THE DROUGHT DRAGS ON…
Dry conditions hitting horse owners, rescue groups in the wallet
By Malinda Larkin
Surveying the 26 acres of pasture at the Hooved Animal Humane Society's farm immediately reveals something's a bit off. It's mid-June, and yet, a bone-dry, near triple-digit heat permeates the air of this horse rescue facility outside the small northern Illinois city of Woodstock. The olive drab shade of the grass is a stark contrast to the normal kelly green it usually takes on this time of year. No more than half an inch of rain has fallen in the past two weeks.
Weather conditions didn't improve much as the summer went on. July was the second warmest and fourth driest on record in Illinois, according to the Illinois Water Survey. By August, HAHS volunteers had been supplementing the horses' diets with hay for two months, when usually the horses would still be feeding off pastureland.
Tracy A. McGonigle, executive director of the nonprofit rescue facility, says hay usually costs about $3 for a normal-size bale but has increased to at least $5.50. She's even heard reports of $12 a bale.
“We've gone through about a bale a day per horse, and we have 53 horses. It's a lot. It's extra costs for us,” McGonigle said in early September.
“We have been lucky so far and gotten our hay locally, but the next batch might have to come from farther away. I've heard people going as far as Wisconsin and Canada.”
Dry as a bone
According to the Sept. 18 U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate to exceptional drought covered 64.82 percent of the contiguous U.S. These conditions have left much of the country—encompassing a lot of the West, Great Plains, and Midwest as well as portions of the South—about as arid as previous droughts of the 1930s and 1950s. (Comparatively, those droughts peaked at 79.9 percent of the contiguous U.S. in July 1934 and at 60.4 percent of the contiguous U.S. in July 1954.)
One of the longest-suffering states has been Texas. Its drought officially began in January 2011 and came to an end that fall in some parts of the state, but not all.
Dr. William A. Moyer, professor of equine sports medicine at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said it's because of the size of Texas the drought remains in some areas and not others. For example, east Texas has been doing reasonably well this year, whereas west Texas remains largely barren.
Overall, the drought has been record-setting for the state, Dr. Moyer said, with about 3 million acres burned this past year and prairie fires erupting every day for a time. The effect of the drought on horse owners has been mostly monetary as it has affected their ability to feed and care for their animals.
“The ability to graze grass and forage came darn near to a halt unless a farmer or rancher had the ability to irrigate with access to an aquifer or well. It was really devastating,” he said.
Warding off disease
Dr. Tom R. Lenz, an equine veterinarian and former American Association of Equine Practitioners president, agrees that the drought has had a dramatic effect on horses. He's located on the border of Kansas and Missouri, and local veterinarians have told him they're seeing sand colic in horses. This is something they don't typically see, because the region doesn't have sandy soil.
“I think because the horses are trying to get every last blade of grass and every last stem of hay that they're taking in a lot more dirt and sand than normal,” Dr. Lenz said.
And because pastures are eaten down, more toxic weeds are being consumed by horses than is normal. Horses will avoid weeds of any type if they can, he said, but if they're starving or if they don't have much grass, they'll even eat toxic plants.
The Hooved Animal Humane Society currently cares for 50 horses, three potbellied pigs, and two goats. About 98 percent of its animals represent abuse cases. HAHS has 44 trained investigators. When animals are impounded, they come to the nonprofit's facility in Woodstock, Ill. HAHS' purpose is to adopt out the animals. (Photos by R. Scott Nolen and Malinda Larkin)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
“In drought years, we typically see a lot more toxic hepatitis due to weeds than we normally do,” Dr. Lenz said.
Drought conditions have also caused horses to come down with more encephalitic diseases such as West Nile infection and eastern equine encephalitis as increased irrigation and watering associated with the drought have resulted in an increase in the numbers of certain mosquito species.
But Dr. Lenz said that's not the whole story. Horses have been infected with more viruses also because their owners have become more complacent about vaccinations.
After the outbreak of West Nile in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, most equine veterinarians saw an increase in requests for vaccinations from owners who normally would take their horses to the veterinarian only in an emergency.
“Now, over the last few years, those people have gone away again. You talk to most horse clinics and they'll say they see a 15 (percent) to 25 percent decrease in vaccinations,” Dr. Lenz said.
“A little bit of it is the economy, but I think most of it is that people are just complacent. They don't hear about the disease on the news—until recently—and so they don't see it as a big risk, so they quit vaccinating. I think we have a lot more of the horse population that's unprotected than we did three to four years ago.”
Supply and demand
Horse owners even as far north as Minnesota and North Dakota have been dealing with the drought.
Dr. Richard “Dick” Bowman, regulatory veterinarian at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., rehomes and adopts out Thoroughbreds at his ranch in North Dakota. As of September, he had 70 after taking in 36 this summer. Typically, they graze in the summer on his 450 acres.
“The pasture has depleted rapidly with little regrowth. I rotate pastures and give them long terms of rest, but a typical horse farm doesn't have that luxury,” he said. “We're almost to capacity to what we can handle.”
Dr. Bowman said the area has been so dry that wildfires have popped up, even as close as a quarter of a mile from his ranch. The fires haven't affected any farms but have burned up available feed, including several hundred acres of grass and hay. This has tightened up the local supply, driving up costs.
He estimates the cost for alfalfa hay at $200 a ton. Comparatively, the same amount could have been bought for $50 to $60 locally last year.
“If we go into the fall dry again and have a repeat of last year's mild winter, there's not going to be any grass for the animals to eat in the winter, and if there's not substantial moisture in the spring, I'm not sure what we'll do with the horses at my place, because we'll be out of feed,” Dr. Bowman said.
Bursting at the seams
Many other horse rescue and rehabilitation facilities are likely to be similarly strained.
Although there is no official count of unwanted horses, a study reported in the Journal of Animal Science concluded that nonprofit equine rescue and sanctuary facilities appear to be struggling with insufficient resources to meet the increasing demand for accepting, caring for, and providing sanctuary or finding new homes for unwanted horses in the U.S. (see JAVMA, Dec. 15, 2010, page 1353). Further, without additional resources, these organizations cannot predictably expand to provide quality care and rehabilitation for even more horses. That study came out in August 2010, and the situation has only gotten worse with the drought.
“Generally, it's safe to say most of the rescues, especially in the drought areas, are probably filled to capacity and pretty much unable to take more horses. And the cost (of caring for them) is going up prohibitively with feed. That's been complicated by the fires. Plus, there's no more (horse) slaughter in the U.S.,” Dr. Bowman said.
The number one ailment seen in the horses at HAHS is malnourishment, followed by foot issues, then emotional issues.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
According to the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. exports to Mexico of horses intended for slaughter increased from 52,338 in 2010 to 67,540 in 2011. Exports to Canada numbered 74,426 in 2010, but figures for 2011 are pending.
Dr. Lenz, past chair of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, said he hasn't heard of a lot of horses being sold in the way that many cattle have been sold.
“I would expect we'll see in the fall or winter more horses going through sale barns, probably the low- to medium-value horses,” he said.
Dr. Lenz adds that buyers for horse processing plants buy fat horses, so they will not be buying the horses that have lost weight during the drought.
Wasting away
The Hooved Animal Humane Society doesn't take in owner relinquishments. About 98 percent of HAHS' animals come from criminal investigations.
Now in its 41st year, the HAHS does receive some grants, but the nonprofit relies primarily on donations. Its budget is anywhere from $350,000 to $500,000 a year.
McGonigle says the HAHS hasn't had to cut back yet, thanks to donations. One supporter, after reading an article about the HAHS having to feed its horses hay this summer, donated 100 bales.
Ever since the economic downturn, the HAHS has seen more and more abandoned horses, according to Tracy McGonigle, executive director. Many horses come in emaciated, whether from being turned out, neglected, or otherwise. The rescue facility frequently receives calls from animal control.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Winter hay assistance available
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Equine Fund has been offering financial support again this year to help keep horses alive and the groups that care for them afloat. Given this year's drought conditions, nearly $200,000 of the $250,000 in available funding for the Hay Bale Out Emergency Grant had already been committed at press time. Applications are being accepted online through Nov. 9 or until funding is depleted.
State-level hay banks and assistance programs are also available in several states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, and Oregon.
For its grants, the ASPCA gives preference to organizations that operate in a drought-impacted area of the country. Eligible organizations will be considered for up to $5,000 in funding if they currently care for 12 to 49 horses, and up to $10,000 if they care for 50 or more horses. Funds are to be used to provide food for the horses within the organization or to offer feed support to at-risk horses in the community via a hay bank-type program.
Groups that meet the following requirements are welcome to apply for an ASPCA emergency hay/feed financial relief grant:
• Are a United States-based 501(c)(3) equine rescue, sanctuary, or animal welfare organization, or a municipal/government agency, currently caring for 12 or more horses.
• Have not received an ASPCA emergency feed/hay grant within the past six months.
• Are in good standing with the ASPCA Equine Fund (and all required grant reporting is up-to-date).
Online applications for the Hay Bale Out Emergency Grant are accessible at www.aspcapro.org/equine.
Direct questions to Jacque Schultz, senior director of the ASPCA Equine Fund, at jacque.schultz@aspca.org.
It's a good thing, too, because Hillary Clark, program director at HAHS, said they rescued five horses in August alone. All were emaciated and admitted on an emergency basis. She attributes each of those cases to the drought, the economy, or both.
“We have seen an increase in horses coming in due to the drought and phone calls from people trying to place or sell their horse because, financially, it has become hard to take care of them,” Clark said. “We get two to three calls every day of the week asking what can I do for them. There's definitely been an increase in (those calls) from the previous year.”
She continued, “It is stressful because we feel for them. It's getting hard to give them venues and avenues to place horses. I love that they try to be proactive (and call HAHS), but our resources are running out. We give the (phone) numbers of hay banks that could have been traditionally able to help, but they're affected, too.”
Livestock numbers, services cut
By Greg Cima
Dr. Joe M. Hillhouse of Panhandle, Texas, said that during 2011 the cattle herds in his area were largely wiped out, and that the area has been enduring extreme drought since December 2010.
His clients' cattle populations are about 25 percent of their normal numbers, and calls have almost disappeared.
“We have not done a significant cow business for a year now,” Dr. Hillhouse said.
Even the small animal side of his business was hurt by the drought as flea and tick populations declined with other insect populations.
Producers in the northern tip of Texas began selling increased numbers of cattle in spring 2011, and Dr. Hillhouse's two largest clients shipped all 5,000 of their cattle far north by August 2011. He expects the cattle business eventually will return, since those clients had large operations following the consolidation that occurred in the cow-calf business over the past 10 years. Most smaller producers disappeared prior to the extended drought, he said.
“The fear I have for my colleagues, the ones who depend on smaller producers, is they may never see those clients come back,” Dr. Hillhouse said.
Dr. Brian J. Gerloff, 2011–2012 president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, said skyrocketing feed costs that squeeze producers have indirectly affected veterinarians. Greater numbers of ill cattle are culled rather than treated as production costs increase. He suspects producers are more likely to choose culling in western areas that are dealing with more intense drought conditions than are producers in his area, just south of the Illinois-Wisconsin border.
Consecutive years of drought have led livestock owners—particularly those who raise cattle—to send more of their animals to slaughter. The dry, hot weather of June and July and the resulting high feed costs also may have added to a nearly two decades–long decline in the size of the nation's cattle herd.
Kenneth H. Mathews, PhD, an agricultural economist for the Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, said beef cow slaughter was higher this year than it would have been without the drought, and cattle slaughter had risen even higher during the drought in 2011. Last year's liquidation involved herds in Southern states, while this year, producers in states such as Missouri have sent increased numbers of cows to slaughter.
Dr. William R. DuBois, a food animal veterinarian in Oklahoma and a district director for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, said pigs raised near him are kept in large, climate-controlled barns and were shielded from the effects of this past summer's weather. But he said those farm owners still are affected by the damage to crops such as corn grown in drought-hit Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska.
“All livestock industries will be significantly affected because of the impact it'll have on corn,” he said.
Feed loss hurts herd size
An August report from the Economic Research Service states that, despite expectations that the cattle herd would expand this year, the beef replacement heifer inventories remained level, and dairy replacements had declined about 2 percent by July, largely because of depressed milk prices and increased feed costs. The report noted that ongoing drought since July could have caused further declines. In 2011, drought likely led producers to cancel plans for herd expansion in the South.
The persistent drought and the resulting high feed costs also are expected to decrease pork production by about 1 percent during 2013, as fewer pigs are farrowed from a reduced breeding herd and slaughter weights decline. In mid-August, R.C. Hunt, president of the National Pork Producers Council, said in a press release that pork producers faced severe losses because of record-high feed prices.
Dr. M. Gatz Riddell, executive vice president of the AABP, said some cattle owners are running short of pasture forage that would be available in a nondrought year, forcing them to feed hay or other forage that normally would be reserved for winter. The same owners may have to buy hay or other feed at higher prices later this year or sell cows for slaughter rather than keep them to breed. Replacing cows and rebuilding a herd could be prohibitively expensive during 2013, because the nation's total cattle herd is shrinking.
The U.S. has about 91 million cattle, its smallest inventory since the early 1950s, according to figures from the USDA and U.S. Census of Agriculture. Past censuses state that the U.S. had about 77 million cattle in 1950 and 95 million in 1954.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association announced July 27 that the U.S. had 800,000 fewer calves than it did in 2011, when the population declined by 900,000.
Crop, pasture damage widespread
By Aug. 13, the Department of Agriculture had declared about 1,500 counties throughout the U.S. to be disaster areas because of drought during the 2012 crop year. About one week earlier, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service had reported that 60 percent of the country's pastures and ranges were considered to be in poor or very poor condition.
Most of the nation's corn, soybean, and hay is grown in areas that experienced extreme drought during summer 2012, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center's U.S. Drought Monitor. Feed corn cost about 16 percent more than it did one year earlier. Hay cost 8 percent more, and soybeans were up 18 percent. Sorghum prices rose 15 percent.
Dr. Gerloff said the drought offers veterinarians some options if they are involved in nutrition work, because producers need good advice on how to manage a changing feed landscape and evaluate substitutes for traditional feeds.
In addition to paying increased crop prices, livestock owners receive less income for each animal when nationwide increases in culling put more meat on the market. For example, calves placed on feedlots in July, many of them younger and lighter than usual, were sold at prices sometimes one-fifth lower than they would have been in the spring, according to the Economic Research Service.
The ERS also expects that U.S. consumers will consume about a mean 2.5 percent less meat in 2013 than they did in 2012, dropping to a yearly total of less than 200 pounds of meat per person for the first time since 1990.
The drought is the worst Dr. Hillhouse has seen, but he said in early September that his area of Texas had received about 1 1/2 inches of rain in the previous two weeks, and the grass was its greenest in two years. He said he was actually glad to see bugs on his windshield again.
AVMA: Sky's the limit as AVMF heads into 50th year
New chair excited to take charge
Dr. Streett addresses the crowd at “An AVMF Special Event on Board the USS Midway.” (Photo by Renee Rounds)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
By Malinda Larkin
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation has some ambitious plans as it heads toward its 50th anniversary next year, and it has fresh leadership ready to lead the way.
Dr. Richard “Dick” P. Streett Jr., of Churchville, Md., started his two-year term as the Foundation's new chair of its board of directors Aug. 5. He retired a little more than a year ago after running his own practice, Churchville Veterinary Clinic, for 40 years. Dr. Streett also serves as the Maryland delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates and is a member of the Maryland VMA Executive Board.
Dr. Streett says the AVMF has come a long way in the past few years, and he is a big proponent of continuing and expanding the charitable arm of the AVMA.
That's why Dr. Street is excited about the Foundation's “Go for Gold in 2013” fundraising campaign, running from October 2012 until December 2013. The goal is to raise $2.5 million and substantially increase the number of individual donors to the AVMF from the veterinary community and beyond.
Depending on the amount contributed, donors can receive a gold lapel pin, a gold bar, a gold coin, a 50th anniversary commemorative print of the Veterinarian's Oath, or two tickets to the AVMF's anniversary celebration next year in Chicago.
Michael Cathey, AVMF executive director, said, “We are very excited to launch this campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the AVMF and our 50 years of caring for animals. The $2.5 million and the expanded base of donor support will allow us to even make an even greater impact for animals as we enter our next 50 years.”
Another initiative being launched by the Foundation this fall is “America's Favorite Veterinarian.” This program will invite veterinary clients to send in pictures of their pets with their veterinarian, along with a story on why he or she deserves to be America's Favorite Veterinarian. The photos will be featured on the AVMF website, www.avmf.org, and on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AVMFdn.
Dr. Streett said the program is an additional way for the AVMF to engage with the public, beyond the AVMF's existing programs such as the Pet Memorial Cards and Ambassadors for Animals.
“We need to get the word out (about the Foundation), because people aren't aware of things we can help foster related to the health and welfare of animals,” he said.
The AVMF's strategic priorities are to support the AVMA and its initiatives, humane outreach/animal welfare, education and public awareness, research, and scholastic enhancement. Just recently, five task forces were established to continue and expand the Foundation's mission in the following areas: Animal Health Network, America's Favorite Veterinarian, disaster response and planning, food safety, and Our Oath in Action. Leaders of these task forces, along with the AVMF's six standing committees, will be the “dream team,” according to Dr. Streett, that will help him lead the Foundation.
The Maryland practitioner seems uniquely suited for the job, as many of his past and current endeavors dovetail with the AVMF's efforts.
Dr. Streett received his VMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969. He signed up for the Army soon afterward and served in the Army Veterinary Corps for two years during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he conducted research.
Dr. Streett came home in 1971 and built a private mixed animal practice that eventually morphed into an exclusively small animal clinic as the area became more urban. The practice he built is now split among three clinics and has 50 employees, including 10 veterinarians, one of whom is his son, who co-owns the practice with two other partners.
Dr. Streett also serves on the board of a human hospital system that owns two hospitals and as chair of that health system's foundation.
“It's given me a background to help take the AVMF to the next level,” he said. “Mike (Cathey) has been instrumental in taking the Foundation to where it is now. The sky's the limit on what we can do.”
New AVMF board of directors members since fall 2012: Dr. Garry Adams, Texas A&M University, at-large; Kimberly Colgate, attorney, at-large; Dr. Larry Dee, Hollywood Animal Hospital, Hollywood, Fla., at-large; Dennis Drent, Veterinary Pet Insurance, at-large; Dr. Larry M. Kornegay, Antoine-Little York Animal Clinic, Houston, at-large; Dr. Chet Rawson, Alta Genetics, AVMA Executive Board representative; Dr. Michael Spensley, Abbott Animal Health, at-large; and Kimberly Topper, Gaithersburg, Md., Auxiliary to the AVMA representative.
Former CVTEA member now on AVMA staff
Rachel Valentine
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
By Malinda Larkin
Rachel Valentine, a registered veterinary technician, was hired Aug. 27 as an assistant director in the AVMA Division of Education and Research and is the first veterinary technician to fill this position.
Her primary duties will be staff support with Dr. Karen Martens-Brandt, also an assistant director of the AVMA Education and Research division, for the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities and the AVMA/National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America Executive Board Liaison Committee.
“I hope that I serve and represent veterinary technicians well on staff. It's a lot of responsibility,” Valentine said.
Previously, Valentine worked as an education specialist in Tulsa, Okla., with Tulsa Community College's Veterinary Technology Program, which is accredited by the CVTEA. She has been an educator at TCC since 1999. Before that, she worked at several private small animal practices for 14 years.
Valentine served on the CVTEA from 2005–2012, taking on the role of vice chair from 2008–2010 and chair from 2010–2012.
“Serving on that committee and seeing how programs meet standards but in different ways has been enlightening for me in that not everyone has to do things the same way,” Valentine said. “At first, I was not sure about distance education. But over the years, I have embraced it and realized there are ways to deliver education where one size doesn't fit all.”
Valentine also served on the American Association of Veterinary State Boards' Veterinary Technician National Examination Committee from 2006–2011 and the Veterinary Technician Ad Hoc Committee for the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
She received her associate degree in applied science in veterinary technology from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo., in 1992, and her bachelor's degree in biology from Northeastern State University in Broken Arrow, Okla., in 2003.
In 2012, Valentine was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Veterinary Technician Association and in 1998 was Oklahoma Veterinary Technician of the Year.
Valentine says working in veterinary technician education and now with the CVTEA is a point of pride for her.
“You get to have an impact on the accreditation side of things and make sure the standards of education are what they should be. That's very important to me personally. I want folks who graduate and do become licensed to be the best-educated, -trained graduates they can be,” she said.
CONVENTION COVERAGE
AVMA: Auxiliary tables dissolution, installs male president
By Susan C. Kahler
The Auxiliary to the AVMA deliberated over its future and welcomed its first male president during the AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego. The Auxiliary also sponsored its Kritters Korner Gift Store and held its Marketplace of States, which featured a silent auction and handicrafts from a half dozen constituent auxiliaries.
Greg Mooney of Mount Gilead, Ohio, succeeded Ginger Morton as Auxiliary president, becoming the first male to hold that office since the organization was founded in 1917. Mooney is the husband of Dr. Marty Mooney, a 1978 graduate of The Ohio State University and a practice owner.
Her husband has been active in the AVMA and Ohio VMA auxiliaries for 34 years. He serves on the OVMA auxiliary board and was a member of the AVMA Auxiliary Executive Board from 2000–2004. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1997 after 20 years with the Ohio Air Force National Guard.
His theme for the year is “The Auxiliary–Paving the Way for the Future.” A civil engineer, Mooney used roads as an analogy for the Auxiliary's evolution. Like the National Road from Maryland to Illinois, which began as a dirt road, he said the Auxiliary was improved over time by adding programs and forming partnerships with state auxiliaries, allowing it to grow in usage and size. Eventually, roads need upgrading and realignment. “We've been in the process of maintenance and realignment with the work on updating our bylaws and converting the student loan program to a scholarship program,” Mooney told delegates.
“The Auxiliary is akin to Route 66. We may not be the most traveled highway anymore, but people still participate, and others in the veterinary profession count on us.”
At its 2011 meeting, the Auxiliary House of Delegates approved a motion directing the Auxiliary board to adopt and submit to the 2012 HOD meeting a resolution proposing voluntary dissolution of the Auxiliary. In compliance, the Auxiliary board presented a resolution for a vote in San Diego, but the resolution recommended tabling dissolution indefinitely. Delegates passed the resolution, 23–6.
Mooney told JAVMA, “We explained in the resolution that we have existing contracts with students for loans. It's been suggested we forgive them, but that would have tax consequences for the students, and the Auxiliary has over $250,000 in outstanding loans we don't want to lose.”
Another reason the resolution gave for tabling the discussion on dissolution was the current negotiations between the Auxiliary and American Veterinary Medical Foundation on a memo of understanding that would convert the Auxiliary's student loan fund to an endowed scholarship fund distributed by the AVMF.
“We are still negotiating on some of the last points between the Auxiliary and AVMF,” Mooney said. “Once the MOU is finalized, the Auxiliary must obtain approval from the Illinois attorney general, since it involves a change of use of the monies.”
The resolution also referenced the adverse impact dissolution would have on the Auxiliary's financial assets and property. Mooney mentioned the Kritters Korner inventory and office supplies as examples.
“Not everyone wants to end the Auxiliary's purpose,” he said. “We're still here, we just have fewer members. We think the purposes for which the Auxiliary was founded are good, and we hope to still find ways to do them.”
The Auxiliary had only 303 dues-paying members as of July, but Mooney said members who haven't yet renewed will be contacted. Besides dues revenue, he said the Auxiliary has other monies raised over the years and will fundraise. Kritters Korner revenue goes toward operating funds, and proceeds from the Marketplace of States toward the student loan fund.
The Auxiliary presidency passes from Ginger Morton to Greg Mooney. (Photo by Dr. Richard Dixon)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
To come into full compliance with Illinois nonprofit law, delegates in San Diego took the first step toward rescinding the Auxiliary's constitution, to allow new bylaws to be put in place. The proposed revised bylaws will be voted on after legal review is completed. Mooney said a bylaws change in membership criteria could enable additional people to become involved in the Auxiliary.
“Another reason we're revising our bylaws is that the delegate model doesn't allow all members to be heard,” Mooney said. The 2012 Auxiliary HOD comprised only 29 registered delegates out of a possible 186, for example. Each state with a constituent auxiliary sends up to five delegates; each state without an auxiliary can send three.
Serving with Mooney on the Auxiliary Executive Board are Mary Louise Dixon, Rome, Ga., secretary; Judy DeWitt, Birmingham, Ala., vice president for membership; Linda Walker, Arlington, Texas, vice president for publications; Ginger Morton, Athens, Texas, immediate past president; and Doris Blalock, Evans, Ga., parliamentarian.
Affiliated groups meet in San Diego
Compiled by Anita Suresh
Forty-two allied and other veterinary-related organizations and 29 alumni groups from colleges and schools of veterinary medicine convened this August at the 149th AVMA Annual Convention in San Diego.
These groups engaged in a wide variety of activities during the convention, including lectures, certification examinations, business meetings, workshops, and social gatherings. Many of the organizations co-sponsored the AVMA's educational sessions.
The following pages highlight the activities and honors reported by some of these organizations.
Avian pathologists
Some AAAP officials: Front row—Drs. Charles Hofacre, Deirdre Johnson, Suzanne Dougherty, and Francene Van Sambeek. Back row—Drs. Eric Gingerich, Patricia Dunn, Mark Bland, and Daniel Bautista
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: American Association of Avian Pathologists Inc. meeting, Aug. 4–7, San Diego
Awards: Special Service Award: Dr. A. Gregorio Rosales, Athens, Ala., was recognized for outstanding contributions to the field of avian medicine. Dr. Rosales, who received his DVM degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 1979 and his master's and doctorate in veterinary microbiology from the University of Georgia in 1983 and 1988, respectively, is vice president of veterinary services at Aviagen Inc. He is known for his expertise in the areas of biosecurity, disease prevention and control, poultry health monitoring, and animal welfare. A diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians, he is a past chair of the AAAP Scientific Program and the AAAP Animal Welfare and Management Practices Committee. From 2006–2009, Dr. Rosales served on the AVMA Convention Management and Program Committee. Phibro Animal Health Excellence in Poultry Research Award: Dr. David H. Ley, Cary, N.C., for sustained excellence in poultry disease and health for 20 years or more. Dr. Ley, who received his DVM degree in 1982 from the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and obtained his doctorate in microbiology from UC-Davis in 1982, is a professor in the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, he has made important contributions to research on the transmissibility of live avian Mycoplasma vaccines, the molecular characterization of isolates, and the epidemiology of naturally occurring outbreaks. Dr. Ley has also conducted research on mycoplasmal conjunctivitis caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum in house finches, helped improve the diagnosis of M iowae in turkeys, and elucidated the possible association of M iowae infection with skeletal lesions. Bayer-Snoeyenbos New Investigator Award: Dr. Patti Miller, Loganville, Ga., for research contributions to the field of avian medicine. Dr. Miller, who received her DVM degree from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and obtained her doctorate in infectious diseases from the university in 2008, is a veterinary medical officer at the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, where she investigates Newcastle disease pathogenesis and strategies for its prevention and control. Dr. Miller has studied the importance of antigenic variation of Newcastle disease virus and has examined genetic changes in the virus, leading a group describing a new paramyxovirus subtype. Lasher-Bottorff Award: Dr. Richard P. Chin, Bakersfield, Calif., won this award, given in recognition of an avian diagnostician/technical services veterinarian who has made important contributions to the poultry health program in North America over the past 10 years. A 1983 graduate of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Chin is a professor of clinical diagnostic veterinary medicine at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System. He is a diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians, is a past president of the AAAP, and serves as one of California's delegates to the National Poultry Improvement Plan. Dr. Chin's research helped in the recognition of infections with a unique gram-negative bacterium in turkeys, eventually identified as Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale. Bruce W. Calnek Applied Poultry Research Achievement Award: Jack Gelb Jr., PhD, Laudenberg, Pa., for research contributions resulting directly or indirectly in a measurable, practical impact on the control of one or more major diseases of poultry. Dr. Gelb obtained his doctorate in microbiology from the University of Georgia in 1979. He is a professor and chair of the Department of Animal and Food Sciences and director of the Avian Biosciences Center at the University of Delaware. Dr. Gelb's research focuses on the diagnosis, characterization, and control of infectious bronchitis virus, leading to the development of key IBV vaccines. His work on the IBV field strain Arkansas/3168 resulted in the development of the Ark DPI vaccine strain. Dr. Gelb developed a temperature-sensitive strain of Newcastle disease virus that induces less-stressful reactions but protects against endemic strains of Newcastle disease virus in the country. Outstanding Field Case and/or Diagnostic Report Award: Dr. Robert L. Owen, New Oxford, Pa. Dr. Owen, who earned his VMD degree in 1976 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and obtained his doctorate in pathobiology from Pennsylvania State University in 1992, is a senior technical services veterinarian for Huvepharma. He was honored for his report “Hatchery induced Marek's disease in colored broilers and broiler breeders raised for the live bird market.” Dr. Owen is a diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. P.P. Levine Award, presented to the senior author of the best paper published in Avian Diseases: Daral J. Jackwood, PhD, Wooster, Ohio, for “Viral competition and maternal immunity influence the clinical disease caused by very virulent infectious bursal disease virus.” Dr. Jackwood obtained his doctorate in molecular virology from The Ohio State University in 1982. He is a professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and the Food Animal Health Research Program at The Ohio State University's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Reed Rumsey Student Award: Dr. Julie Kelly, Sioux Falls, S.D., won in the category of clinical research, and Dr. Kyong-il Kang, Athens, Ga., won in the category of basic research. Dr. Kelly is a 2010 graduate of Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kang is a 1996 graduate of Kangwon National University in Korea and obtained his doctorate in pathology and molecular virology from the University of Georgia in 2012. Richard B. Rimler Memorial Paper Scholarship: Dr. Vijay Durairaj, Athens, Ga. Dr. Durairaj is a 2004 graduate of the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in India and obtained his doctorate in molecular virology from the University of Georgia in 2012. L. Dwight Schwartz Travel Scholarship: Thomas J. Gaydos, Columbus, Ohio. Gaydos is a fourth-year veterinary student at The Ohio State University. Arnold S. Rosenwald Student Poster Award: Dr. Victor A. Palomino, Athens, Ga., won in the category of applied research, and Nastassja Ortega-Heinly, East Hartford, Conn., won in the category of basic research. Eskelund Preceptorship Awards: Kathleen Beecher, University of Saskatchewan; Elizabeth Dale, University of Georgia; Thomas J. Gaydos, The Ohio State University; Stephen Gibson, Kansas State University; and Charlotte Sanford-Crane, Cornell University
Dr. A. Gregorio Rosales
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. David H. Ley
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Patti Miller
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Richard P. Chin
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Jack Gelb Jr., PhD
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Robert L. Owen
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Daral J. Jackwood, PhD
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Julie Kelly
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Kyong-il Kang
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Vijay Durairaj
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Thomas J. Gaydos
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Business: The AAAP met with Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, director of the AVMA Governmental Relations Division, to discuss ways of improving the avian association's outreach and advocacy. The AAAP also met with Sharon Granskog and Dr. Kimberly May of the AVMA Communications Division to review the value of media training for designated individuals. The AAAP board approved funding for advocacy training and future visits to Washington, D.C., engaging the AAAP Legislative Advisory Committee. The association will be conducting a job search for a new editor for Avian Diseases.
Officials: Drs. Mark C. Bland, Napa, Calif., president; Richard Fulton, Lansing, Mich., president-elect; Charles L. Hofacre, Athens, Ga., secretary-treasurer; Patricia Dunn, University Park, Pa., immediate past president; Daniel A. Bautista, Georgetown, Del., Northeast director; Francene Van Sambeek, Cullman, Ala., Southern director; Eric Gingerich, Zionsville, Ind., Central director; Victoria Bowes, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Western director; and directors-at-large—Drs. Suzanne Dougherty, Huntsville, Ala., and Deirdre Johnson, St. Cloud, Minn.
Contact: Janece Bevans-Kerr, Director of Member Services, American Association of Avian Pathologists, 12627 San Jose Blvd., Suite 202, Jacksonville, FL 32223; phone, (904) 425-5735; fax, (281) 664-4744; aaap@aaap.info; website, www.aaap.info
Corporate and public practice veterinarians
Event: American Association of Corporate and Public Practice Veterinarians meeting, Aug. 6, San Diego
Awards: Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. John Briddell, Bloomington, Ind. A 1966 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Briddell retired in 2003 as a technical services manager from Schering-Plough Animal Health. Prior to that, he worked for Pitman-Moore Inc. and Mallinckrodt Veterinary Inc. in professional and technical services. Early in his career, Dr. Briddell served as an associate veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital in Charlottesville, Va., practicing companion animal and equine medicine.
Business: A town hall meeting was conducted to determine membership needs with regard to advanced education specific to employment. It was decided that a group of volunteers would form a task force to look into certification, and an aggressive time line would be put in place to determine initial findings. The association will soon serve as a Registry of Approved Continuing Education provider and will conduct multiple webinars offering continuing education credit.
Officials: Drs. James R. Freeman Jr., Franklin, N.C., president; Silene Young, Costa Mesa, Calif., president-elect; Carol Barton, Morristown, N.J., secretary; Norman D. Stewart, Crystal Lake, Ill., treasurer; Lynn Fondon, Dallas, immediate past president; AVMA delegate and alternate delegate—Drs. Brian Huseman, Lenexa, Kan., and Dan Marsman, Mason, Ohio; and board members—Drs. Janet Donlin, Topeka, Kan.; Cori Gross, Bellevue, Wash.; James Hall, St. Joseph, Mo.; Richard Hartigan, Fredericksburg, Va.; and Hilton Klein, Indianapolis
Contact: MaryAnne P. Bobrow, Executive director, American Association of Corporate and Public Practice Veterinarians, 6060 Sunrise Vista Drive, Suite 1300, Citrus Heights, CA 95610; phone, (916) 726-1560; fax, (916) 722-8149; maryanne@aacppv.org; website, www.aacppv.org
Food safety veterinarians
Dr. Kristin G. Holt
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Rex D. Holt
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Bonnie Buntain
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: American Association of Food Safety Veterinarians meeting, Aug. 6, San Diego
Awards: Food Safety Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Kristin G. Holt, Winder, Ga. A 1983 graduate of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Holt has served as liaison from the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 2001. Prior to that, she was supervisory veterinary medical officer, inspector-in-charge, circuit supervisor, assistant area supervisor, and deputy district manager in the FSIS Office of Field Operations in Georgia. Dr. Holt was recognized for her service in preventing food-borne illness. President's Special Award: Dr. Rex D. Holt, Winder, Ga., was honored in appreciation of exceptional contributions in assuming the duties of executive vice president. A 1984 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Holt is a supervisory public health veterinarian with the USDA FSIS Office of Field Operations. Earlier in his career, he served as a supervisory veterinary medical officer, inspector-in-charge, circuit supervisor, acting deputy district manager, and acting district manager in the FSIS OFO and was director of meat inspection for the state of Georgia. He is executive vice president of the AAFSV and serves as its alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates.
Officials: Drs. Bonnie Buntain, Calgary, Alberta, president; Stephan Schaefbauer, Raleigh, N.C., president-elect; Jennifer Koeman, Des Moines, Iowa, vice president; Kristal Southern, Washington, D.C., secretary; Thomas Kasari, Fort Collins, Colo., immediate past president; Daniel E. Lafontaine, Bel Air, Md., AVMA delegate; and Rex D. Holt, Winder, Ga., executive vice president and AVMA alternate delegate
Contact: Dr. Rex D. Holt, Executive vice president, American Association of Food Safety Veterinarians, P.O. Box 550, Hoschton, GA 30548; phone, (770) 307-3862; AAFHV_EVP@comcast.net; website, https://www.avma.org/About/AlliedOrganizations/Pages/AAFSV.aspx
Human-animal bond veterinarians
Event: American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians meeting, Aug. 5, San Diego
Business: The board of directors was expanded to include director positions for veterinary students and nonveterinarians. XMI Association Management Services will be handling services for the AAHABV. The association recommitted to the strategic plan of advancing the understanding and importance of the human-animal bond via education and training, strategic alliances, and marketing and websites.
Officials: Drs. Emilia Gordon, Vancouver, British Columbia, president; Marcy Hammerle, O'Fallon, Mo., secretary-treasurer; Robert Downing, Windsor, Calif., immediate past president; directors-at-large—Drs. Phil Arkow, Stratford, N.J.; Shea Cox, Berkeley, Calif.; Tina Ellenbogen, Bothell, Wash.; Gregg Takashima, Lake Oswego, Ore.; and John Wright, St. Paul, Minn.; Laura Baltodano, Pullman, Wash., student director-at-large; and Dr. Alice Villalobos, Hermosa Beach, Calif., ex-officio
Contact: Dr. Emilia Gordon, President, American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians, Arbutus West Animal Clinic, 2809 W. 16th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6K 3C5; phone, (778) 989-3954; emugordon@gmail.com; website, www.aahabv.org
Public health veterinarians
Some AAPHV officials: Drs. Tracy DuVernoy, Kelly Vest, Kendra Stauffer (immediate past secretary), and Adam Langer
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: American Association of Public Health Veterinarians meeting, Aug. 6, San Diego
Awards: Student scholarship: Dr. Kelly Patyk, Fort Collins, Colo., and Joelle Glenn, Gainesville, Fla. A 2012 graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Patyk is a veterinary medical officer and veterinary epidemiologist with the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Glenn is a fourth-year veterinary student at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the Florida State Agricultural Response Team.
Business: The AAPHV developed a brochure for distribution at conferences and symposia and continues to enhance its website, newsletter, and online discussion group, event calendar, and job board. An online wiki site was created by the outreach work group to compile opportunities for students to gain knowledge and experience in public health and preventive medicine, in addition to an image library related to veterinary public health for use by the membership in presentations and documents. The communications work group is exploring opportunities for the AAPHV to participate actively in social media.
Officials: Drs. Millicent Eidson, Albany, N.Y., president; Jeff Baravik, Laurel, Miss., president-elect; Adam Langer, Atlanta, secretary; Louisa Castrodale, Anchorage, Alaska, treasurer; Tracy DuVernoy, Silver Spring, Md., immediate past president; and directors-at-large—Drs. Kelly Vest, Odenton, Md., and Nora Pihkala, Washington, D.C.
Contact: Dr. Adam Langer, Secretary, American Association of Public Health Veterinarians, 1600 Clifton Road N.E., MS C-01, Atlanta, GA 30333; phone, (404) 639-7335; fax, (404) 639-4441; ALanger@cdc.gov; website, www.aaphv.org
Senior veterinarians
AASrV officials: Drs. Robert Rainier, L. Everett Macomber, G.A. “Bert” Mitchell, Bruce W. Little, Robert A. Dietl, Richard E. Coon, and William McEniry
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: American Association of Senior Veterinarians meeting, Aug. 6, San Diego
Business: Revised bylaws were approved and decisions were made on changes to the association's website, including the use of PayPal to process membership dues. Dr. Gregg Cutler's presentation on the use of vector vaccines in the poultry industry was followed by a session of focused questions and comments. The term for current officials and directors was extended to Dec. 31, 2013.
Officials: Drs. G.A. “Bert” Mitchell, Sarasota, Fla., president; Bruce W. Little, Las Vegas, vice president; L. Everett Macomber, Centralia, Wash., secretary; William McEniry, Ashton, Ill., treasurer; Robert Rainier, Fishers, Ind., Eastern
region director; Robert A. Dietl, Richfield, Minn., Central region director; and Richard E. Coon, Forest Grove, Ore., Western region director
Contact: Dr. G.A. “Bert” Mitchell, President, American Association of Senior Veterinarians, 5186 Cote du Rhone Way, Sarasota, FL 34238; phone, (941) 320-1997, (941) 921-6426; fax, (941) 923-2640; bert.mitchell@tenell.net; website, www.aasrv.org
Small ruminant practitioners
Dr. Joe Snyder
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Paul L. Jones
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Cleon V. Kimberling
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners meeting, Aug. 4, San Diego
Awards: Don E. Bailey Practitioner of the Year: Dr. Joe Snyder, Portland, Ore. A 1983 graduate of Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Snyder owned a mixed animal practice in Myrtle Point, Ore., prior to retirement. He now teaches large animal medicine at Portland Community College. George McConnell Award: Dr. Paul L. Jones, Woodburn, Ore., won this award, given in recognition of extraordinary service to both the association and the practice of small ruminant medicine. A 1974 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Jones owns Woodburn Veterinary Clinic, focusing on camelid medicine and surgery. XIIth International Veterinary Congress Prize: Dr. Cleon V. Kimberling, Fort Collins, won this award, given by the American Veterinary Medical Association in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to the international understanding of veterinary medicine. A 1959 graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Kimberling was a member of the veterinary faculty at CSU for more than 40 years, serving as a professor and as Colorado state extension veterinarian. During his career, he traveled to several developing countries, helping livestock producers improve conditions that would lead to increased food and fiber production.
Business: Drs. William P. Shulaw, representing Region 1, and Clifford Shipley, representing Region 3, were reelected to another two-year term on the board of directors. Changes to the bylaws were approved.
Officials: Drs. Joan Bowen, Wellington, Colo., president and AVMA alternate delegate; Joan D. Rowe, Capay, Calif., president-elect; William Shulaw, Hilliard, Ohio, Region 1 director and secretary; Patty Scharko, Columbia, S.C., Region 2 director and treasurer; Jim Fallen, Albuquerque, N.M., immediate past president; Clifford Shipley, Urbana, Ill., Region 3 director; Annika Rogers, Corvallis, Ore., Region 4 director; and Paul Jones, Woodburn, Ore., AVMA delegate
Contact: Dr. Michelle Kutzler, Public relations committee chair, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, 312 Withycombe Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; phone, (541) 737-1401; fax, (541) 737-4174; michelle.kutzler@oregonstate.edu; website, www.aasrp.org
Veterinary toxicologists
Event: American Board of Veterinary Toxicology meeting, Aug. 6, San Diego
Awards: Service Award: Dr. Murl Bailey, College Station, Texas, for his leadership and contributions toward advancing the ABVT mission of certification for veterinarians in the specialty of toxicology. A 1964 graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Bailey is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the college. He is a past president of the ABVT and has served on the ABVT Examination and Constitution and Bylaws committees. Veterinary Toxicology Student Paper Competition: First place, sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Animal Poison Control Center: Dr. Erin L. Siek, Washington State University, for “A review of domoic acid toxicity and its effects on the health of California sea lions”; second place: Dr. Felicia H. Lew, Washington State University, for “Sea lions with domoic acid toxicity as a model for human lobe epilepsy”; and third place: Dr. Jacob Fillerup, Washington State University, for “Intravenous lipid therapy for small animal toxicoses”
Business: The ABVT strategic plan was completed this year and will be implemented over the next five years. A financial audit covering the past two years was conducted in August.
Officials: Drs. Konnie Plumlee, Gainesville, Mo., president; John Tegzes, Pomona, Calif., secretary-treasurer; and Stephen B. Hooser, West Lafayette, Ind., immediate past president
Contact: Dr. John Tegzes, Secretary-Treasurer, American Board of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second St., Pomona, CA 91766; phone, (909) 469-5652; fax, (909) 469-5635; jtegzes@westernu.edu; website, www.abvt.org
Poultry veterinarians
Event: American College of Poultry Veterinarians meeting, Aug. 4–7, San Diego
Business: The college will be working with a pychometrician this year to complete a standard-setting study, including a job analysis and cut-score determination.
ACPV new diplomates Drs. Elena Behnke, Eric Jensen, Denise Brinson, Rodrigo Espinosa, Prashant Nighot, Rodrigo Gallardo, Alexandra Reilley, and Shahn Bisschop with immediate past president Dr. Peter O'Kane
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
New diplomates: Eight new diplomates were welcomed into the ACPV. They are as follows:
Elena Behnke, Talmo, Ga.
Shahn Bisschop, Brooklyn, South Africa
Denise Brinson, McDonough, Ga.
Rodrigo Espinosa, Athens, Ga.
Rodrigo Gallardo, Auburn, Ala.
Prashant Nighot, Raleigh, N.C.
Peter O'Kane, Ballymena, Northern Ireland
Alexandra Reilley, Athens, Ga.
Officials: Drs. Alex Bermudez, Columbia, Mo., president; Karen B. Grogan, Dacula, Ga., secretary-treasurer; and Eric Jensen, Hunstville, Ala., immediate past president
Contact: Janece Bevans-Kerr, Director of Member Services, American College of Poultry Veterinarians, 12627 San Jose Blvd., Suite 202, Jacksonville, FL 32223; phone, (904) 425-5735; fax, (281) 664-4744; aaap@aaap.info; website, www.acpv.info
Veterinary behaviorists
Event: American College of Veterinary Behaviorists meeting, Aug. 8, San Diego
Business: The college has developed an educational book for the public and slated it for publication. In development is a veterinary educational distance-learning program. The ACVB partnered with the Lean On Veterinary Expertise bus tour of eight cities in August and September to bring medically sound solutions to members of the public with pet behavior questions and problems.
Officials: Drs. Jacqui Neilson, Portland, Ore., president; Lore Haug, Sugar Land, Texas, president-elect; Valarie Tynes, Sweetwater, Texas, secretary-treasurer; Melissa Bain, Davis, Calif., immediate past president; and Bonnie Beaver, College Station, Texas, executive director
ACVB: Front row—Drs. Ellen Lindell (member-at-large), Lore Haug, Meghan Herron (member-at-large). Back row—Drs. Bonnie Beaver, Jacqui Neilson, Valarie Tynes, and Melissa Bain
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Contact: Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver, Executive Director, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843; phone, (979) 845-2351; fax, (979) 845-6978; bbeaver@cvm.tamu.edu; website, www.dacvb.org
Veterinary preventive medicine
Dr. David R. Smith
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine meeting, Aug. 5, San Diego
Awards: Helwig-Jennings Award: Dr. David R. Smith, Davey, Neb., for outstanding and prolonged service to the ACVPM. A 1983 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Smith is a professor and extension dairy/beef veterinarian at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He is known for his expertise in the area of pre-harvest control of shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella in cattle production. Dr. Smith is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Distinguished Diplomate Award: Dr. Gregory Parham, Mitchellville, Md., for significant contributions to veterinary preventive medicine. A 1980 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Parham is the acting assistant secretary for administration at the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. Early in his career, he was an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frank A. Todd President's Award: Dr. Beth Karp, Atlanta, for meritorious service to the college. A 1993 graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Karp is a veterinary epidemiologist with the CDC.
Business: Responses from the membership on the college's recertification plan were received and discussed. Additional debate and work are needed to finalize the plan. The issue of accommodating disabilities during the certification examination is in the process of review. The University of Minnesota's and The Ohio State University's residencies and master's programs in veterinary public health were recognized and certified by the college as meeting core requirements for ACVPM certification.
New diplomates: Thirty-five new diplomates were welcomed into the college following successful completion of the certifying examination. The new diplomates are as follows:
Amanda L. Beaudoin, Minneapolis
Michael J. Berecz, Perryville, Md.
Stephanie D. Butler, Gautier, Miss.
Christopher D. Calloway, Harrison, Ark.
Jeein Chung, St. Paul, Minn.
Leslie E. Cole, Edmond, Okla.
Diane E. Collette, Monument, Colo.
Ross A. Free, Bethesda, Md.
Jodi Freifeld, Manhattan, Kan.
Patti K. Glen, Converse, Texas
Karen Gruszynski, Henrico, Va.
Glenn E. Hansen, Molalla, Ore.
Krista J. Howden, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Barbara L. Jones, Appleton, Wis.
Rachael H. Joseph, San Diego
Gwynne E. Kinley, Hyattsville, Md.
Richard R. Luce, Libreville, Gabon
Michael W. Mahero, St. Paul, Minn.
Megan McCormick, Shelby Township, Mich.
Benjamin Newcomer, Auburn, Ala.
Megin C. Nichols, Santa Fe, N.M.
Darrin D. Olson, Bossier City, La.
Kerry R. Pride, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Eran A. Raizman, West Lafayette, Ind.
Elizabeth J. Rigoni, Gettysburg, Pa.
Justin R. Schlanser, Haslett, Mich.
Heidi A. Schleicher, Ankeny, Iowa
Angela M. Schmillen, Harker Heights, Texas
Monica Selent, Beavercreek, Ohio
Sean V. Shadomy, Gainesville, Ga.
Jonathan P. Shearer, Cascade, Colo.
Ulrike S. Sorge, St. Paul, Minn.
Sarah R. Speth, Berwyn Heights, Md.
Greg Taylor, Clear Lake, S.D.
Csaba Varga, Guelph, Ontario
Officials: Drs. Mo Salman, Fort Collins, Colo., president; Scott Brooks, San Antonio, president-elect; Sherry Burrer, Atlanta, secretary-treasurer; Candace L. McCall, Garden Ridge, Texas, executive vice president; Roger Krogwold, Dublin, Ohio, immediate past president; and councilors—Drs. Paul Garbe, Atlanta; Vicki Fogelman, Carson City, Nev.; and Marianne Ash, Lafayette, Ind.
Contact: Dr. Candace L. McCall, Executive vice president, American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, 21510 Fairview Circle, Garden Ridge, TX 78266; phone, (210) 382-5400; evp@acvpm.org; website, www.acvpm.org
Veterinary medical association executives
Some ASVMAE officials—Adrian Hochstadt (director), Dina Michel, Dr. Janice Trumpeter, Clare Reagan, Karlene Belyea, Dan Tjornehoj (director), and David Foley
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Valerie Fenstermaker
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Charlene Wandzilak
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives meeting, Aug. 3, San Diego
Awards: Executive of the Year: Valerie Fenstermaker, Sacramento, Calif., for exemplifying the best in association management and continually bringing credit to the profession and the association community. Executive director of the California VMA, Fenstermaker serves as administrator of the CVMA Foundation and is a member of the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps board and the Veterinary Insurance Services Company board. She serves on the University of California-Davis/CVMA Don Low Fellowship Committee and is a member of the Animal Care Coalition and Animal Care Conference Committee, which are collaborative efforts between the California Animal Control Directors Association, CVMA, and State Humane Association of California. Distinguished Service Award: Charlene Wandzilak, Hummelstown, Pa., for exceptional service to the ASVMAE, demonstrating initiative, integrity, and commitment in serving the veterinary profession and association colleagues. Executive director of the Pennsylvania VMA, Wandzilak is a past president of the ASVMAE and is past chair of the ASVMAE Communications and Awards committees and the ASVMAE Survey Task Force. She has also served on the ASVMAE Professional Development Committee and the AVMA/ASVMAE Joint Committee.
Best in Business Award: The Colorado and Wisconsin VMAs, won this award, given in recognition of successful programs and projects by VMAs that are making a positive impact on the veterinary medical industry. The CVMA partnered with KUSA 9News in Colorado to offer 9PetCheck, a complimentary basic wellness examination and rabies vaccination program, to economically challenged pet owners in the state. The WVMA along with the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin developed the WVMA Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points for Proper Drug Use Plan, a six-step plan addressing not only food safety but also long-term proper drug use in dairies.
Officials: Karlene Belyea, Okemos, Mich., president; David Foley, Lexington, Ky., president-elect; Clare Reagan, Atlanta, secretary; Dina Michel, Hastings, Neb., treasurer; and Dr. Janice Trumpeter, Lakewood, Colo., immediate past president
Contact: Karlene Belyea, President, American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, 2144 Commons Parkway, Okemos, MI 48864; phone, (517) 347-4710; fax, (517) 347-4666; belyea@michvma.org; website, www.vmaexecs.org
Veterinary epidemiologists
Dr. Donald L. Noah
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Bruce Kaplan
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Charles O. Thoen
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: American Veterinary Epidemiology Society meeting, Aug. 6, San Diego
Program: The society recognized Dr. James H. Steele, founder of the AVES, who is known for his contributions to veterinary epidemiology, public health, and one health. Dr. Steele gave a report on the AVES. Dr. Eldon H. Uhlenhopp presented information on guidelines for the development of collaborative projects with nonindustrialized countries. Dr. Jack A. Shere reported on the effect of budget reductions on Veterinary Services branch programs at the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Awards: Karl F. Meyer–James H. Steele Gold Headed Cane Award, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation: Drs. Donald L. Noah, Dayton, Ohio, and Bruce Kaplan, Sarasota, Fla., for advancement of human health through veterinary epidemiology and public health. A 1985 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Dr. Noah is the deputy commander of the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. Earlier in his career, he served as deputy assistant secretary of defense, deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Southern Command deputy command surgeon, Department of Defense liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and liaison to the CIA. A 1963 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kaplan is a member of the One Health Initiative team, serves as primary content manager for the One Health Initiative website (www.onehealthinitiative.com), and is contributing editor of the One Health Newsletter. Dr. Kaplan also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Veterinaria Italiana and is a member of the editorial advisory board of the journal Infection, Ecology and Epidemiology. Early in his career, he was a public affairs specialist in California and served as staff officer at the Office of Public Health and Science in Washington, D.C. Honorary diplomas were given to Drs. Jack A. Shere, Raleigh, N.C.; Kristy K. Bradley, Oklahoma City, Okla.; George O. Winegar, Howell, Mich.; William F. McCullough, Beaverton, Ore.; Y. M. Saif, Wooster, Ohio; Billy G. Johnson, Conway, Ark.; Eric Fonken, Austin, Texas; and Isabel Narvaiz de Kantor, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Officials: Drs. Charles O. Thoen, Ames, Iowa, president; A.K. Eugster, College Station, Texas, vice president; Georgette Wilson, Secaucus, N.J., secretary; and George W. Beran, Ames, Iowa, immediate past president
Contact: Dr. Charles O. Thoen, President, American Veterinary Epidemiology Society, Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA 50011; phone, (515) 294-7608; fax, (515) 294-8500; cthoen@iastate.edu
Veterinary medical history society
Amy Sents
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Tracey L. Mullins
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Katie Beach
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Martha A. Littlefield (Photo by Dr. Helen Wojcinski)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: American Veterinary Medical History Society meeting, Aug. 6, San Diego
Program: President and program chair of the AVMHS, Dr. Martha A. Littlefield, and immediate past president, Dr. Russell W. Currier, presided over the meeting. The program featured several speakers, including Dr. Sam Ridgway, San Diego, on “History of marine mammal veterinary medicine”; and Dr. Monica Murphy, Oakland, Calif., on “Rabid: a cultural history of the world's most diabolical virus.”
Awards: J. Fred Smithcors Student Veterinary History Essay Contest, sponsored by Dr. William Ryan and an anonymous donor: First place ($750)—Amy Sents, Kansas State University, for “The covert arsenal of biological agents throughout history”; second place ($500)—Tracey L. Mullins, Kansas State University, for “The humble beginnings of the corporate companion animal practice”; and third place ($250)—Katie Beach, Kansas State University, for “The dogs of war: history of the U.S. military dog”
Business: Dr. Russell Currier announced that a fourth regional history program was held at the University of Guelph in Ontario on June 15. The program included papers on bovine tuberculosis, interactions between the U.S. and Canada, early women veterinarians from the University of Guelph and the contributions of wives in support of the university, and the contributions of Dr. Frank Schofield to veterinary pathology and to the recovery of South Korea following its independence in the early 20th century. Dr. Currier reported that the transcription of Burt W. Bierer's book “American Veterinary History” has been completed and awaits some section illustrations and sponsorship for printing prior to republication in 2013. He acknowledged expert transcription by Dori Douglass working from mimeographed pages with proofreading assistance from Dr. Howard Erickson and Susanne Whitaker. Plans for a one-day Smithcors History of Veterinary Medicine Symposium, to be held at the AVMA's sesquicentennial convention in Chicago in July 2013, have been submitted and await confirmation. Lesley Gentry, the society's liaison to the World Association for the History of Veterinary Medicine, reported that several members were scheduled to speak at the International Congress at Utrecht in The Netherlands on Aug. 22–25, 2012. Dr. Currier described his efforts, as the chair of the AVMHS Essay Contest Committee during the past year, to secure possible sponsors and obtain continued funding for the annual student essay contest. It was announced that the Vet2011 exhibit and some vintage veterinary instruments, assembled by Dr. Fred J. Born for the 2011 meeting in St. Louis, are on permanent display at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Officials: Dr. Martha A. Littlefield, Baton Rouge, La., president; Dr. Helen Wojcinski, Ann Arbor, Mich., president-elect; Susanne K. Whitaker, Ithaca, N.Y., secretary-treasurer; Dr. Russell W. Currier, Des Moines, Iowa, immediate past president; and members-at-large—Dr. Ana Alcaraz, Claremont, Calif.; Dr. Ronnie Elmore, Manhattan, Kan.; Lesley Ann Gentry, Beloit, Kan.; and Dr. Cynthia Hoobler, Friendswood, Texas
Contact: Susanne K. Whitaker, Secretary-Treasurer, American Veterinary Medical History Society, 23 Wedgewood Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850; phone, (607) 253-3499; fax, (607) 253-3080; skw2@cornell.edu; website, www.avmhs.org
Veterinary medical colleges
Dr. Deborah Kochevar
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Kent Hoblet
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, Aug. 6, San Diego
Officials: Drs. Deborah Kochevar, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, president; Kent Hoblet, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, presidentelect; Stuart Reid, University of London Royal Veterinary College, secretary; Peter Haynes, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, treasurer; Gerhardt Schurig, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, immediate past president; and directors-at-large—Drs. Cyril Clarke, Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Grace Mulcahy, University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine; David Hardin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine; Christian Abee, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Alastair Cribb, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Contact: Jeanne Johnson, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, 1101 Vermont Ave. N.W., Suite 301, Washington, DC 20005; phone, (202) 371-9195, Ext. 144; fax, (202) 842-0773; jjohnson@aavmc.org; website, www.aavmc.org
Women veterinarians
Some AWVF officials: Drs. Elizabeth P. Boynton, Lisa Freeman, Debra Nickelson, Michelle A. Kutzler, and Judith Spurling (advisory board member).
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: Association for Women Veterinarians Foundation meeting, Aug. 6, San Diego
Awards: Outstanding Woman Veterinarian of the Year: Dr. Sharon Center, Ithaca, N.Y. A 1975 graduate of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Center is a professor of medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
She is known for the innovative use of new drug therapies to improve management of liver disease in dogs and cats and has developed an assay to measure the concentration of serum bile acids. Dr. Center is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (small animal). Judith Spurling Blue Ribbon Award: Dr. Michelle A. Kutzler, Corvallis, Ore., for invaluable service to the AWVF. A 1993 graduate of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kutzler is an associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences. She is scholarship chair and secretary of the foundation and coordinates the logistics for the annual meeting. Dr. Kutzler is a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists.
Officials: Drs. Lisa Freeman, DeKalb, Ill., chair; Michelle A. Kutzler, Corvallis, Ore., scholarship chair and secretary; Elizabeth P. Boynton, Pomona, Calif., treasurer; Chris Stone Payne, Fremont, Calif., awards chair; Debra Nickelson, Phoenix, finance chair; and Stacy L. Pritt, San Diego, immediate past chair
Contact: Dr. Debra Nickelson, Finance chair, Association of Women Veterinarians Foundation, 15653 N. 18th St., Phoenix, AZ 85022; phone, (602) 363-6382; fax, (800) 215-5875; dnickelson@vpl.com; website, www.womenveterinarians.org
Lesbian and gay association
Event: Lesbian and Gay VMA meeting, Aug. 3, San Diego
Program: The president of the AVMA, Dr. Douglas G. Aspros, addressed the association and opened the seminar presented by Brad Sears, JD, founding director of the Williams Institute at the University of California-Los Angeles, on “LGBT people and the veterinary profession: legal requirements to economic benefits.” The seminar was sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health.
Awards: Achievement Award: Dr. Eleanor Green, College Station, Texas. A 1973 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Green is Carl B. King dean of the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. She was honored for her leadership in enhancing the academic learning environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer veterinary students at the college. Dr. Green is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (large animal) and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Leadership Award: Dr. Colin Johnstone, Brookside, Mass. Dr. Johnstone, who earned his BVMS degree from the University of Glasgow in 1967 and obtained his doctorate in parasitology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977, is a past dean of student services at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He was honored for his role as a mentor, role model, and friend to LGBTQ veterinary students at the school “during a more conservative period in society, the veterinary profession, and academia.” Veterinary Student Leadership Award, in the amount of $1,500: Jamilah Cherry (FL ′14), Michael White (KSU ′15), William Giles (WIS ′13), and Dr. Kathryn Kuehl (WIS ′12). Pfizer Animal Health sponsored the awards given to Cherry and White. Hill's Pet Nutrition were the sponsors of the awards given to Giles and Dr. Kuehl. Veterinary Technician Student Scholarship, sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition, in the amount of $750: Nat Smith, Foothill College
Dr. Eleanor Green
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Business: The AAVMC/AVMA Student Climate Survey was discussed. Dr. Sal Jepson filmed volunteer veterinarians and students during the AVMA Annual Convention for the “It Gets Better Project,” to help empower LGBT youth at risk for suicide.
Officials: Dr. Sandy Hazonow, San Francisco, president; Dr. Daniel Edge, Chicago, vice president; John Scroggs, College Station, Texas, secretary; Dr. Wayne Hollingshead, St. Clotilde de Horton, Quebec, immediate past president; Dr. Ken C. Gorczyca, San Francisco, executive secretary; Nikki Wright, Philadelphia, student representative; Lyn Garson, Ellington, Conn., newsletter editor; and members-at-large—Michelle Ardan, Dearborn Heights, Mich.; Dr. Michael Chaddock, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Linda Detweiler, Millstone Township, N.J.; Dr. Chana Eisenstein, Willits, Calif.; Dr. Malcolm Kram, Betterton, Md.; Dr. Patrick Mahaney, West Hollywood, Calif.; Dr. Jennifer Thomas, Ferndale, Mich.; and Tony Wynne, Washington, D.C.
Some LGVMA meeting attendees: Front row—Liz Urley, Dr. Jennifer Thomas, Nikki Wright, Joseph Hicks, Elise Jemmott, and Dr. Ken Gorczyca. Back row—Dr. Kirk Breuninger, Dr. Mel Vassey, Dr. Joseph Jacovino, Dr. Michael Chaddock, Dr. Eleanor Green, Dr. Dan Edge, Dr. Apryl Steel, Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Dr. Hileary Granson, and John Scroggs
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Contact: John Scroggs, Secretary, Lesbian and Gay VMA, 4461 TAMU, Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843; phone, (979) 845-8612; scroggs@tamu.edu; website, www.lgvma.org
Veterinary medical ethics
Some SVME officials: Front row—Dr. Dennis Lawler (chair of Document Development Committee), Dr. Peggy Danneman (member of Continuing Education Course Committee), Dr. Annie Forslund (board member), Louise Dunn (board member), and Leland Shapiro, PhD (member of Continuing Education Course Committee). Back row—Dr. Alice Villalobos, Michael J. White, Dr. Suann Hosie (parliamentarian), Dr. Lide Doffermyre, Marty Greer, JD, (board member), Dr. Erik Clary (chair of Student Essay Committee), and Dr. John Wright
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics meeting, Aug. 6, San Diego
Awards: Shomer Award: Temple Grandin, PhD, was recognized for her visionary contributions to animal welfare and to the practice of veterinary medical ethics. Dr. Grandin, who obtained her doctorate in animal science from the University of Illinois in 1989, is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and a designer of livestock handling facilities. She is known for her expertise in alleviating fear and anxiety experienced by food animals on their way to slaughter. SVME–Waltham Student Essay Contest: Michael J. White (KSU ′15), won $1,000 for “Anthropocentrism and its bearing on veterinary medicine”
Temple Grandin, PhD
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Michael J. White
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Business: Updated articles and bylaws for the society's constitution were approved. Drs. Karyl J. Hurley, Leicestershire, United Kingdom; Barry Kipperman, Long Island, N.Y.; and Thomas M. Edling, San Diego, were nominated and approved as members-at-large. Catlin Dooley, Pullman, Wash., and Michael J. White, Manhattan, Kan., were approved as student members.
Officials: Drs. Alice Villalobos, Hermosa Beach, Calif., president; Thomas M. Edling, San Diego, president-elect (starting January 2013); Lide Doffermyre, Wilmington, N.C., secretary; John S. Wright, St. Paul, Minn., treasurer; and Kate Knutson, Minneapolis, immediate past president
Contact: Dr. Alice Villalobos, President, Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, 1947 Manhattan Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; phone, (310) 379-8440; fax, (310) 374-3456; dralicev@aol.com; website, www.svme.org
Educational DVD promotes rabies prevention
The AVMA and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control have produced an educational DVD to promote rabies prevention.
“Rabies: Simple Steps Save Lives” is geared toward children and focuses on how to prevent exposure to the rabies virus as well as the spread of the disease. Veterinarians can use the resource in the clinic or during their next visit to a local school.
The DVD is in English with subtitles in Spanish, French, and mainland Chinese, and in English for the hearing impaired. It is available for purchase by visiting www.avma.org, clicking on the “Store” link at the top of the page, then clicking on “Classroom Materials.” The price is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers.
The video also is available via the AVMA's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AmerVetMedAssn.
Practice: Survey identifies barriers to pet ownership
By Katie Burns
| Top reasons for not owning a dog or cat | ||
 |  | |
| Among previous owners | Veterinary expenses (30%) | Travel too much (28%) |
| General expenses (29%) | Cleaning up (25%) | |
| No time (27%) | Veterinary expenses (25%) | |
| Among people who have not owned a dog or cat as an adult | Lifestyle (30%) | Don't like (35%) |
| Cleaning up (30%) | Litter box smell (29%) | |
| General expenses (29%) | Lifestyle (22%) | |
Source: American Humane Association
A new survey has found that barriers to pet ownership include not only expenses and lifestyle factors but also a dislike of cats and grief over the loss of a previous pet.
The American Humane Association's Animal Welfare Research Institute released the results in August not long after the AVMA released data revealing a decrease between 2006 and 2011 in the percentage of households that own pets.
The February survey by the American Humane Association examined reasons for not owning a dog or cat. The survey is the first phase of a three-part study on how to keep dogs and cats in homes, thereby reducing euthanasia at shelters.
“The American Humane Association is totally committed to the human-animal bond and trying to address the issue of pet retention or relinquishment and do our best to help secure and promote the entire family,” said Dr. Patricia Olson, chief veterinary adviser for the organization.
The respondents to the survey were 500 people who had never owned a dog or cat as an adult, 500 people who previously had owned a cat but not within the past 12 months, and 500 people who previously had owned a dog but not within the past 12 months.
Among previous pet owners, the most common reason for giving a pet away was that landlords did not allow the pet.
“They won't let the dog or cat in, then that disrupts the family,” Dr. Olson said.
The top reasons that previous dog owners gave for not currently owning a dog were veterinary expenses, general expenses, and a lack of time. The top reasons that previous cat owners gave for not currently owning a cat were travel, cleanup, and veterinary expenses.
Twenty percent of previous dog owners and 17 percent of previous cat owners reported that they were still grieving the loss of the previous pet.
“It's maybe hard in many cases to be expecting someone to engage in pet ownership if we haven't first identified the grieving process that can be very prolonged and celebrate that prior pet's life,” Dr. Olson said.
People who had never owned a dog or cat as an adult cited lifestyle as one of the top reasons for not owning a dog or cat. Nonowners said other top reasons for not owning a dog were cleanup and general expenses. More than a third of nonowners said they do not like cats, and nearly a third said they do not like the smell of a litter box.
People who say they do not like cats might simply be unfamiliar with cats, said Dr. Jane Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council. She said CATalyst sees a serious need for a call to action for cats.
“We really want to show all of the positive things that you get from cat ownership,” Dr. Brunt said.
Representatives of CATalyst and the American Humane Association spoke in September about ways to work together to address some of the survey findings regarding ownership of cats.
“If travel is a barrier, how do we get around that?” Dr. Brunt asked. “If cleaning up after them is a barrier, what are some specific tools that we can provide owners with to make it not a barrier?”
The survey identified demographic differences among prospective owners of cats and dogs. Most respondents age 65 and older were unreceptive to future pet ownership.
“Older people were saying, ‘We're done, we don't want to bring in another animal,”’ Dr. Olson said. “That's kind of sad, in my opinion, because we know animals can provide tremendous companionship for the elderly.”
The survey found that only 22 percent of previous dog owners and 18 percent of previous cat owners acquired the previous pet from a shelter or rescue organization. A much higher proportion of prospective pet owners said they would acquire a future pet from a shelter or rescue organization.
“That's a huge finding for the veterinary profession,” Dr. Olson said. She said private practitioners have an opportunity to ask, “How do I become proactively engaged to support that activity and get the new owner off on a good foot?”
The second phase of the American Humane Association's study will examine outcomes for dogs and cats in the six months following adoption from shelters. The third phase will test strategies for improving retention rates of pets following acquisition.
PetSmart Charities funded the first and second phases of the study.
FDA issues guidance on therapeutic diets for pets
The Food and Drug Administration has issued guidance in response to the increasing number of therapeutic pet diets and increasing marketing of such products directly to pet owners without veterinary direction.
On Sept. 10, the FDA released a draft guide on “Labeling and Marketing of Nutritional Products Intended for Use to Diagnose, Cure, Mitigate, Treat or Prevent Disease in Dogs and Cats.”
The FDA considers such products to be drugs as well as food, but most have not gone through the agency's drug approval process. In the past, FDA generally exercised enforcement discretion with regard to these products.
The draft guide lists the factors that the agency will consider in determining whether to take enforcement action against manufacturers of therapeutic diets. The FDA does not generally intend to take action if certain factors are present, including the following:
• Manufacturers make the products available to the public only through veterinarians or through retail or Internet sales to individuals purchasing the product under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Manufacturers do not include indications for a disease claim on the label of the products.
• Manufacturers limit distribution of material with any disease claims for the products only to veterinary professionals.
• Manufacturers make electronic resources for the dissemination of labeling information and promotional materials available only to veterinary professionals.
The FDA is inviting input on the draft guide through Nov. 9. Parties can submit comments by visiting www.regulations.gov and searching for “690.150.”
Practice: Controlled substances laws could change
By Greg Cima
Congress could consider legislation this year to counteract federal drug rules that prohibit many veterinarians from carrying and administering controlled substances at clients' properties.
Officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration have said veterinarians need to keep controlled substances in one place or register every location where they will be used. Information from the agency indicates the restrictions are mandated by federal law passed by Congress, and legislation would be needed to change them.
U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader, a congressman and veterinarian from Oregon, disagrees with the agency's interpretation of the law, and he said it is a shame that legislation will be needed if DEA authorities remain intransigent about transportation of controlled substances. He hopes Congress will soon consider legislation on the subject, which he expects will be noncontroversial and easily understood by members of Congress.
This past spring, the California VMA reported that officials in the DEA's Sacramento office had contacted some California veterinarians who registered their home addresses as their places of business; the messages from the DEA asked those veterinarians to provide the addresses of their actual places of business. Under the agency's interpretation of the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, practitioners such as veterinarians need to apply and pay for a separate registration for each location where they store, distribute, or dispense controlled substances.
Dr. Schrader said the controlled substances restrictions described by the DEA are “absolutely absurd” and indicative of an unthinking agency. As a former equine practitioner, he is very concerned about unintended complications and consequences “this sort of across-the-board bureaucratic restriction would have on our ability to practice quality veterinary medicine.”
Rep. Kurt Schrader
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Barbara Carreno, spokeswoman for the DEA, said the DEA has to enforce the Controlled Substances Act as it is written and enacted by Congress. If the public wants to see significant changes in regulations, she said, “Congress is the branch of government that has the authority to do that.”
“Our mission is to guarantee the availability of controlled substances for legitimate purposes. The DEA is not interested in keeping patients from getting needed medications.”
However, drug diversion, which the current regulations are intended to prevent, reduces availability for legitimate purposes. Carreno said good people can disagree on how to interpret the legal language, and the DEA is doing its best to enforce the law as written.
Dr. Schrader expressed doubt that any members of Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act with the assumption that federal authorities, in restricting access to narcotics, would also prevent medical professionals from dispensing drugs when performing in needed services. Comparing the issue with a new state law passed to give Oregon judges clarification on crosswalk rules, he indicated that the need for such clarification at state and federal levels is “the sort of idiocy that makes for profligation of a whole bunch of laws that are totally unnecessary.”
Dr. Jeff A. Blea, vice president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and a racetrack practitioner in Southern California, hopes the controlled substances laws will be re-evaluated and rewritten in a way that doesn't ignore the needs of equine patients and veterinarians.
Veterinarians can drive 30 miles between calls to see backyard, performance, and racehorses that do not have on-site hospitals, Dr. Blea said. Those animals' owners depend on veterinarians to come to their property, and the animals and clients will suffer if a veterinarian cannot access sedatives, muscle relaxants, and euthanasia solution when needed.
Dr. Blea is not aware of any veterinarians who have changed practices since the DEA interpretation of the law became more widely known earlier this year, although he is concerned that carrying such substances could violate the law. He thinks the issue could be addressed through a regulatory exemption for therapeutic uses or through legislation, and says a change is needed to enable veterinarians to live up to their oath and protect and maintain the health and welfare of their patients.
“If they're prohibited from doing that because of a law that hasn't been thoroughly vetted, that's a shame,” Dr. Blea said.
AVMA PLIT lists top claims for business insurance
The AVMA PLIT recently released results of an analysis of 12,483 claims submitted between Jan. 1, 2007, and June 30, 2011, by participants in its business insurance program for veterinarians.
Injury from animal contact was the most common workers' compensation claim, leading to 82 percent of claims in the category and losses of $15 million. The mean cost of a workers' compensation claim resulting from an animal bite or scratch was $1,629.
Injuries from slips, trips, and falls were the most common general liability claim and the most expensive workers' compensation claim. The mean cost of a claim resulting from an injury from a slip, trip, or fall was $11,401.
Seventy percent of general liability claims resulted from such injuries to clients, vendors, and visitors. Overall losses related to slips, trips, and falls totaled $6.5 million.
Damage from severe weather was the most common and most expensive property claim. Damage from wind, hail, or lightning sparking a fire accounted for 68 percent of property losses, for a total of $6 million. Claims averaged $12,541.
AAHA warns about raw pet diet risks
By Greg Cima
An animal hospital association recently indicated it does not advocate or endorse feeding pets raw or dehydrated nonsterilized animal-source proteins.
Officials with the American Animal Hospital Association announced in August that their organization took a position that states that raw pet food diets risk animal and human health. The position statement was endorsed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.
“Based on overwhelming scientific evidence, AAHA does not advocate or endorse feeding pets any raw or dehydrated nonsterilized foods, including treats that are of animal origin,” the AAHA position states.
In August, the AVMA similarly adopted a policy that discourages people from feeding cats and dogs raw or unprocessed meat, milk, or eggs. That policy also is concerned with pathogen risks.
Dr. Michael T. Cavanaugh, executive director of the American Animal Hospital Association, said the AAHA board of directors approved the position statement in July, and it was released in August with the two endorsements. But he thinks deliberations about the position predate the start of his employment with the organization in January 2010.
Several years ago, leaders in AAHA and the Delta Society, now Pet Partners, discussed concerns that pets in the Delta Society's therapy animal program were shedding pathogens, Dr. Cavanaugh said. Those animals often visit immunocompromised and other at-risk people, and the Delta Society decided to stop allowing dogs to participate in the program if they had recently consumed raw or unprocessed animal-source proteins. After a review of the scientific literature, the AAHA board of directors agreed to inform veterinarians and the public about the risks connected with such foods.
Dr. Cavanaugh recognizes that some people disagree with AAHA's position on such diets, but the board took a position it saw as correct and backed by scientific evidence. He appreciates the passion for their pets and the strength of the accompanying human-animal bond those—including some veterinarians—who have strong opinions in favor of raw diets have, but the AAHA feels a responsibility to educate people about the risks to human and pet health.
“I don't know why this subject sparks such emotion, but people are passionate about it,” Dr. Cavanaugh said.
The position statement does not oppose, for example, homemade diets involving properly cooked meat, Dr. Cavanaugh said.
Dr. Carina Blackmore, president of the NASPHV, said in a July 30 letter to the AAHA that her organization “strongly supports, affirms, and endorses” the AAHA position statement regarding raw protein diets. Her letter states that raw diets are a public health concern because pathogens can be transmitted to humans by the food, the animal, or contaminated surfaces, and some of those pathogens are resistant to multiple antimicrobials.
“Strong scientific evidence has demonstrated that raw or undercooked animal-based protein diets can be contaminated with a variety of pathogens and that animals fed the diets often shed these pathogens in their stool,” her letter states.
Issues: West Nile outbreak on track to being worst in US history
Infection rate outpacing previous years
By R. Scott Nolen
The Culex tarsalis mosquito is the main vector for West Nile virus in the western United States. (Courtesy of James Gathany/CDC)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Public health officials this past summer announced that this year's West Nile outbreak was shaping up to be the worst in U.S. history.
By Sept. 4, nearly 2,000 cases of West Nile disease, 87 ending in death, had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these cases, 54 percent were classified as neuroinvasive disease, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Forty-eight states had identified infections in people, birds, horses, or mosquitoes so far.
The 1,993 cases represent the most West Nile cases reported to the CDC through the first week in September in any year since the virus was detected in the U.S. in 1999. More than 70 percent of this year's cases were in six states: Texas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Michigan.
“We're in the midst of one of the largest West Nile virus outbreaks ever seen in the United States,” Lyle Petersen, MD, director of the CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, announced at an Aug. 23 press conference.
Although the peak of West Nile virus epidemics typically occurs in mid-August, it takes a couple of weeks before people become ill and the disease is diagnosed, according to Dr. Petersen, meaning reports are delayed a week or more.
“Thus, we expect many more cases to occur, and the risk of West Nile virus infection will probably continue through the end of September,” he said.
Experts are at a loss to explain the reasons for the outbreak's severity and why some parts of the country have been harder hit than others. For instance, Texas accounts for almost 45 percent of all West Nile cases and 50 deaths this season. Dallas County leads the state in West Nile infections with 296 cases including 13 that ended in death.
Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner David Lakey, MD, was also at the August press conference. Prior to 2012, Texas experienced its worst West Nile outbreak in 2003 when the disease was first discovered there, he explained. That year, 439 cases of neuroinvasive disease including 40 deaths occurred statewide.
“If you look at Dallas County data and add up the total deaths from 2003 to 2011, they had 10 deaths. We now in this year, in Dallas County, have more deaths than their entire history in the past,” Dr. Lakey said.
Hot temperatures appear to promote the spread of West Nile virus, and many major outbreaks in Europe, Africa, and now the United States have occurred during abnormally hot weather, according to Dr. Petersen.
“We don't really know why it's worse this year than in previous years,” he acknowledged. “Hot weather, we know, from experiments done in the laboratory, can increase the transmissibility of the virus through mosquitoes, and that could be one contributing factor.”
Starting in the late 2000s, interest in West Nile virus generally began to wane with a decline in the number of human cases in many parts of the U.S., according to Dr. Erik Hofmeister, a veterinary medical officer with the U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center. Located in Madison, Wis., the center has played a key role in government West Nile virus surveillance and research programs since the virus first arrived in the Western Hemisphere more than a decade ago.
Dr. Hofmeister, an expert in mosquito-borne diseases, says wild birds, which are the primary reservoirs for West Nile virus, might help explain the sudden spike in human infections this year. He refers to evidence collected by NWHC scientists, among others, that shows certain bird species, such as gray catbirds and northern cardinals, in particular regions can develop antibodies to the virus. It is theorized that the size of these immune avian populations has a direct correlation with the virus's transmission among people. The greater the number of immune birds, the fewer the opportunities mosquitoes have to spread the virus; the opposite is also true.
Dr. Hofmeister cited a recent study published in PLOS ONE in which researchers monitored the prevalence of antibodies against West Nile virus in house finches and house sparrows in Los Angeles from 2003 through 2011. By measuring seroconversion rates in sentinel chickens and tracking the number of West Nile neuroinvasive disease cases reported to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, researchers concluded that as avian immunity to the virus diminishes, the number of human West Nile cases increases.
“What we might be seeing this summer to a large part is a decrease in herd immunity within the birds,” Dr. Hofmeister said, explaining that birds with West Nile virus antibodies eventually die and are replaced by immunologically naive individuals.
Although there's no certainty that the West Nile outbreak of 2012 will dwarf those of previous years, the CDC's Dr. Petersen says it's certainly notable. “If things continue on their trajectory … this will be amongst the biggest or the biggest outbreak that we have experienced in the United States,” he said.
NIH accepting applications for loan repayment program
Veterinarians can receive up to $35,000 annually to repay student loans through the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident of the U.S. and must have a doctoral degree from an accredited institution. The program benefits individuals who are or will be conducting nonprofit biomedical or behavioral research. Opportunities are available in five research areas—clinical research, pediatric research, health disparities research, contraception and infertility research, and clinical research for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The application deadline is Nov. 15. Learn more at www.lrp.nih.gov.
Community: Florida veterinarian ousts 12-term GOP congressman
Newcomer Ted Yoho shocks political establishment with primary win
Dr. Ted Yoho emphasized his background as a large animal veterinarian while campaigning in Florida's 3rd Congressional District.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Ted Yoho had had enough.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
R. Scott Nolen
Dr. Ted Yoho
Over the past decade, the large animal veterinarian had grown increasingly frustrated with politicians he thought were leading the country in the wrong direction. Dr. Yoho had heard similar sentiments expressed by his clients and other residents of Florida's 3rd Congressional District, located in the northern part of the state and described as solidly Republican by the Cook Political Report.
Finally, Dr. Yoho could take it no longer. “I just got to the point where I said, ‘I've had enough,”’ he said. “We can't keep sending the same people back to Washington, because the career politicians either created the problem or they failed to prevent it. We've had enough of that. They have to get out of the way; it's time for new blood and new leadership. That's why I decided to run.”
With the blessings of his wife, Carolyn, and their three children, Dr. Yoho declared himself a candidate in the GOP primary election for Florida's 3rd District and hit the campaign trail with the slogan “Had enough?”
The race had all the makings of a classic David versus Goliath matchup.
Dr. Yoho had worked in private practice ever since receiving his DVM degree from the University of Florida in 1983 and had never run for public office. But he soon found that his years as a practice owner came in handy running a political campaign. The 20-foot by 20-foot veterinary office adjacent to the Yohos' Gainesville home became his headquarters. He hired one full-time staffer and spent roughly $320,000 during the campaign.
“We ran our campaign like we ran a business,” Dr. Yoho said. “We started with a goal, had a plan, hired a good person, and had a tremendous amount of ground support we built the same way we built our practice: by going out and talking to people every day.”
In contrast, Dr. Yoho's opponent was Rep. Cliff Stearns, a 12-term incumbent who, as chair of a powerful House oversight subcommittee, investigated the Solyndra solar panel company and Planned Parenthood. Stearns had accumulated a war chest of more than $2 million and was backed by conservative heavyweights including Michele Bachmann and Paul Ryan, the Wisconsin congressman Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney later chose for his running mate.
In the run up to the Aug. 14 primary election, political watchers hardly took notice of Dr. Yoho. That quickly changed after he beat Stearns by 875 votes. “Our message resounded pretty well for a political nobody to come and win in this district,” he observed.
“I hear we stunned the establishment, but it's the people I met every day who are stunned that Washington can't resolve our nation's problems,” Dr. Yoho added.
Former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has since endorsed Dr. Yoho. Amway, the North Florida Farmers Association, the Florida VMA, and the AVMA also support his candidacy.
“The AVMA congratulates Dr. Yoho on his hard-fought primary victory in Florida's 3rd District,” said Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, director of the AVMA Governmental Relations Division. “We look forward to Dr. Yoho winning the general election and working with him on important veterinary issues in the 113th Congress.”
Even though he's “100 percent in alignment” with the Tea Party precepts of limited government, fiscal responsibility, free enterprise, and personal responsibility, Dr. Yoho says political and ideologic differences should be set aside for the sake of the country.
“The ideology that we need to have common to us all is we need to make America strong. If America is strong, jobs will be created, the middle class elevated, and there will be less people in poverty,” he said.
If he beats Democrat J.R. Gaillot Jr. in the general election this November, Dr. Yoho plans to focus on fixing the problems he sees in the nation's immigration laws and the tax code, and working to pass a federal budget and achieve energy independence. He also looks forward to working with fellow veterinarian, Rep. Kurt Schrader, an Oregon Democrat.
“I might finally have somebody who gets my large animal jokes,” Dr. Yoho said.
Society for Theriogenology
Dr. Ted Lock
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Ralph L. Brinster
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Tom Riddle
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Scott Pretzer
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: Annual conference, Aug. 20–25, 2012, Baltimore
Program: Plenary sessions featured “Theriogenology liability claims: all creatures great and small” by Dr. Nina Mouledous and “Empathy: what's all the fuss?” by Kathleen Bonvicini, MPH, EdD. An educator's forum, sponsored by The Theriogenology Foundation, included information on examination construction and discussions on the status of a uniform testing instrument for use in monitoring the teaching of theriogenology at veterinary schools. Twenty-eight scientific abstracts and six veterinary student case presentations were given during various sessions at the conference.
Awards: David Bartlett Honorary Address: Dr. Ted Lock, Bloomington, Ind., presented the address. Dr. Lock was recognized for his dedication to teaching and clinical service in equine theriogenology while at the University of Illinois. Career Excellence in Theriogenology Award, sponsored by The Theriogenology Foundation: Dr. Ralph L. Brinster, Philadelphia, was recognized for his contributions through the development of culture systems for mammalian embryos that have been used for research in transgenics, embryonic stem cells, and in vitro fertilization. Dr. John Steiner Award for Excellence in Practice: Dr. Tom Riddle, Lexington, Ky., was recognized for his expertise in theriogenology through his work with Thoroughbred breeding farms. Dr. Jerry Rains Memorial Abstract Competition, sponsored by Merck Animal Health: Dr. Elizabeth A. Coffmann, Columbus, Ohio, “Effect of electroejaculation on behavioral and hormonal indicators of stress and nociception in beef bulls,” first place ($1,000); Dr. Matthew Galati, Ithaca, NY., “Induction of hyperactivation in stallion sperm using 4-aminopyridine,” second place ($750); Dr. Derek G. Howell, Columbus, Ohio, “Effects of lactoferrin on stallion sperm survival and function in vitro,” third place ($500); and Dr. Brandon S. Forshey, Columbus, Ohio, “Effects of decreasing doses of follicle-stimulating hormone on multiple ovulations and embryo production in alpacas,” fourth place ($250). Veterinary Student Case Presentation Competition, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health: Sam Gartland, University of Pennsylvania, “Equine oviduct dysfunction,” first place ($650); Rebecca Durand and Paige Taylor, Louisiana State University, “Successful nonsurgical management of uterine torsion in the mare,” second place ($525); Meghan Connor, University of Florida, “Hydrops allantois and amnion in a Thoroughbred mare,” third place ($450); Jared L. Voge, Iowa State University, “Abortion in a mare due to umbilical torsion,” fourth place ($375); Lauren Mack, Washington State University, “Breeding soundness examination and semen cryopreservation in a dog with unilateral Sertoli cell tumor and perineal mast cell tumor,” fifth place ($300); and Amanda Durand, Auburn University, “Diagnosis of congenital short penis with a filling defect in a bull,” sixth place ($200).
Business: The final revisions are being made to the bull breeding soundness examination electronic form. A strategic planning session was held in January. On the basis of that session, the SFT will focus on the social interactive community (Twitter and Facebook) to enhance membership in, and marketing of, the SFT. The Theriogenology Foundation, a joint effort between the SFT and American College of Theriogenologists, continues to attract contributions. The auction at the annual conference remains the Foundation's signature fundraising event. The Theriogenology Foundation funded travel stipends for six veterinary students who participated in the case presentation competition, two students who presented competitive abstracts, and a resident, and it provided $2,500 in annual sponsorship funding for the ACT Educators Forum.
Officials: Drs. Scott Pretzer, Lincoln, Neb., president; Don Sanders, Marysville, Ohio, president-elect; Herris Maxwell, Auburn, Ala., vice president; Robyn Wilborn, Lafayette, Ala., secretary-treasurer; and Gary Warner, Elgin, Tex., immediate past president. Newly elected members of the board of directors are Drs. Isaac Bott, Elk Ridge, Utah; Etta Bradecamp, Lexington, Ky.; and Marty Greer, Lomira, Wis.
Tritrichomonas foetus study planned
The Theriogenology Foundation has committed $5,403.20 in funding toward an investigation into the chronic nature of infection with Tritrichomonas foetus in naturally infected bulls.
The study was designed by a research group at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine led by Dr. Andrew Lovelady. Dr. Lovelady (AUB ′04) said, “Our group has proposed the theory that the accessory sex organs of the bull may play a role in the organism's ability to establish a chronic infection within some bulls. Although this theory has been briefly investigated in the past, we believe that we have newer technologies and sufficient evidence available at present to reinvestigate this theory.”
His group conducted a small pilot study which, he said, has yielded evidence supporting its theory.
“Validation of our theory through this project could reveal important information regarding the epidemiology/pathophysiology of this economically devastating parasite,” Dr. Lovelady said.
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners has awarded an AABP Research Assistantship to Dr. Lovelady, and the initial 75 percent of the $5,000 grant was released at the opening ceremony of the AABP annual conference Sept. 20 in Montreal.
American College of Theriogenologists
Dr. Barry A. Ball
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Dr. Claire Card
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 241, 8; 10.2460/javma.241.8.980
Event: Annual business meeting, Aug. 22, 2012, Baltimore
Award: Theriogenologist of the Year Award, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.: Dr. Barry A. Ball, Lexington, Ky., for excellence in teaching and research on reproduction in horses. Dr. Ball has mentored 26 graduate students and 18 veterinarians in residency programs and has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters on his research in equine spermatozoa.
Business: A job task analysis will be conducted to meet the mandate of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties. Members of the ACT are asked to provide information regarding their work activities in theriogenology for the analysis. Several revisions were made to the college's general information guide on the basis of recommendations from the ACT Training and Credentialing Committee and approval by the ACT board of directors and voting members in attendance at the ACT annual meeting.
New diplomates: The college welcomed 19 new diplomates following successful completion of the certification examination. The new diplomates are as follows:
Elizabeth Callahan, Easton, Md.
Mariana Diel de Amorim, Guelph, Ontario
Kirsty Gallacher, Ithaca, N.Y.
Adria Kukk, Kitchener, Ontario
Natalia Samaj Kunze, Philadelphia
William H. Lias, Brandon, S.D.
Andrew Lovelady, Auburn, Ala.
Stuart Mason, Camberwall, Australia
Bret McNabb, Davis, Calif.
Ellen Oosterlaar, Baton Rouge, La.
Lisa Pearson, Pullman, Wash.
Cyril Stephen Perumamthadathil, Wagga Wagga, Australia
Erin Runcan, Lancaster, Ohio
Maria Raymond Schnobrich, Coatesville, Pa.
David Scofield, Kennedyville, Md.
Charles Scoggin, Paris, Ky.
Mary Swartz, Tulsa, Okla.
Isabel Velez, College Station, Texas
Christy Carson Young, Hillsboro, Tenn.
Officials: Drs. Claire Card, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, president; Gary Althouse, New London, Pa., president-elect; Barry Ball, Lexington, Ky., vice president; Bruce Eilts, Baton Rouge, La., treasurer; R. Bruce Hollett, Athens, Ga., secretary; and Steve Brinsko, College Station, Texas, immediate past president. Dr. Stuart Meyers, Davis, Calif, was elected to the board of directors.
Obituaries: AVMA member AVMA honor roll member Nonmember
Lawrence E. Barnes
Dr. Barnes (ISU ′46), 87, Jackson, N.J., died Aug. 7, 2012. Prior to retirement in 1991, he was an inspector with the Department of Agriculture. In retirement, Dr. Barnes served as veterinarian for the Ocean County Animal Shelter in Jackson. Early in his career, he practiced small animal medicine in Illinois; worked in research and development for Eli Lilly, Diamond Shamrock, Schering, and A.L. Laboratories; and owned a small animal practice in Venice, Fla. Dr. Barnes was a member of the Florida VMA. He is survived by his wife, Paula; two daughters; two sons; two stepsons; and a stepdaughter.
John P. Baugh
Dr. Baugh (TEX ′01), 41, Plano, Texas, died April 13, 2012. He practiced mixed animal medicine in Plano. Earlier in his career, Dr. Baugh worked at the Kyle Veterinary Clinic in Carthage, Texas, and in Anchorage, Alaska. He was a captain in the Army and served as a marksman during Operation Desert Storm. Dr. Baugh's wife, Cassandra, survives him. Memorials in his name may be made to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840.
Kenneth O. Fertig
Dr. Fertig (ISU ′57), 79, Mesa, Ariz., died Aug. 8, 2012. He owned a practice in Sheldon, Iowa, until 1993.
Dr. Fertig was a past president of the Iowa VMA and received the state association's 1990 President's Award. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Active in civic life, Dr. Fertig was president of the Sheldon Industrial Development Corporation and Village Northwest board of directors and served on the Sheldon Public School board of directors. He is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons; and a daughter.
Lee O. Fletcher
Dr. Fletcher (UP ′62), 75, Claremont, N.H., died Aug. 10, 2012. He owned Fletcher Animal Hospital, a small animal practice in Claremont. Dr. Fletcher also served farms in New Hampshire and Vermont. His wife, Susan; three daughters; and a son survive him.
Charles P. Gandal
Dr. Gandal (COR ′51), 84, Trappe, Md., died July 2, 2012. He practiced equine medicine in New York's Westchester County and surrounding areas prior to retirement in 2001. Earlier in his career, Dr. Gandal served 17 years as veterinarian for the Bronx Zoo, where he became known for his expertise in zoo medicine, avian surgery, and anesthesia. During his career, he also served as an adjunct professor at Pace University. Dr. Gandal is survived by his wife, Jeanne; two daughters; and a son.
Jay E. Graber
Dr. Graber (OSU ′55), 83, Plain City, Ohio, died May 5, 2012. Prior to retirement in the late 1980s, he worked for the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Industry. Dr. Graber was a veteran of the Army. He also served in the Ohio National Guard, retiring with the rank of colonel. Dr. Graber was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He is survived by two daughters and a son. Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Indiana chapter, 10401 N. Meridian St., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46290; www.jdrf.org/indiana
James M. Hagely
Dr. Hagely (OSU ′50), 85, Lancaster, Ohio, died Feb. 23, 2012. A mixed animal veterinarian, he owned Hagely Veterinary Clinic in Lancaster for 56 years. Dr. Hagely was a life member of the Ohio VMA. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dr. Hagely is survived by his wife, Judy; a son; a daughter; and two step-daughters. Memorials may be made to The Pickering House, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, OH 43130.
Donald B. Hicks
Dr. Hicks (MIN ′51), 85, Tracy, Minn., died July 31, 2012. Prior to retirement in 1994, he served as state veterinarian with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Dr. Hicks also served as veterinarian at the state fair for 27 years. Early in his career, he owned a mixed animal practice in Tracy. Dr. Hicks was a life member of the Minnesota VMA and was named Veterinarian of the Year in 2005. He served in the South Dakota Reserve Veterinary Medical Office Corps for five years. Active in civic life, Dr. Hicks was a member of the Tracy school board, fire department, and city council. His wife, Olga Mae; a son; three daughters; a stepson; and a stepdaughter survive him.
Stanley F. Hopkins
Dr. Hopkins (UP ′62), 76, Saegertown, Pa., died May 23, 2012. A small animal practitioner, he owned Brookside Veterinary Clinic in Meadville, Pa. Dr. Hopkins was a member of the Pennsylvania VMA. He is survived by his wife, Karen; three daughters; and a son. Memorials may be made to New Beginnings Church of God, 13226 Leslie Road, Meadville, PA 16335.
Fred F. Johnson
Dr. Johnson (KSU ′73), 63, Ottawa, Kan., died July 24, 2012. From 1992 until retirement in 2011, he worked for the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Earlier in his career, Dr. Johnson served in the Army Veterinary Corps and practiced at El Dorado Animal Clinic in El Dorado, Kan., for 14 years. He was a member of the National Association of Federal Veterinarians. Dr. Johnson's wife, Jane, and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to the Kansas State University Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Fund, Manhattan, KS 66506; or Heifer International, P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203.
Gertraud H. Matt
Dr. Matt (IL ′74), 63, West Brattleboro, Vt., died July 16, 2012. A small animal veterinarian, she owned a practice in Brattleboro since 1980, initially doing house calls. Earlier in her career, Dr. Matt worked at South Side Veterinary Hospital in Chicago and Windham Veterinary Clinic in Brattleboro.
Her husband, David, and two sons survive her.
Leslie McHenry
Dr. McHenry (KSU ′47), 96, Laguna Woods, Calif., died March 20, 2012.
James E. Prier
Dr. Prier (COR ′46), 88, Blue Bell, Pa., died Aug. 20, 2012. From 1976 until retirement in 2010, he owned Centre Square Veterinary Clinic, a small animal practice in Centre Square, Pa.
Dr. Prier began his career working at Lederle Laboratories in Pearl River, N.Y. After obtaining his doctorate in bacteriology from the University of Illinois in 1950, he served as chair of the Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wyoming for three years. Dr. Prier then worked in the Department of Bacteriology at the State University of New York Medical College in Syracuse.
He went on to serve as director of the Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories' Division of Biologic Development; was a virologist in the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Microbiology; and directed the Bureau of Laboratories of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Dr. Prier also served as an adjunct professor of microbiology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1963–1998 and directed clinical laboratory programs for the New Jersey Department of Health from 1982–1984. He was a past president of the American Board of Bioanalysis. Dr. Prier was also a past president of the eastern Pennsylvania branch of the American Society for Microbiology, receiving its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. He authored “Turkey Diseases” and “Basic Medical Virology” and co-authored “Textbook of Large Animal Surgery” and “A Textbook of Veterinary Clinical Pathology.”
Dr. Prier is survived by three sons and a daughter. One son, Dr. Steven Prier (UP ′81), owns a small animal practice in Malvern, Pa. Memorials may be made to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853.
Timothy L. Stout
Dr. Stout (IL ′71), 64, Saint Charles, Mo., died March 5, 2012.
He practiced small animal medicine at North County Animal Clinic in Florissant, Mo. Dr. Stout was a past board member of the Greater St. Louis Veterinary Society. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean, and three daughters. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Robert J. Weaver
Dr. Weaver (KSU ′50), 90, Great Bend, Kan., died July 12, 2012. During his career, he practiced mixed animal medicine in Great Bend and served as the first supervisor for the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Board. He was a member of the Kansas VMA. Dr. Weaver served in the Army during World War II and retired as a major from the Army Reserve. He was a member of the American Legion, Military Officers Association, and Reserve Officers Association. Active in civic life, Dr. Weaver was a past president of the Great Bend Kiwanis Club and a member of the Barton County Historical Society. He is survived by his wife, Mae. Dr. Weaver's nephews, Drs. Fred D. Wingert (KSU ′56) and Robert E. Wingert (KSU ′66), are small animal veterinarians in Kansas. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2701 24th St., Great Bend, KS 67530; Golden Belt Humane Society, 151 U.S. 281, Great Bend, KS 67530; or Barton County Historical Society, 85 U.S. 281, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Donald W. White
Dr. White (MO ′62), 81, Lake St. Louis, Mo., died July 27, 2012. Prior to retirement in 1993, he owned North County Animal Clinic, a small animal practice in St. Louis. Dr. White was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. In retirement, he volunteered with the American Red Cross for several years. Dr. White is survived by his wife, Doris, and two daughters.
