Wurzler, Davis, Calif.; Diana Eubanks, Mississippi State, Miss.; Julie Fixman, Holmes, N.Y.; Susan Gogolski, Austin, Texas; Jeffrey Horner, Orange, Calif.; Edward Javinsky, Nepean, Ontario, Canada; Tracey Jensen, Wellington, Colo.; Lynn Lawitzke, Lake Wells, Fla.; Ed Loebach, Vancouver, Wash.; Julie MacClinchy, Kennebunk, Maine; Robert Mayo, Mountlake Terrace, Wash.; Heide Meier, Sun Prairie, Wis.; Jennifer Peters, Ripley, Okla.; Kamm Prongay, Portland, Ore.; F. Kelley Ray, Edmond, Okla.; Lara Sypneiwski, Sahumia, Ariz.; Francisek von Esse, Paoli, Pa.; and Nancy Zimmerman, Portland, Ore. Dairy Practice—Drs. Myassar Alekish, Irbid, Jordan; and Wendela Wapenaar, Shropshire, United Kingdom. Equine Practice—Drs. Keith Berkeley, Ranson, W.Va.; Bettina Bobsien, Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada; Hunter Lewis, Folsom, La.; Susan Mende, Lothian, Md.; Mark Reilly, Plympton, Mass.; and Michael Thome, Carson City, Mich. Feline Practice—Dr. Rachel Addleman, Houston. Food Animal Practice—Dr. Thomas Hairgrove, Haskell, Texas.
The following 26 diplomates were recertified in 2007: Avian Practice—Dr. Henry Wietsma, North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Canine/ Feline Practice—Drs. Christopher Burwell, Canterbury, N.H.; Elaine Caplan, Austin, Texas; Daniel Cardosa, West Greenwich, Rhode Island; Eric Chafetz, Vienna, Va.; Allan Corber, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Elaine Felton, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Thomas Holbrook, Southlake, Texas; Ruth Jones, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Bruce Kerns, Shelton, Conn.; Elizabeth King, McKinney, Texas; Ronald Kipnis, Lombard, Ill.; Robert Koch, Phoenix; Timothy Lassett, Tampa, Fla.; John Lewis, Cabot, Ark.; Lester Mandelker, Largo, Fla.; Susan McLellan, Delhi, N.Y.; William Olkowski, Fishersville, Va.; Greg Piske, Newport News, Va.; Warren Sakamoto, Long Beach, Calif.; Jeffrey Schuett, Pewaukee, Wis.; Michael Sozanski, Albany, Calif.; and James Vance, Merritt Island, Fla.; Equine Practice—Drs. Luis Colon, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico; and Richard Forfa, Dickerson, Md. Feline Practice—Dr. Nancy Vollmar, Federal Way, Va.
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists certified four new diplomates following the board certification examination it held Oct. 13-14, 2007, in Saint Paul, Minn.
Drs. Jeannine Berger, Davis, Calif.; E'Lise Christenson, New York; Lori Gaskin, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Karen Sueda, Los Angeles, have been accepted as new ACVB diplomates.
Assemblies: American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Event: Annual meeting, Oct. 22-27, Kona, Hawaii
Awards: Resident's Award, sponsored by Merck Research Laboratories: Best basic science paper—Dr. Bianca Bauer, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, for “Nucleotide sequencing for the mitochondrial transcription factor A gene (Tfam) in Miniature Schnauzer dogs affected with inherited retinal dysplasia and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous”; Best clinical paper—Dr. Christine Lim, Davis, Calif., for “Effects on tear film dynamics of experimental feline herpesvirus infection”; Best clinical poster—Dr. Martin Coster, West Lafayette, Ind., for “Reference values for ophthalmic diagnostic tests, comparison of tear test methods, and conjunctival flora and cytology in the healthy guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)”; Best research poster—Dr. Shannon Boveland, Athens, Ga., for “Immunohistochemical detection and the correlations between matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and9, macrophage inflammatory protein -2 (MIP-2), and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (timp)-1 and -2 in equine fungal keratitis.”
Dr. Cynthia Wheeler Memorial Award, sponsored by I-Med Pharma Inc.: Dr. Laura Barnes, Columbia, Mo., for “The effect of photodynamic therapy on squamous cell carcinoma in a murine model: An evaluation of time between intralesional injection to laser irradiation.” Special Award: Dr. Kirk Gelatt, Gainesville, Fla. Dr. Gelatt was honored for his 10 years of service as editor of Veterinary Ophthalmology.
New Diplomates: Drs. Mark Bobofchak, Akron, Ohio; Sara Calvarese, Las Vegas; Renee Carter, Baton Rouge, La.; Kelly Caruso, Alexandria, Va.; Alison Clode, Raleigh, N.C.; Anne Cook, Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Doug Esson, Upland, Calif.; Janet Isherwood, Baltimore; Maria Kallberg, Gainesville, Fla.; Matthew Landry, Ithaca, N.Y.; Heather Low, Garden City, Idaho; Danielle Paglia, Sacramento, Calif.; Amy Pauli, Minneapolis; Jacqueline Pearce, Columbia, Mo.; Jamie Schorling, San Diego; Nicole Scotty, Saint Paul, Minn.; and Erica Tolar, Simpsonville, Ky.
Officials: Drs. Bob Munger, Dallas, president; Cynthia Powell, Fort Collins, Colo., president-elect; Cynthia Cook, San Carlos, Calif., vice president; Steve Dugan, Denver, secretary-treasurer; and Erin Champagne, Buffalo, N.Y., immediate past president
New Mexico VMA
Dr. Lawrence Young
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 232, 4; 10.2460/javma.232.4.488
Event: Annual meeting, Nov. 12, Santa Fe
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Paul J. Malin, Albuquerque. A 1977 graduate of The Royal Veterinary College, Dr. Malin owns Albuquerque Veterinary Housecall Practice. Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Edward J. Fallen, Albuquerque. A 1983 graduate of Colorado State University, Dr. Fallen owns the Large Animal Clinic in Albuquerque.
Officials: Drs. Lawrence Young, Artesia, president; Linda Locklar, Silver City, president-elect; Timothy “Murt” Byrne, Santa Fe, treasurer; and Michael Tomasic, Santa Fe, immediate past president
Joint Pathology Meetings
Dr. John Cullen
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 232, 4; 10.2460/javma.232.4.488
Event: American College of Veterinary Pathologists, American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology, joint annual meetings, Nov. 10-14, 2007, Savannah, Ga.
Dr. Holly Jordan
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 232, 4; 10.2460/javma.232.4.488
Dr. Mary Anna Thrall
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 232, 4; 10.2460/javma.232.4.488
Program: The ACVP program included premeeting symposia, a joint plenary session, specialty group sessions, and an emerging disease focus seminar. The ASVCP held a premeeting workshop, an education symposium, a teaching forum, and clinical pathology scientific sessions.
American College of Veterinary Pathologists Awards: Young Investigator Award, category of diagnostic pathology, First place: S. White-Hunt, University of Connecticut, for “Perianal squamous cell carcinoma in three genetically related pygmy goats”; Second place: R. Johnson, Purdue University, for “Genomic identification of Bartonella henselaein an aborted equine fetus”; Third place: I.L. Bergin, Michigan State University, for “Intersex in a domestic short-haired cat with mosaic karyotype 38, XX/39, XXY.” Category of toxicologic pathology, First place: D. Caudell, National Institutes for Health and University of Maryland, for ”The CALM-F10 fusion gene expressed in transgenic mice leads to Hoxa cluster overexpression and acute leukemia”; Second place: J. Lucas, Purdue University, for “Time course comparison of LY504132 and DHT on proliferation and apoptosis in the female F344 rat mammary gland”; Third place: K.R. Hobbie, North Carolina State University and United States Environmental Protection Agency, for “Mechanisms of DMN-induced hepatic neoplasia in the F344 rat versus the medaka fish.” Category of natural disease, First place: R. Sura, University of Connecticut, for “Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) induced acute necrotizing pneumonia in cats”; Second place: P. Mouser, Purdue University, for “Spontaneous canine intraepithelial mammary gland lesions as a model for human breast preneoplasia”; Third place: T. Southard, Johns Hopkins University, for “Vestibular syndrome due to brainstem infarction in Swiss mice.” Category of experimental disease, First place: S.L. Fossey, The Ohio State University, for “Investigating the role of STAT3 activation in human and canine osteosarcoma”; Second place: J. R. Powe, University of Florida, for “Canine influenza virus replicates in canine alveolar macrophages and induces TNFalpha expression”; Third place: G. L. Beamer, The Ohio State University, for “Decreased CCL5 correlates with heightened susceptibility to mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, delated T cell trafficking to the lungs, and poorly organized granulomas in vivo.” Christopher T. Starost Memorial Oncology Scholarship, First place: S.L. Fossey, The Ohio State University, for “Investigating the role of STAT3 activation in human and canine osteosarcoma”; Second place: Melissa Schutten, University of Wisconsin-Madison, for “A transgenic mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.” Student Poster Awards—Experimental pathology: A. McCalla-Martin, North Carolina State University, for “P19 Arf expression in transient vasculature systems”; Clinical pathology: D.G. Garneau, Texas A&M University, for “BVDV2–induced hypomyelinogenesis in a longhorn calf.” Society of Toxicologic Pathology Student Speaker Award: T.Y. Lin, The Ohio State University, for “The novel HSP90 inhibitor STA9090 exhibits activity against Kit dependent and independent malignant canine mast cell tumors.” ACVP/ AAVLD Diagnostic Travel Award: A. Rodrigues, Texas A&M University, for “Central nervous system pathology of naturally occurring Trypanosoma evansi infection in horses.” Harold W. Casey Memorial Scholarship: Dr. Matthew Buccellato, The Ohio State University. Distinguished and honorary members: The ACVP elected Dr. Paul Newberne, Bedford, Mass., as a distinguished member, and Dr. Walter Hoffmann, Urbana, Ill., as an honorary member. Dr. Samuel Thompson, Gurnee, Ill., received an Outstanding Achievement Award for his contributions to the specialty of veterinary pathology through the establishment and management of the Charles Louis Davis DVM Foundation.
New diplomates: The ACVP recognized 84 new diplomates on successful completion of the certifying examination in Ames, Iowa, Sept. 26-28, 2007. Certified as veterinary anatomic pathologists were Drs. Jeffrey R. Abbott, Gainesville, Fla.; Arlen V. Avakian, Weston, Mass.; Shawn J. Berens, Pullman, Wash.; Ammon W. Brown, Savage, Md.; David V. Calise, College Station, Texas; Laura R. Carter, Sterling, Va.; Timothy K. Cooper, Littlestown, Pa.; Lisa M. Crofton, Luray, Va.; Melissa Czajkowski, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Clifton P. Drew, West Sacramento, Calif.; Rachel E. Geisel, Warwick, Queensland, Australia; Gopakumar Gopalakrishnan, Ashland, Ohio; Solomon Haile, Pincourt, Quebec, Canada; Gary Haldorson, Pullman, Wash.; Schantel A. Hayes, Rockville, Md.; Kathleen HeinzTaheny, Champaign, Ill.; Denise M. Imai, Davis, Calif.; Tomislav Jelesijevic, Athens, Ga.; Shannon L. Johnson, Beaconsfield, Quebec, Canada; Katherine A.B. Knostman, Columbus, Ohio; Keiichi Kuroki, Columbia, Mo.; Victoria A. Laast, Ashburn, Va.; Timothy P. LaBranche, University City, Mo.; Kevin K. Lahmers, Pullman, Wash.; Catherine G. Lamm, Stillwater, Okla.; Isabelle Lanthier, Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada; Richard Luong, Palo Alto, Calif.; Christy A. McKnight, Portage, Mich.; Alexander D. McLachlan, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Timothy W. Morgan, Baton Rouge, La.; Kathleen B. Muravnick, Berlin, Conn.; Brian Murphy, Pullman, Wash.; Sanjeev K. Narayanan, Manhattan, Kan.; Keith G. Nelson, Kalamazoo, Mich.; Michael A. Owston. Lafayette, Ind.; Christopher Premanandan, Columbus, Ohio; Teena L. Price, Davis, Calif.; Rose S. Ranck, Raleigh, N.C.; Lorna Rasmussen, Vermont South, Victoria, Australia; Danielle R. Reel, Knoxville, Tenn.; Christopher M. Reilly, Sutton, Mass.; Carlos E. Rodriguez Alfonzo, Bronx, N.Y.; Cheryl Sangster, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Tiffany Scanlon, Parkville, Md.; Carl I. Shaia, Olney, Md.; Heather R. Shive, Washington, D.C.; Heather A. Simmons, Middleton, Wis.; Quincey R. Simmons, Jamaica Plain, Mass.; Bhanu P. Singh, Morrisville, N.C.; Rebecca C. Smedley, Lansing, Mich.; Lauren M. Staska, Richland, Wash.; William C. Stoffregen, Lake Elmo, Minn.; James A. Trybus, Amarillo, Texas; Vimala Vemireddi, West Lafayette, Ind.; Nobuko Wakamatsu, Baton Rouge, La.; Shannon M. Wallace, Burnesville, Md.; Jennifer G. Ward, Gainesville, Fla.; Mary T. Wight-Carter, Leonardville, Kan.; Bruce K. Wobeser, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Jennifer H. Yearley, Hudson, Mass.; and Stephen Yeomans, Glenside, South Australia, Australia.
Certified as veterinary clinical pathologists were Drs. Adam Aulbach, Mattawan, Mich.; Elmarie Bodes, Siler City, N.C.; Hilary J. Burgess, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Peter W. Christopherson, Auburn University, Ala.; Elizabeth A. Cienava, Atlanta; Susan Fielder, Stillwater, Okla.; Heather Flaherty, Ames, Iowa; Valerie Guilpin Barlow, Malvern, Pa.; Rebekah G. Gunn, Cary, N.C.; Jenifer A. Hill, Noranda, Western Australia, Australia; Tara A. Holmberg, Langley, British Columbia, Canada; Teita Ishizaki, Mabelvale, Ariz.; Jennifer L. Johns, Davis, Calif.; Kurt V. Kreutzer, Columbia, Mo.; Michael R. Logan, West Lafayette, Ind.; Jed A. Overmann, Saint Paul, Minn.; Lisa M. Pohlman, Auburn, Ala.; Roger M. Powell, Hitchin, Herts, United Kingdom; Dawn Seddon, Waikato, New Zealand; Connie K. Stevenson, Mukiteo, Wash.; and Nicole M. Weinstein, Philadelphia. Drs. Shawn P. Clark, Evansville, Ind., and Amy L. Warren, Ithaca, N.Y., received dual certification in veterinary anatomic and clinical pathology.
Officials: Drs. Mary Anna Thrall, Fort Collins, Colo., president; John Cullen, Raleigh, N.C., vice president/president-elect; Derek Mosier, Manhattan, Kan., secretary-treasurer; and Paul Stromberg, Columbus, Ohio, immediate past president
American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Awards: Young Investigator Award: T.Y. Lin, The Ohio State University, for “Phenotypic and functional characterization of canine bone marrow derived cultured mast cells.”
Officials: Drs. Christine Olver, Fort Collins, Colo., president; Holly Jordan, Research Triangle Park, N.C., president-elect; Karen Russell, College Station, Texas, secretary; Sonjia M. Shelly, West Sacramento, Calif., treasurer; and M. Judith Radin, Columbus, Ohio, immediate past president
AVMA Honor Roll Member AVMA Member
Roscoe K. Balch
Dr. Balch (WSU '47), 85, McKenna, Wash., died Oct. 18, 2007. Retired since 1999, he had been supervisor of poultry health at Wilcox Farms in Roy, Wash. Dr. Balch began his career as an avian pathologist at the Washington State University Western Washington Experiment Station Veterinary Laboratory in Puyallup. In 1965, he joined Heisdorf-Nelson Farms in Redmond, Wash. Dr. Balch moved to Wilcox Farms in 1977.
He was a veteran of the Air Force, establishing and supervising the Far East Air Force Sentry Dog Training Program. Dr. Balch's wife, Goldie, and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164; or American Heart Association, 710 2nd Ave., Suite 900, Seattle, WA 98104.
Ralph R. Buoncristiani
Dr. Buoncristiani (CAL '55), 82, Granada Hills, Calif., died Oct. 23, 2007. A member of the San Fernando Valley VMA, he practiced small animal medicine in Mission Hills, Calif., until 1982. Later in his career, Dr. Buoncristiani served on the California State Board of Accountancy and the board of directors of Cathay Bancorp.
He was a veteran of the Army. Dr. Buoncristiani's three daughters and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to Hope University, c/o Jan Reyes, P.O. Box 8495, Anaheim, CA 92812.
Lewis R. Diamond
Dr. Diamond (AUB '40), 91, Valley Stream, N.Y., died June 22, 2007.
Ralph N. Estensen
Dr. Estensen (ONT '67), 67, Abbottsford, British Columbia, Canada, died June 16, 2007. He practiced large animal medicine in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia for 40 years. Dr. Estensen was a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. His wife, Gail, and a son survive him.
William H. Herron
Dr. Herron (CAL '54), 79, Sonoma, Calif., died Oct. 25, 2007. Prior to retirement, he owned Norco Veterinary Hospital in Norco, Calif., for 33 years. Dr. Herron was a life member of the California and Orange Belt VMAs. He served as a sergeant in the Army from 1945-1948 and, later, as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve. Dr. Herron was a member of the board of directors of the Norco Community Service District, CoronaNorco Unified School District, and the Norco City Council. He was also a life member of the Norco Lions Club.
Dr. Herron's wife, Marion; a son; and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616.
Truman L. Hudson
Dr. Hudson (OKL '62), 72, Duncan, Okla., died Dec. 24, 2007. He practiced large animal medicine in Duncan for 45 years. Dr. Hudson also served as track veterinarian at Blue Ribbons Downs Racetrack in Sallisaw, Okla., for 19 years. He was one of three founders of the Stephens County Veterinary Students Scholarship Trust and a life member of the Oklahoma VMA.
Dr. Hudson's wife, Jean; two sons; and two daughters survive him. One of his sons and son-in-law, Drs. Michael P. Hudson (OKL '95) and Brad Howard (OKL '92), are veterinarians in Norman, Okla., and Tulsa, Okla., respectively. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Boys Ranch, Route 1, Box 999, Gore, OK 74435.
Ural K. Kiefer
Dr. Kiefer (COL '42), 86, Brighton, Colo., died Sept. 8, 2007. Retired since 2004, he owned a practice in Brighton for 48 years. During his career, Dr. Kiefer also worked for Badger Breeding in Wisconsin, helping with artificial insemination of dairy cows. Dr. Kiefer's two sons; a daughter; a stepdaughter; and a stepson survive him. Memorials may be made to the Tennyson Center for Children, 2950 Tennyson St., Denver, CO 80212; or Brighton United Methodist Church— Church Carpet Fund, 625 S. 8th Ave., Brighton, CO 80601.
Lionel W. Lindsey
Dr. Lindsey (COR '43), 90, Fort Myers Beach, Fla., died Sept. 13, 2007. During his career, he practiced small animal medicine.
Clarence H. Little
Dr. Little (GA '59), 82, Easton, Md., died Sept. 26, 2007. He was the co-founder of Tidewater Veterinary Hospital in Charlotte Hall, Md. During his career, Dr. Little also served as an associate professor at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. He was a board member of Rosecroft Raceway and a past president of the Maryland VMA.
Dr. Little served in the Navy during World War II in the European-AfricanMiddle East campaign and the Asiatic-Pacific theatre. His daughter and son survive him. Memorials may be made to The Ellice MacDonald Pipe & Drum Corps, c/o St. Andrews Society of the Eastern Shore, P.O. Box 1364, Easton, MD 21601.
Arch J. Murphy
Dr. Murphy (ISU '45), 83, Waverly, Iowa, died Sept. 19, 2007. Retired since 1997, he owned a practice in Waverly. Dr. Murphy was a member of the Iowa VMA. He served during World War II in the Army. Dr. Murphy was a past president of the Waverly Kiwanis Club. An avid golfer, he won several local championships and tournaments. Dr. Murphy is survived by two daughters and a stepdaughter.
Karen M. Vollmar
Dr. Vollmar (KSU '94), 40, Colorado Springs, Colo., died June 16, 2007. She owned Centennial Animal Hospital in Colorado Springs. Dr. Vollmar is survived by her husband, Brad, and a son.
