Sandy takes its toll
Responders anticipate long road ahead for recovery efforts
Two waterfront aquariums in the path of Sandy were so severely flooded that they remain closed indefinitely. Staff at the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium on Coney Island (pictured here) provided care to the fish, invertebrates, and mammals as generators provided temporary power to the 14-acre facility and life support systems were restored. Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., also relied on backup generators after the storm as staff sought assistance from zoos to help care for its animals. The WCS's four zoos—Bronx, Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens—did not experience serious damage. (Courtesy of Julie Larsen Maher/WCS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Two waterfront aquariums in the path of Sandy were so severely flooded that they remain closed indefinitely. Staff at the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium on Coney Island (pictured here) provided care to the fish, invertebrates, and mammals as generators provided temporary power to the 14-acre facility and life support systems were restored. Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., also relied on backup generators after the storm as staff sought assistance from zoos to help care for its animals. The WCS's four zoos—Bronx, Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens—did not experience serious damage. (Courtesy of Julie Larsen Maher/WCS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Two waterfront aquariums in the path of Sandy were so severely flooded that they remain closed indefinitely. Staff at the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium on Coney Island (pictured here) provided care to the fish, invertebrates, and mammals as generators provided temporary power to the 14-acre facility and life support systems were restored. Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., also relied on backup generators after the storm as staff sought assistance from zoos to help care for its animals. The WCS's four zoos—Bronx, Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens—did not experience serious damage. (Courtesy of Julie Larsen Maher/WCS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
A temporary shelter at the Jersey Shore in New Jersey houses pets while their owners stay at a nearby shelter. A number of shelters in the state co-locate humans and animals to reduce the number of people who refuse temporary housing because they do not want to leave their animals. All shelters in New York City co-locate as well. (Courtesy of New Jersey Department of Agriculture)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
A temporary shelter at the Jersey Shore in New Jersey houses pets while their owners stay at a nearby shelter. A number of shelters in the state co-locate humans and animals to reduce the number of people who refuse temporary housing because they do not want to leave their animals. All shelters in New York City co-locate as well. (Courtesy of New Jersey Department of Agriculture)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
A temporary shelter at the Jersey Shore in New Jersey houses pets while their owners stay at a nearby shelter. A number of shelters in the state co-locate humans and animals to reduce the number of people who refuse temporary housing because they do not want to leave their animals. All shelters in New York City co-locate as well. (Courtesy of New Jersey Department of Agriculture)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
A dog named Shaggy is handed from a National Guard truck to National Guard personnel after the dog and his owner left a flooded building Oct. 31 in Hoboken, N.J., in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Some residents and pets were being plucked from their homes by large trucks as parts of the city were still covered in standing water. (Photo by Associated Press/Craig Ruttle)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
A dog named Shaggy is handed from a National Guard truck to National Guard personnel after the dog and his owner left a flooded building Oct. 31 in Hoboken, N.J., in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Some residents and pets were being plucked from their homes by large trucks as parts of the city were still covered in standing water. (Photo by Associated Press/Craig Ruttle)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
A dog named Shaggy is handed from a National Guard truck to National Guard personnel after the dog and his owner left a flooded building Oct. 31 in Hoboken, N.J., in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Some residents and pets were being plucked from their homes by large trucks as parts of the city were still covered in standing water. (Photo by Associated Press/Craig Ruttle)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
By Malinda Larkin
From small animal practices to aquariums to dairy farms, Hurricane Sandy had a devastating impact on humans, animals, and the environment along the East Coast.
The hurricane—the largest Atlantic one on record—collided with other storm fronts to form a superstorm that brought severe weather to more than 24 U.S. states.
The associated high winds and torrential rain toppled trees and felled power lines, cutting off electrical power for millions of people, and caused more than 100 deaths.
Sandy made its U.S. landfall near Atlantic City, N.J., late Oct. 29. That state and New York were the most severely impacted.
About three-quarters of the veterinary clinics in New York City were located in evacuation zone A, meaning they were in low-lying areas, estimated Patricia Costello, administrator for the New York City Veterinary Emergency Response Team.
“Data is still coming in, but on the weekend of the storm many clinics were closed and had an effort to reopen, but only a few were closed for more than a few days. Facility damage was less the issue than the ability for staff to come in to make seeing appointments feasible,” she said.
A house in Union Beach, N.J., barely stands after Hurricane Sandy. Coastal areas, particularly in New Jersey and New York, were hard-hit by high winds and flooding from the storm surge. Livestock did not have to be evaculated, but New Jersey's dairy farms had issues with power outages and water shortages. (Courtesy of HSUS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
A house in Union Beach, N.J., barely stands after Hurricane Sandy. Coastal areas, particularly in New Jersey and New York, were hard-hit by high winds and flooding from the storm surge. Livestock did not have to be evaculated, but New Jersey's dairy farms had issues with power outages and water shortages. (Courtesy of HSUS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
A house in Union Beach, N.J., barely stands after Hurricane Sandy. Coastal areas, particularly in New Jersey and New York, were hard-hit by high winds and flooding from the storm surge. Livestock did not have to be evaculated, but New Jersey's dairy farms had issues with power outages and water shortages. (Courtesy of HSUS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Ninety percent of the Rockaway Peninsula, which includes Belle Harbor, had flooded, said Dr. John Charos, chief operating officer of Central Veterinary Associates.
He recalls driving through the peninsula once the water had receded and seeing a handful of dogs in the streets and a few others that had drowned.
“There are people who've lost homes. The lucky ones are in hotels. Others are in homes that have been basically trashed by salt water mixed with sewage. They have no heat,” he said.
Central Veterinary Associates is a network of seven animal health centers in the New York City area. Only two offices had power as of Nov. 7. CVA's Far Rockaway clinic took on more than 4 feet of water, and the Belle Harbor location took on 8 feet. The former reopened Nov. 7 with the help of a generator. On the first day, about 30 people stopped by for donated pet food and help for their animals, Dr. Charos said.
Another heavily hit area was Staten Island, where the Veterinary Emergency Center is located. Owner Dr. John F. Sangiorgio said Nov. 2, “We're the only place (on the island) with everything running. There's no damage to where we are. We're very lucky.”
Dr. Sangiorgio and his staff were taking care of animals at two evacuation shelters: one at Michael J. Petrides School, which had 110 animals as of Nov. 2, and another at Susan E. Wagner High School, which had 50.
Most animals had signs of anxiety, and his staff gave tranquilizers to quite a few.
“I've not seen anything like this,” he said. “And we've been involved with other emergencies. Two doctors here worked at the World Trade Center during 9/11.”
Cooperation in the aftermath
Drs. Charos and Sangiorgio volunteer with the NYC VERT, which is part of the NYC Office of Emergency Management Animal Planning Task Force.
The task force is a coalition of organizations that handle specific duties during disasters.
Among the members, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is responsible for providing shelters and shelter supplies during this evacuation. The ASPCA also is taking the lead with regard to large-scale, long-term shelter needs. Then there's Animal Care & Control of New York City, which is responsible for field rescue, emergency sheltering, and reunification. The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals is tasked with providing supplemental sheltering and some transportation of pets. The Humane Society of the United States has been contributing resources and administrative support during this evacuation.
Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team, responder Rowdy Shaw assists in kenneling a 1-year-old dog that had been rescued from a second-floor apartment in Staten Island in New York City. The owners were staying at a local shelter and requested help. (Courtesy of HSUS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team, responder Rowdy Shaw assists in kenneling a 1-year-old dog that had been rescued from a second-floor apartment in Staten Island in New York City. The owners were staying at a local shelter and requested help. (Courtesy of HSUS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team, responder Rowdy Shaw assists in kenneling a 1-year-old dog that had been rescued from a second-floor apartment in Staten Island in New York City. The owners were staying at a local shelter and requested help. (Courtesy of HSUS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
NYC VERT, for its part, was being used for mitigation and resolution of all animal medical matters. The team has established a network of more than 150 veterinary clinics and about 200 additional veterinarians.
Costello, who acts as liaison and organizer for NYC VERT, said medical issues have mostly involved small lacerations, toxicoses associated with vomiting and diarrhea, stress and anxiety, skin irritation from exposure to contaminated water, and a couple of eye and ear incidents that, according to Costello, might have been caused by the storm or might have been pre-existing. “There's not a lot of medical need in this emergency, but it would be big distraction for other first responders if we weren't there, because we can tend to the animals,” Costello said.
One issue NYC VERT members have been addressing is preventing the spread of communicable diseases. Member veterinarians were making rounds to shelters less than a week after the storm and prophylactically vaccinating animals against rabies. They also checked on the animals and performed wellness examinations as well as bathed and decontaminated animals.
About 275 animals were in the shelter system at the height of need. That number dropped to about 200 by Nov. 7. However, that figure belies the actual need, Costello said.
“We know many more animals are out there. One network of hospitals, they have over 200 abandoned or long-term animals,” she said.
“Then there are those who stayed home, and so we're sending mobile units into neighborhoods. It's hard to get a count, but it's in the thousands.”
No power, lots of damage
Sandy's impact on New Jersey was equally devastating.
Two of the four clinics owned by Dr. Michael Tuder in hard-hit Hudson County were closed as of Nov. 2—the Animal Infirmary of Hoboken, because of structural damage and flooding, and the Bayonne Animal Hospital, because of lack of power.
Practice administrator Debbie Vayda said of the Hoboken location, “We took it serious and we made sure everyone and the animals were out of there, but we will be closed there for a month or two at least. We had equipment damaged—the x-ray machine and laser, everything—but we didn't prepare for that because we usually don't flood there.”
Work continues at the other two clinics, both in Jersey City. Vayda said they've been busy. Veterinarians sutured a dog's paw after it had stepped in a puddle and cut itself. Other dogs have gotten sick from licking their paws and ingesting contaminated water.
“We're also helping some of the older animals on chronic medications from other hospitals that are not open,” Vayda said.
Her own dog fell into a concrete basement after taking a wrong turn. But it could have been worse, she said.
Salt water from the storm surge at the Coney Island Boardwalk compounded the difficult restoration work at the New York Aquarium by damaging equipment. (Courtesy of Julie Larsen Maher/WCS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Salt water from the storm surge at the Coney Island Boardwalk compounded the difficult restoration work at the New York Aquarium by damaging equipment. (Courtesy of Julie Larsen Maher/WCS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Salt water from the storm surge at the Coney Island Boardwalk compounded the difficult restoration work at the New York Aquarium by damaging equipment. (Courtesy of Julie Larsen Maher/WCS)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
“Many of the doctors, if they didn't lose their cars, they lost homes. A lot of us still have no electricity,” Vayda said. “It feels good to come here and help other people. You don't mind doing it, because it takes your mind off things.”
Lynne Richmond, public information officer for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, said many animals had been rescued and that more continued to be rescued. Plus, many were being taken to temporary shelters to be cared for until owners have the capacity to care for their pets again. Pet owners also had the option of bringing their animals with them to pet-friendly shelters across the state. Typically, these animals were housed in county animal response team trailers designed for this purpose and set up near the shelters.
“We've been getting various stories back of animals being found and then of some injured animals as well,” Richmond said.
“We've got so many caring individuals helping in the effort. They should be praised for the hard work they're doing.”
On Nov. 2, the Humane Society of the United States, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and New Jersey Department of Agriculture jointly set up a 24-hour hot line to reunite state residents with their pets.
Hundreds of calls have come through that center and been relayed to animal control officers, New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals staff and volunteers, and county animal response teams.
The state agriculture department sent an email to all New Jersey veterinarians Nov. 2 about the hot line, too.
County animal response teams in every New Jersey county were activated during the storm, Richmond said, but many of those responses had concluded by Nov. 7, except for efforts in counties along the shore, such as Ocean, Monmouth, and Hudson, because of a storm expected to hit that evening.
Going forward
The potential long-term effects from the storm may be as harmful for area veterinarians as the initial destruction.
Dr. Charos said he heard from a practice in Belle Harbor that put out a plea asking if any other veterinary practices could hire its staff for the next few months because they'll be out of a job.
“In many instances of one- or two-doctor practices, their livelihood is done,” he said.
In addition, a number of local veterinary clinics reported just a week after Sandy hit that they're near capacity with their kennels.
These practitioners face a tough balancing act between taking in strays and maintaining enough room for existing clients and their pets, not to mention that many are still bailing water out of their basements, Costello said.
She said an important lesson practitioners can take away from this disaster is that a veterinary clinic has to be prepared to shelter and care for animals in an emergency with generators, potable water, and a disaster plan, among other things.
“You're no use to anybody if you can't help yourself,” Costello said. “It's not very hard to take a few steps to be prepared. You're better able to help clients, and everyone recovers quicker.”
AVMA, AVMF ready to help
The AVMA and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation are doing what they can to assist people and animals affected by Hurricane Sandy, which hit the East Coast on Oct. 29.
As members of the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition, staff members have participated in daily update calls with coalition members, affected states, federal agencies, and the National Alliance of State Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs.
The Association did receive a request from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal Care Emergency Programs and assisted by providing information about the impacts on the veterinary infrastructure to allow for coordination of resources and supplies.
The AVMA also contacted 13 VMAs in states most impacted by the storm and remains in contact with them in case assistance is needed.
Plus, the Association continues to receive and coordinate offers of donations, providing a link between the donors and the organizations coordinating resource requests.
AVMA's Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams have been on standby since the beginning of the storm. Four members of AVMA VMAT-2 were sent to Tri-State Bird Rescue in Delaware on Nov. 8. They assisted with decontaminating and caring for oiled birds and wildlife, according to Dr. Cheryl Eia, an assistant director in the AVMA Scientific Activities Division and coordinator of emergency preparedness and response.
Earlier, the first weekend in November, the AVMA VMAT-2 commander, Dr. Patty Klein, provided assistance at the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., on Animal Multi-Agency Coordination efforts.
Meanwhile, the AVMF began to receive a handful of submissions for its Disaster Veterinary Animal Care Reimbursement and Disaster Veterinary Practice Relief grants. The former awards eligible recipients up to $5,000 for veterinary care for animal victims of disaster, and the latter gives up to $2,000 in reimbursement to veterinary practices damaged in a disaster, specifically for items not covered by insurance.
Submissions must be approved by the Foundation's board of directors. AVMF program manager Cheri Kowal said the Foundation was trying to expedite the process to ensure timely reimbursements for practice owners.
As of Nov. 26, the AVMF had received more than 20 requests, with about 10 actual applications.
“Most of the other people I have talked to are still without power and trying to deal with the cleanup. They will apply sometime in the future,” Kowal said. “The stories are heartbreaking. So many people lost everything.”
Any AVMA member with needs related to storm damage can contact Dr. Eia at ceia@avma.org or Kowal at ckowal@avma.org.
Further updates about the AVMA and AVMF's response efforts are available via the Twitter feed @AVMAVMAT and on the AVMA@Work blog, http://atwork.avma.org. To make a donation to the Foundation, visit www.avmf.org.
AVMA: Delegates to consider resolution against homeopathy
Homeopathic pills
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Homeopathic pills
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Homeopathic pills
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
By Katie Burns
A resolution discouraging homeopathy is on the agenda for the Jan. 5 regular winter session of the AVMA House of Delegates.
The existing AVMA Guidelines for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, currently under review by the AVMA Council on Veterinary Service, do not determine or describe the relative value of individual modalities.
Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine dating back two centuries. The theory is that certain diseases can be cured by giving very small doses of drugs that in a healthy person would produce symptoms like those of the disease.
The Connecticut VMA submitted a resolution for HOD consideration that would discourage homeopathy as ineffective.
The resolution is as follows:
RESOLVED, that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) affirms that—
Homeopathy Has Been Identified as an Ineffective Practice and Its Use Is Discouraged
A background statement asserts, “Specific veterinary therapies may be identified by the AVMA as unsafe or ineffective based on a thorough evaluation of the available scientific evidence and a general agreement among scientists that the balance of the evidence demonstrates the practice to be ineffective or unsafe.”
The background goes on to state that the theoretical foundations of homeopathy are inconsistent with established scientific principles, clinical trials have shown homeopathy to be ineffective in treating or preventing disease, and the use of ineffective therapies to the exclusion of established treatment may endanger patients.
As an addendum, the Connecticut VMA also prepared a white paper on “The Case Against Homeopathy.”
Other proposals
As of press time, six other resolutions and a proposed bylaws amendment were on the HOD agenda.
The Wisconsin VMA submitted a resolution that would add the following line to the AVMA definition of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship: “The veterinarian provides oversight of treatment, compliance and outcome.”
The Maine, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and Vermont VMAs submitted a resolution that would designate all the members of the House Advisory Committee as at-large representatives, no longer representing professional categories.
The HAC proposed an AVMA Bylaws amendment that would require the AVMA website to carry a notice of intent to amend the bylaws at least 30 days before the pertinent HOD session. The current requirement is for the JAVMA to publish the notice 30 days beforehand, online or in print, requiring even more lead time because of the publication cycle.
The Executive Board referred one proposed new AVMA policy and three existing policies with revisions to the HOD as resolutions for consideration:
• “Livestock Handling Tools” (new)
• “Canine Devocalization”
• “The Objectives and Key Elements Needed for Effective Electronic Identification of Companion Animals, Birds, and Equids”
• “Pluripotent Stem Cells”
AVMA: Congressional fellows' appointments announced
The AVMA announced in October the placements of the Association's three 2012–2013 Congressional Science Fellows.
Drs. Tristan Colonius, Donald Hoenig, and Kaylee Myhre are working, respectively, in the office of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, the office of Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, and the minority staff office of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The AVMA Congressional Science Fellowship Program is run in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. During their yearlong assignments, AVMA fellows provide science-based expertise and knowledge on a variety of policy issues related to agriculture, appropriations, food safety, biosecurity, and health care.
“AVMA fellows are respected on Capitol Hill because of the knowledge, experience, and leadership abilities that these veterinarians bring with them,” said Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, AVMA Governmental Relations Division director. “Our fellows provide vital and necessary veterinary expertise that assists policymakers to make informed and scientifically based decisions.”
Dr. Colonius is working on agriculture, food safety, and public health issues for Sen. Gillibrand. He is a 2011 graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and a former AVMA GRD extern. Prior to accepting the AVMA fellowship, Dr. Colonius worked for the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Prior to Dr. Hoenig's appointment to Sen. Collins' office, he was the state veterinarian for Maine. He is dealing primarily with issues pertaining to agriculture, food safety, and public health for the senator as well as matters concerning homeland security and fisheries. Dr. Hoenig received his VMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1978.
Dr. Myhre is spending her fellowship year in the minority staff office of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs working on a global health portfolio with an emphasis on foreign assistance in food safety and biosecurity. She is a 2012 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
For more information on the AVMA Congressional Science Fellowship, visit www.avma.org/fellowship or email fellowship@avma.org.
Issues: Protecting wild birds from lead poisoning
Organization endorses use of lead-free fishing tackle and ammunition
Exposure to lead ammunition and fishing tackle threatens the bald eagle and several other wild bird species native to North America. (Courtesy of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Exposure to lead ammunition and fishing tackle threatens the bald eagle and several other wild bird species native to North America. (Courtesy of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Exposure to lead ammunition and fishing tackle threatens the bald eagle and several other wild bird species native to North America. (Courtesy of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
The Association of Avian Veterinarians in October announced its support for replacing lead hunting ammunition and fishing tackle with nontoxic alternatives to prevent poisoning in free-ranging birds.
Given the harmful effects of ingesting lead-based tackle and ammunition, the AAV adopted the following policy: “The Association of Avian Veterinarians recognizes that lead is a potent toxin to wild birds that can have individual- and population-level effects. Therefore, the AAV advocates the replacement of lead-based sporting ammunition and fishing tackle with non-lead alternatives.”
Association membership includes veterinarians from private practice, zoos, universities, and industry. The AAV explained in a statement that many wild avian species can be exposed to lead shotgun pellets or bullets and fragments by consuming game, offal, or residue from dressed carcasses. Additionally, ingestion of lost lead weights and fishing tackle is well-documented in swans and loons.
“Mortality and morbidity from exposure to concentrated sources of lead from fishing tackle and ammunition has been documented in water birds, ducks, swans and loons, in upland game—doves and quail—and scavengers—condors and eagles—for decades,” said AAV President Sharman Hoppes in the statement.
“A recently published study examining bald eagles admitted to rehabilitation facilities suggests that more than three-quarters of the bald eagles have elevated lead levels and 25 percent of these are fatal,” Dr. Hoppes continued.
“In addition, meat with lead fragments pose(s) health risks to people eating contaminated meat.”
Restrictions on lead in fishing tackle have been instituted in parts of the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. In the 1990s, restrictions on using lead ammunition for hunting waterfowl, including coots, in North America successfully reduced lead-caused mortality in these species and predatory birds.
“These results suggest we can effectively reduce the risks of lead poisoning in these species,” Dr. Hoppes noted.
The AAV says several varieties of approved and effective, lead-free ammunition and fishing tackle are available. For these reasons, the association is advocating for the replacement of lead-based sporting ammunition and fishing tackle. The organization also recognizes the need for collaboration among all affected stakeholders to develop educational materials about lead intoxication and encourage appropriate regulatory and enforcement action.
The AAV position statement and backgrounder are posted at www.aav.org in the Resources section.
Issues: Vaccine developed to prevent Hendra virus infection
A long-awaited vaccine against a deadly zoonotic infectious disease in Australia became available Nov. 1.
The Equivac HeV vaccine protects against the transmission of the Hendra virus, which is endemic in native fruit bats in the warmer regions of the country.
Horses are thought to contract Hendra virus infection by ingesting feed or water contaminated by bats shedding the virus in their saliva, urine, aborted fetuses, or reproductive fluids.
The virus can also pass from animals to people and was first discovered in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra in 1994.
The Hendra virus horse vaccine project has received substantial funding from the Australian government over the years.
Most recently, in 2011, the Intergovernmental Hendra Virus Taskforce was formed, and the National Hendra Virus Research Program allocated funding to ensure that critical timelines for vaccine development were maintained.
Now, the Equivac HeV is available under permit from accredited veterinarians, following the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's approval of a minor use permit earlier this year.
The Australian Veterinary Association has recommended that all horses be vaccinated against the Hendra virus, as the vaccine is expected to not only protect the health of horses but also reduce the risk of exposure for horse owners, handlers, and veterinarians. Hendra virus has claimed the lives of 81 horses on the continent, with nine deaths in 2012 alone, according to a Pfizer Animal Health press release.
Seven cases of transmission from horses to humans have also been reported. Of those incidents, five have involved equine veterinary personnel conducting postmortem or endoscopic examinations. In three cases of the seven, the infection was fatal.
A survey of equine veterinary practices in Queensland, Australia, showed that some veterinarians had given up equine work because of risks posed by Hendra virus.
Published in Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier this year, the study explored the issues faced by staff of equine veterinary practices relating to Hendra infection-control and workplace health and safety.
Researchers found that 12 of 20 veterinary professionals (60 percent) had dealt with one or more cases of suspected Hendra virus infection; seven of them (35 percent) had dealt with a confirmed case. Further, four of 18 veterinarians (22 percent) interviewed said they had stopped doing equine work, and 44 percent knew of one or more colleagues who had stopped doing equine work in the preceding year.
Concerns over personal safety and legal liability related to Hendra were given as the main reason for the decision to leave equine practice.
With no known cure for Hendra virus infection, the Equivac HeV vaccine is expected to be the most effective defense against the virus.
Rapid development of Equivac HeV was the result of an Australian-led international collaboration.
Pfizer Animal Health worked in partnership with Australia's national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, and its Australian Animal Health Laboratory.
Additionally, U.S. organizations, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine also contributed to the vaccine's development.
Pfizer will oversee the training and accreditation of veterinarians working with the vaccine.
Practice: Practices receiving five-year Economic Census forms
By Susan C. Kahler
The U.S. Census Bureau is sending veterinary practices across the country the 2012 Economic Census form. Selected practices received forms in November, but most will receive them in December.
Forms are sent to all but the smallest businesses in this census, which is conducted every five years. According to the agency, businesses that receive a form are required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code) to respond.
Linda Jaramillo of the Census Bureau said the agency conducts and publishes information from the census by industry. Veterinary practices, pet groomers, and animal trainers are some of the businesses that fall under the Pet Care Industry. Other sectors of the veterinary industry, such as pet food production, fall under Manufacturing. Veterinary education is not covered by the Economic Census.
Jaramillo is on a team that is trying to promote the census to the Pet Care Industry to raise its response rate, particularly among veterinarians.
She said, “This census has been going on a very long time, but most people don't know much about it. The Census Bureau does tons of surveys—some mandatory, some not—for businesses. It will help you forecast, and know how many businesses are around you. All that can be found on our website.
“Information is published for more than a thousand industries as well as for states, counties, cities, and metropolitan areas at census.gov.” At this website, one can select “Data” and then “American FactFinder” to search by industry or zip code.
Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke has called the Economic Census “indispensable to understanding America's economy.”
Businesses, communities, and governments use Economic Census statistics for planning and market development. Economic indicators such as the gross domestic product, monthly retail sales, and producer price index depend on this census.
The census form requests basic information such as the business location, number of employees, payroll, and sales by type of product or service. Information provided by survey respondents is treated as highly confidential. Under penalty of law, the bureau cannot share data from individual businesses even with other government agencies.
Completed forms are due back by Feb. 12, 2013, but the bureau works with businesses that need more time or help. Businesses can file on paper or electronically, and sometimes, Jaramillo said, other accommodations are made to make it easier for the businesses.
More information or help completing the form is available on the Census Bureau's business help site at econhelp.census.gov or by calling (800) 233-6136.
An advance report on the Pet Care Industry is due to be published in December 2013.
Economic Census statistics on U.S. veterinary services for establishments with paid employees
| 2002 | 2007 | Percent change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of establishments | 25,642 | 28,400 | 10.8% |
| Annual receipts | $16.6 billion | $24.6 billion | 47.8% |
| Annual payroll | $5.6 billion | $8.5 billion | 52.9% |
| Total employment | 238,731 | 292,940 | 22.7% |
| Employees per establishment | 9.3 | 10.3 | 10.8% |
| Annual receipts per capita | $57.77 | $81.54 | 41.1% |
| Population per establishment | 11,221 | 10,609 | −5.5% |
Community: Leadership from within
NAVTA replaces top two staff members with veterinary technicians
By Malinda Larkin
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America's executive board appointed two veterinary technicians to leadership positions in an effort to take the organization in a new direction.
Julie Legred, NAVTA president in 2008 and 2011, will replace Andrea Ball as the association's executive director. Kara Burns, chair of the NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties, will replace Sandy Sponaugle as communications director.
“We heard the techs' voice that they want NAVTA run by techs, so that's what's going to happen,” Legred said of the more than 8,000-member organization.
Burns added, “I think a lot of technicians want to become involved with NAVTA or the specialties but don't know how to. I think Julie and I can guide them in the right direction and feed their curiosity and willingness to volunteer.”
Since 2008, Ball's management company PlanIt World, based in Washington, D.C., has run NAVTA's day-to-day operations. Sponaugle, president and CEO of Platinum PR, which is a partner of PlanIt World, helped run the journal and manage public relations.
“They did what they were hired to do—increase awareness of technicians and our membership. Their management company is growing, and I think it was the right time for both of us,” Legred said.
The leadership transition began Nov. 1 with Legred and Burns taking their positions on an interim, unpaid basis until June 1, 2013, when NAVTA's executive board will review their performances. In the meantime, the two will carry on the association's business and start to put their plans in place.
They have already relocated their positions from D.C. to their hometowns—Legred to Bricelyn, Minn., and Burns to Wamego, Kan.—while maintaining their current jobs.
Legred left her position as veterinary technician program specialist at Banfield in August and is in the process of starting her own consulting firm, Veterinary Technician Advancement. She also co-owns a swine genetics company with her husband. She will continue to sit on the Companion Animal Parasite Council's board and all other committees where she holds a seat.
Kara Burns (left) and Julie Legred have taken new leadership positions with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. The two hope to continue to increase membership, attract more volunteers to leadership positions, and improve the content of the association's journal. (Photo by Matt Alexandre/Rob Cohen Photography)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Kara Burns (left) and Julie Legred have taken new leadership positions with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. The two hope to continue to increase membership, attract more volunteers to leadership positions, and improve the content of the association's journal. (Photo by Matt Alexandre/Rob Cohen Photography)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Kara Burns (left) and Julie Legred have taken new leadership positions with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. The two hope to continue to increase membership, attract more volunteers to leadership positions, and improve the content of the association's journal. (Photo by Matt Alexandre/Rob Cohen Photography)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Burns is the founder and president of the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians. She will also continue as president of the Kansas Veterinary Technicians Association and as a veterinary technician specialist with Hill's Pet Nutrition.
“In order for me to focus on communications, someone else will take over the NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties, but I'll continue to lead the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians,” Burns said, as the academy prepares to give its first examination in June.
NAVTA's annual conference, held this year from Nov. 16–18, may also be relocated from D.C. in coming years.
“We haven't had the attendance that we've wanted. We're looking at all different options,” said Legred, who will finish her term as Veterinary Technician Section manager on the AVMA Convention Management and Program Committee this coming July.
In the coming months, Legred's and Burns' main focus will be to solicit feedback from members and stakeholders on what kind of association they'd like to see.
“We want to hear from the profession; not just techs—although that's key—but everyone. What is NAVTA to them? What can it be? What has it done right? What can it improve on? We have a big job in front of us, and we're excited about that,” Burns said.
She says she has plenty of ideas for the journal and for promoting the role of veterinary technicians, too.
“Our current communications director has done a great job bringing us into the social media age. My plan is to take it to the next step,” Burns said. “I'd like to see us represent more of the profession. Our biggest constituency is companion animal medicine, but we have so many technicians in industry to laboratory animal medicine to government. I'd like to highlight those more in the journal.”
In the long run, Legred she would like to see greater collaboration with the AVMA.
“Working together with veterinarians only makes sense so we can be a very strong team. I've pushed for that at both the state and national levels. I think it has to happen, or else, we can't move forward,” she said.
Community: LSU seeks entries for annual art exhibition
“Shiny Pig,” by Dede LaRue of Denver, was among the works on display during the 2012 International Exhibition on Animals in Art. (Courtesy of Dede LaRue)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
“Shiny Pig,” by Dede LaRue of Denver, was among the works on display during the 2012 International Exhibition on Animals in Art. (Courtesy of Dede LaRue)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
“Shiny Pig,” by Dede LaRue of Denver, was among the works on display during the 2012 International Exhibition on Animals in Art. (Courtesy of Dede LaRue)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking entries for its 26th Annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art.
The 2013 show will feature works of art depicting animals in various media and will run from March 23-April 21. The deadline for entries is Jan. 11.
The judge and juror is Samuel Joseph Corso, who earned his bachelor's degree in painting and drawing and his master's degree in stained glass from LSU. The awards will include $1,000 for best of show. One work of art will appear on a cover of the JAVMA.
Some 217 artists from 40 states, Canada, and Mexico submitted 506 entries for the 2012 exhibition—70 of which appeared in the show.
The exhibition is open to artists 18 years of age or older. Works must be original, and artists must price all work for sale. The veterinary school will retain a 20 percent commission on sales.
Artists should submit their entries as digital images in JPG or TIF format on a compact disc or in an email message. A nonrefundable, $15 fee must accompany each entry. Artists should make a check or money order payable to Louisiana State University with the note “Animals in Art entry” in the memo line, or provide credit card information.
Entry forms and information are at www.vetmed.lsu.edu/art_show.htm. Additional details are available from Christine Russell, director of the library at the LSU veterinary school, at (225) 578-9796 or artshow@vetmed.lsu.edu.
Community: Mississippi veterinary college to further study Gulf
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine will work more closely with a local research institution to study the health of animals in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Miss., announced its formal partnership with Mississippi State on Oct. 19. The two will research protected, threatened, and endangered Gulf species, especially after recent hurricanes and the BP oil spill.
The goal is to improve the ecological health of the Gulf and to discover how natural and man-made disasters have affected one of the largest ecosystems in the world, according to an Oct. 24 Sun Herald story on the announcement.
Mississippi State and IMMS have worked together for about 25 years on various projects, but representatives said the partnership needed structure to fully study the Gulf and the species that live in it, so they signed a memorandum of understanding.
Veterinary college Dean Kent Hoblet said at the announcement that the collaboration will provide better research and public service, and a study of the ecological richness of the Gulf.
He added that the partnership would provide research opportunities for students and help expand the curriculum at the veterinary college.
Community: Teaching, research awards conferred
The following individuals are winners of the 2012 Carl J. Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teaching Award and the Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence. The Norden award is given to educators in recognition of their character and leadership qualities as well as their outstanding teaching abilities. The Pfizer award recognizes researchers whose innovative studies have advanced the scientific standing of veterinary medicine.
Robert Kennis, DVM, Auburn University
Fern Tablin, VMD, PhD, University of California-Davis
Robert J. Callan, DVM, PhD, Colorado State University
Bruce Kornreich, DVM, PhD, Cornell University
Natalie Isaza, DVM, University of Florida
Ira Roth, DVM, University of Georgia
Amber Labelle, DVM, University of Illinois
Jo Ann Morrison, DVM, Iowa State University
Steven L. Stockham, DVM, Kansas State University
Mark Acierno, DVM, Louisiana State University
Susan J. Holcombe, DVM, PhD, Michigan State University
Robert Porter, DVM, PhD, University of Minnesota
Jim Cooley, DVM, Mississippi State University
Timothy Evans, DVM, PhD, University of Missouri-Columbia
Derek Foster, DVM, North Carolina State University
Bianca Hettlich, Dr med vet, The Ohio State University
James Meinkoth, DVM, PhD, Oklahoma State University
Terri Clark, DVM, Oregon State University
Roberta Di Terlizzi, DVM, University of Pennsylvania
Rebecca Packer, DVM, Purdue University
Mary Anna Thrall, DVM, Ross University
Chris Pasquini, DVM, St. George's University
Daniel A. Ward, DVM, PhD, University of Tennessee
Brian Porter, DVM, Texas A&M University
Brendan R. McMullen, DVM, Tufts University
Reid Tyson, DVM, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Rance Sellon, DVM, PhD, Washington State University
Suzie Kovacs, MSc, Western University of Health Sciences
Marie E. Pinkerton, DVM, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Carl J. Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teaching Award
James L. Sartin, PhD, Auburn University
Peter Dickinson, BVSc, PhD, University of California-Davis
Mark Zabel, PhD, Colorado State University
Cynthia A. Leifer, PhD, Cornell University
Linda F. Hayward, PhD, University of Florida
Shiyou Chen, DVM, PhD, University of Georgia
Dongwan Yoo, DVM, PhD, University of Illinois
Suzanne T. Millman, PhD, Iowa State University
Kyeong-Ok Chang, DVM, PhD, Kansas State University
Christopher Mores, ScD, Louisiana State University
Mohamed Faisal, DVM, PhD, Michigan State University
James Mickelson, PhD, University of Minnesota
Xiu-Feng (Henry) Wan, DVM, PhD, Mississippi State University
Carol Reinero, DVM, PhD, University of Missouri-Columbia
B. Duncan X. Lascelles, BVSc, PhD, North Carolina State University
Stefan Niewiesk, DVM, PhD, The Ohio State University
Susan Little, DVM, PhD, Oklahoma State University
Ling Jin, DVM, PhD, Oregon State University
Eric J. Parente, DVM, University of Pennsylvania
Jeff C. Ko, DVM, Purdue University
Esteban Soto, DVM, PhD, Ross University
Hugh W. Ferguson, BVM&S, PhD, St. George's University
Amy K. LeBlanc, DVM, University of Tennessee
Joe A. Arosh, BVSc, PhD, Texas A&M University
Elizabeth Rozanski, DVM, Tufts University
Ayman I. Sayegh, DVM, PhD, Tuskegee University
Elankumaran Subbiah, BVSc, PhD, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Katrina L. Mealey, DVM, PhD, Washington State University
Yvonne Drechsler, PhD, Western University of Health Sciences
Yoshihiro Kawaoka, DVM, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence
Community: Accolades
Iowa State University
Dr. Bruce Heath
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Bruce Heath
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Bruce Heath
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Arthur Lage
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Arthur Lage
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Arthur Lage
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Steven Leary
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Steven Leary
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Steven Leary
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Roy Schultz
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Roy Schultz
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Dr. Roy Schultz
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 12; 10.2460/javma.241.12.1542
Four alumni of the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine were honored the last weekend of October.
Dr. Robert Bruce Heath (ISU ′62) of Ft. Collins, Colo., received the Stange Award for Meritorious Service. He was an early pioneer in the field of veterinary anesthesiology. Dr. Heath's fieldwork on wild and captive marine mammals in the North Pacific Ocean and in South America has made substantial contributions to the conservation of several species.
He was a founding fellow of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists. While at The Ohio State University, he built the second-largest animal anesthesia machine to be used in the United States. At Colorado State University, he was the first to evaluate safe positioning of, and appropriate padding for, large animal patients requiring prolonged anesthesia.
Dr. Arthur Lage (ISU ′67) of Boston was also given the Stange Award for Meritorious Service. He is director of the Harvard University Center for Comparative Medicine. Dr. Lage implemented the one-medicine approach at the Harvard Medical School's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, where he served as director for 10 years. Working together to share their expertise, veterinarians, physicians, and other scientists have adapted devices and techniques for a variety of surgical applications, especially in the area of pediatric medicine.
Within the field of veterinary medicine, Dr. Lage is an international expert in renal physiology. He is a diplomate, past president, and chairman of the board of regents of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Dr. Steven Leary (ISU ′71) of St. Louis also accepted the Stange Award for Meritorious Service. He is recognized internationally for his expertise in long-term planning for institutional research animal care and use programs as well as his approach to laboratory animal housing facility planning and design. As the assistant vice chancellor for veterinary affairs at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Leary directs one of the largest, most species-diverse, research programs in the country.
For the AVMA, Dr. Leary served as chair of the Animal Welfare Committee and the 2011 Panel on Euthanasia and is currently chair of the Panel on Humane Slaughter. He worked with the National Association for Biomedical Research and Congress on the development and passage of a law that places criminal penalties on animal rights extremist activities that target researchers.
Dr. Leary is an emeritus member of the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International and a past president and diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.
Dr. Roy Schultz (ISU ′60) of Avoca, Iowa, was given the William P. Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine. He is a recognized authority on Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection in growing swine. His cultivation and characterization of the organism and his efforts in diagnostic testing improvements have led to the prevention and control of actinobacillosis.
A charter member of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, Dr. Schultz has also served as its president. Now retired, he continues his efforts as a conservationist. He is the co-founder of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, a nonprofit conservation organization.
Community: American College of Zoological Medicine
Event: Annual meeting, Oct. 21, Oakland, Calif.
Awards: President's Award: Honored for their service to the college were Drs. Jennifer Langan, Chicago; Donald Neiffer, Kissimmee, Fla.; Craig Harms, Raleigh, N.C.; Sonia Hernandez, Athens, Ga.; Maud L. Marin, Houston; and Kirk Suedmeyer, Kansas City, Mo.
New diplomates: Eight diplomates completed the requirements for board certification by the ACZM in 2012. The new diplomates are as follows:
Eric T. Anderson, Crossville, Tenn.
Carol M. Bradford, Albuquerque, N.M.
Catherine A. Hadfield, Baltimore
Natalie H. Hall, Kissimmee, Fla.
Stephanie McCain, Hoover, Ala.
Timothy Portas, North Maleny, Australia
Elizabeth M. Stringer, Denver
Sandra Wenger, Zurich
Officials: Drs. Mark Drew, Caldwell, daho, president; R. Scott Larsen, Denver, vice president; Sharon Deem, St. Louis, secretary; Greg Fleming, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., treasurer; and Craig Harms, Raleigh, N.C., immediate past president
Community: American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Event: Annual meeting, Oct. 17–20, Portland, Ore.
Awards: Cynthia Wheeler Memorial Award: Best resident manuscript, case report—Dr. Jay Harrington, North Carolina State University, for “Phacoemulsification and +14 diopter intraocular lens placement in a Saddlebred foal”; Best Resident Manuscripts, sponsored by Veterinary Ophthalmic Specialties Inc. and ACVO: Clinical research—Dr. Jay Harrington, North Carolina State University, for “Diode laser endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in the normal equine eye”; Basic science research—Dr. Ann P. Bosiack, University of Missouri-Columbia, for “Canine corneal fibroblast and myofibroblast transduction with AAV5.”
New diplomates: Twenty-five new diplomates were welcomed into the ACVO. They are as follows:
Eva Abarca-Piedrafita, Raleigh, N.C.
Anna-Michelle (Micki) Armour, Leesburg, Va.
Trevor Arnold, Loveland, Colo.
Laura Barnes, Austin, Texas
Gil Ben-Shlomo, Ames, Iowa
Sarah Blackwood, Miami
Cassandra Bliss, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Amanda T. Corr, Norristown, Pa.
Paige Evans, Marina del Ray, Calif.
Kristin Fischer, Columbia, S.C.
Erin Gunderson, Waukesha, Wis.
Jay Harrington, Raleigh, N.C.
Kevin Kaiser, Spokane, Wash.
Kristin Anne Konrade, Pasadena, Calif.
Rachel Mathes, Portland, Maine
Richard McMullen, Raleigh, N.C.
Peter Mohoric, Lovettsville, Va.
Nancy Park, Chicago
Stephanie Pumphrey, Stow, Mass.
Nicole Roybal, San Diego
Jessica Slack, Manhattan, Kan.
Amy Treadwell, Charlotte, N.C.
Gabriel Van Brunt, Dallas
Neal Wasserman, Las Vegas
Kathryn Wotman, Kirkwood, Pa.
Officials: Drs. Robert English, Cary, N.C., president; Nick Millichamp, Houston, president-elect; Steven Hollingsworth, Davis, Calif, vice president; Michael Paulsen, Arlington, Texas, secretary-treasurer; and Brian Gilger, Raleigh, N.C., immediate past president
Community: Clarification
The article “Westward Expansion” (see JAVMA, Nov. 15, 2012, page 1262–1263) included a statement by Dr. Deborah Yarborough, Montana VMA president, that a pre-1993 special education fund in the state legislature for Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education programs was not under legislative control. However, it was under legislative control, just as the current funding source is.
Obituaries: AVMA member AVMA honor roll member Nonmember
Robert W. Abell
Dr. Abell (ONT ′50), 91, Lehigh Acres, Fla., died Oct. 15, 2012. Prior to retirement in 1982, he was in small animal practice in Chicago. Earlier in his career, Dr. Abell practiced large animal medicine in Chrisman, Ill. He was a past two-term mayor of Chrisman and a veteran of the Canadian Army. Dr. Abell's wife, Annie, and three daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to Lee County Humane Society, 2010 Arcadia St., Fort Myers, FL 33916; or Hope Hospice, 1201 Wings Way, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.
David N. Bader
Dr. Bader (MID ′45), 90, Richmond, Va., died Sept. 3, 2012. He owned a small animal practice in Colonial Heights, Va., for 40 years. Dr. Bader was a member of the Virginia VMA. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and two daughters. Memorials may be made to YMCA, 9211 Patterson Ave., Richmond, VA 23229.
Melford E. Boggs
Dr. Boggs (WSU ′55), 83, Madras, Ore., died Sept. 3, 2012. From 1961 until retirement in the late 1980s, he owned a mixed animal practice in Madras. Dr. Boggs also helped develop an autogenous vaccine for local feed-lots. Earlier in his career, he practiced in the Portland-Gresham area of Oregon. Dr. Boggs was a member of the Oregon and Central Oregon VMAs. He is survived by his wife, Betty; two sons; and two daughters.
Grafton D. Bowers
Dr. Bowers (KSU ′38), 99, Liberty, Mo., died Sept. 1, 2012. He was in mixed rural practice for 40 years in Missouri's Caldwell and Ray counties from 1946 until retirement. Following graduation, Dr. Bowers worked for three years
in Baton Rouge, La., for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in what was known as the Bureau of Animal Industry. He then worked in meat inspection for the city of Baton Rouge. From 1942–1946, Dr. Bowers served in the Army Veterinary Corps, attaining the rank of captain. He was a member of the American Legion and the Ray and Caldwell county historical societies. Dr. Bowers' wife, Estyl; a son; and three daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to Cowgill United Methodist Church, c/o Brenda Bonar, 10917 N.E. 264th St., Lathrop, MO 64465.
William A. Davidson
Dr. Davidson (COR ′52), 85, Houston, died Sept. 27, 2012. He worked for the Department of Agriculture in animal disease control and meat inspection prior to retirement in 1992. Dr. Davidson began his career practicing mixed animal medicine with his father, Dr. Arthur C. Davidson, in Elmira, N.Y., later taking over the practice. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Dr. Davidson is survived by two sons and a daughter. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090.
John C. Dunn
Dr. Dunn (AUB ′66), 82, Mims, Fla., died June 6, 2012. A small animal practitioner, he owned Dunn Animal Hospital in Titusville, Fla., for more than 30 years. Dr. Dunn was a member of the Florida VMA and Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; three daughters; and a son. Memorials may be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of North Brevard, P.O. Box 5513, Titusville, FL 32783; or Auburn University Alumni Association, 317 South College St., Auburn, AL 36849.
Robert S. Frederick
Dr. Frederick (TEX ′84), 53, Sugar Land, Texas, died April 28, 2012. He practiced small animal medicine at Alief Animal Hospital in Houston. Dr. Frederick is survived by his wife, Melanie, and two daughters.
Roderick C. Jordan
Dr. Jordan (GA ′68), 73, Harkers Island, N.C., died Oct. 20, 2012. In 1969, he founded Kernersville Veterinary Hospital in Kernersville, N.C., where he practiced mixed animal medicine for 31 years prior to retirement in 2000. Dr. Jordan is survived by his wife, Luray, and two daughters. Memorials may be made to Humane Society of Forsyth County, P.O. Box 337, Cumming, GA 30028.
Lawrence W. Price
Dr. Price (OSU ′41), 98, Winfield, Ill., died Oct. 31, 2012. He owned a nutritional and management consultation practice in Winfield. Earlier in his career, Dr. Price was in large animal practice in Liberty Center, Ohio. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. His wife, Raoulyn; two daughters; and five sons survive him. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128.
Craig R. Wiede
Dr. Wiede (CAL ′81), 56, Springville, N.Y., died Aug. 9, 2012. A small animal practitioner, he owned Concord Veterinary Center in Springville since 1988. Earlier in his career, Dr. Wiede practiced at Springville Animal Hospital and Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center in Orchard Park, N.Y. He served as president of the Western New York VMS in 1988 and 1995 and received its Regional Merit Award in 2001. Dr. Wiede's wife, Jennifer; two daughters; and a son survive him.
Luther E. Wilcoxson
Dr. Wilcoxson (OKL ′51), 89, Pauls Valley, Okla., died July 27, 2012. He served as a partner at Shawnee Animal Hospital, a general practice in Shawnee, Okla., for 36 years. In 1982, Dr. Wilcoxson was named Oklahoma Veterinarian of the Year. He was a past president of the Oklahoma VMA and served as its alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates from 1972–1981. Dr. Wilcoxson also served on the Advisory Committee of the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. He was a Navy veteran of World War II.
In civic life, Dr. Wilcoxson was active with the 4-H Club and National FFA Organization and was a member of the Shriners, Lions Club, and Masonic Lodge. His two daughters survive him. Dr. Wilcoxson's grandson, Dr. Will P. Sims (OKL ′07), is a veterinarian in Little Rock, Ark. Memorials, with checks payable to the Oklahoma State University Foundation Student Scholarship Fund, may be made to OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, c/o Sharon Worrell, 308 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078; or St. Pauls United Methodist Church, 301 N. Beard, Shawnee, OK 74801.
Debra J. Zerr
Dr. Zerr (MO ′95), 57, Cape Coral, Fla., died June 23, 2012. A small animal veterinarian, she most recently practiced at Kindness Animal Hospital in Cape Coral. Earlier in her career, Dr. Zerr worked in Missouri, and she owned Crossroads Animal Clinic in Waveland, Kan., for more than 10 years. She is survived by her husband, William; two children; and three stepchildren. Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
