JAVMA News

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.242.2.122
Volume/Issue:
Volume 242: Issue 2
Online Publication Date:
15 Jan 2013
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Finding the right direction

Clinical guidelines becoming vital tools in veterinary practice

By Katie Burns

Preventive medicine. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Euthanasia. These are just some of the topics of new clinical guidelines that could improve outcomes in veterinary medicine.

For practitioners, the real question is whether and how to implement the various guidelines that come out each year. The answer lies in examining guideline sources and adapting the recommendations to suit each situation.

Dr. Douglas G. Aspros, AVMA president and a partner at three animal hospitals in New York state, believes guidelines are aimed at “making us better practitioners in an otherwise messy world of clinical practice.”

Evidence-based medicine

Veterinary groups that develop clinical guidelines are starting to shift from a reliance on expert opinion to more of an emphasis on evidence-based medicine, said Dr. Brennen McKenzie, president of the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association and a practitioner at Adobe Animal Hospital in Los Altos, Calif.

“I think guidelines serve a really important purpose in terms of evidence-based medicine being a practical, pragmatic tool,” Dr. McKenzie said. “Practitioners realistically are not going to have the time to locate and critically appraise the literature in detail on their own on a real-time basis.”

The Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association supports guidelines that are based on controlled research and developed through a transparent process, he said.

As an example, Dr. McKenzie pointed to the new guidelines for CPR in cats and dogs from the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation, a collaborative effort of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.

Participants in the RECOVER initiative graded the evidence for each recommendation, acknowledging when they had to rely on expert opinion rather than research.

The new guidelines on preventive care for cats and dogs from the AVMA and American Animal Hospital Association draw on existing guidelines but do not spell out the evidence for each recommendation, such as the recommendation for annual veterinary visits.

“If we are going to recommend them, we need to at least be clear about the level of evidence behind that, which may simply be common sense or clinical experience rather than research evidence,” Dr. McKenzie said. “Ideally, we need to make an effort to validate that recommendation in some more objective way.”

CPR guidelines

One of the co-chairs of the RECOVER initiative is Dr. Dan Fletcher, an assistant professor of emergency and critical care at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He said CPR protocols have improved outcomes in human medicine, and RECOVER participants saw a corresponding opportunity in veterinary medicine.

Dozens of veterinarians evaluated relevant literature, providing input for the RECOVER co-chairs to use in drafting guidelines on CPR in cats and dogs. The co-chairs integrated comments from the RECOVER committee and the general membership of a number of veterinary specialty groups before publishing 101 recommendations in June 2012.

“We've met with a lot of very positive reaction to this whole process and to the guidelines we were able to develop,” Dr. Fletcher said. “In veterinary medicine, we've struggled for a long time to get hold of things that we can be really confident are the right things to do for our patients.”

The next step is to provide training on the CPR guidelines. The guidelines are the subject of one of the first courses through Veritas—a new source of online continuing education from Cornell, Texas A&M University, and Pfizer Animal Health. The guidelines also will be the subject of an in-person, hands-on course from the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.

Dr. Fletcher added, “One of the real goals of this process was to identify the big knowledge gaps. So, where are the places we don't have good evidence to make recommendations?”

For each of 87 clinical questions that they examined to develop the guidelines, the RECOVER participants offered not only a conclusion and a summary of the evidence but also a summary of the knowledge gaps.

ACVIM consensus statements

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine develops consensus statements on the state of current knowledge for difficult or controversial topics in small and large animal medicine, said Dr. Rance Sellon, a member of the ACVIM Board of Regents and an associate professor of small animal medicine at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The ACVIM has established procedures for choosing topics for consensus statements, empaneling experts to develop the statements, and allowing input from diplomates.

Dr. Leah Cohn, ACVIM chair and a professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, said, “The ACVIM supports the practice of evidence-based clinical medicine to the degree possible.” She said if discussion were limited to only those topics of importance to veterinary medicine that can be supported by the best quality of evidence, there would be little to present. Consensus statement panels “prepare a document that reflects evidence—and may discuss the strength of the evidence—and offers expert opinion when appropriate.”

Dr. Cohn believes well-developed guidelines can be a useful tool for veterinarians. She said, “While medical decisions should never be made by rote following any sort of checklist or guideline document, these tools can promote best practices and help in clinical decision making.”

AVMA guidelines

The AVMA develops fewer clinical guidelines than many specialty or species groups do, although many of the Association's policies have to do with the practice of veterinary medicine.

The Association has provided research-based guidelines on euthanasia since the 1960s. A five-member panel wrote the first report on the subject. Eleven working groups developed and integrated comments into the newest guidelines, soon to be available.

The AVMA and AAHA created a joint task force to develop the newest guidelines on preventive care for cats and dogs, which came out in September 2011. The members of the Partnership for Preventive Pet Healthcare—the AVMA, AAHA, and other veterinary groups; animal health companies; and other organizations—sponsored the task force and are offering resources to implement the guidelines as part of the new Partners for Healthy Pets program.

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This image is from an online course about new guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation from the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

“AVMA's concerns are to make sure we have basic wellness protocols and best practices guidelines for patient care available for the profession,” Dr. Aspros said. “Protocols lead to more consistent and better care.”

Dr. Aspros said his hospitals are very protocol-driven, and they base many protocols on guidelines from established and well-respected veterinary groups. Members of his professional staff study and discuss new guidelines. If they decide to adopt the guidelines, they formulate a new protocol and then educate the entire staff on implementation.

AAHA guidelines

Dr. Mark Russak, AAHA president and a past owner of an animal hospital in Connecticut, said being able to point to guidelines from authoritative veterinary organizations can improve client compliance with veterinarians' recommendations.

Every year, AAHA task forces develop or revise two to three sets of clinical guidelines on subjects such as nutrition and vaccination.

Dr. Russak noted, “The guidelines and related educational materials are incredibly expensive to develop. We do have sponsors to support these, but they have no input into content.”

AAHA promotes implementation of its guidelines through its website, its member magazine, social media, direct mail, conference sessions, webinars, and other avenues.

When he was in private practice, Dr. Russak turned to AAHA guidelines as credible sources in a sea of opinions.

“As we're able to do more things for more patients and serve them better, it requires a greater knowledge of what really is the right thing to do and when to do it,” he said.

Dr. Russak also formulated checklists for a variety of situations, including appointments with new patients, to ensure thoroughness and consistency of care. He incorporated the same checklists later in teaching veterinary students at Mississippi State University.

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This image is from a team meeting guide designed to help veterinary practices implement guidelines on preventive care from the AVMA and American Animal Hospital Association.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

AAFP guidelines

Another adherent of checklists is Dr. Roy Brenton Smith, owner of Central Texas Cat Hospital in Round Rock and president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

“There's a lot of interruptions in what you're doing in the day, as a veterinarian and as a staff,” Dr. Smith said. He believes checklists are key to reducing omissions and errors, so his hospital has formulated checklists for tasks ranging from receptionists' duties to the hospitalization of patients.

Dr. Smith said the AAFP offers numerous guidelines to improve feline care. The AAFP Guidelines Committee chooses topics, and task forces develop each document. Sponsors contribute funding to promote implementation of some of the guidelines.

The AAFP's new Cat Friendly Practice Program helps practices put many of the organization's guidelines into action, Dr. Smith said. The program certifies practices that meet certain criteria as being cat-friendly.

Dr. Smith said his hospital uses most of what's in the AAFP guidelines, with some differences in approach.

As a practitioner for 50 years, Dr. Smith has seen a movement toward implementation of clinical guidelines in veterinary medicine.

“We're trying to encourage people to use them more and more,” he said.

AVMA: DOE extends AVMA Education Council recognition but wants changes

By Greg Cima

Department of Education staff and a DOE committee have recommended continuing the AVMA Council on Education's recognition as the accreditor for U.S. veterinary schools and colleges and giving the council one year to comply with a series of department standards.

The DOE staff recommendations were delivered Dec. 12, 2012, during a hearing by the department's National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity in Washington, D.C. Dr. David E. Granstrom, director of the AVMA Education and Research Division, said the DOE advisory committee approved a motion with wording similar to that in the staff report.

The motion came at the end of the morning hearing, during which several speakers testified on behalf of continued COE recognition while others conveyed a variety of concerns. About 150 representatives from accrediting agencies, stakeholders, and others attended. Dr. Sheila W. Allen, chair of the AVMA Council on Education, and Dr. Granstrom represented the council.

The DOE staff report recommended that the Council on Education prove that it meets certain criteria, such as being widely accepted by educators and educational institutions, providing adequate training for individuals conducting site visits, reporting progress in student achievement, accepting and considering comments on individual institutions' qualifications for accreditation, and promptly notifying the public of decisions. All told, the report suggested that the council would need to make changes in 14 of more than a hundred areas evaluated to come into full compliance with the criteria for recognition.

The staff and committee recommendations will be forwarded to senior DOE officials for a final decision as to whether to continue COE recognition for the coming year while the council becomes fully complaint.

Dr. Granstrom said one of the concerns identified by the Department of Education involved a recent DOE staff interpretation of regulations that prohibit sitting members of an accrediting body from serving on site visit teams. AVMA Council on Education members have participated in such site visits since its inception in 1906, he said, and the council will need to develop a process to identify and train new volunteer teams within the year.

The Department of Education determines whether to recognize agencies such as the AVMA Council on Education as qualified to evaluate the education and training provided by higher education programs and provide accreditation or pre-accreditation when appropriate.

The AVMA Council on Education is the only accrediting body for U.S. veterinary colleges and schools. It has been recognized by the DOE since 1952, and, prior to the December 2012 review, the Council on Education was given five years of recognition starting in 2007. The council also completed the Council on Higher Education Accreditation recognition renewal process in 2011 with no deficiencies noted (see JAVMA, April 1, 2012, page 785).

A more detailed report will appear in an upcoming issue of JAVMA News.

Executive Board: Overview

AVMA board anticipates new year

Stories by R. Scott Nolen and Malinda Larkin

The AVMA Executive Board convened at Association headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill., Nov. 15–17, 2012.

Dr. Janver Krehbiel of Mason, Mich., chaired the meeting, which included discussions about this year's celebration of the AVMA's 150th anniversary.

In addition to acting on proposals from several AVMA entities, the Executive Board strengthened the Association's opposition to declawing wild and exotic cats for nonmedical purposes, set a legislative course for the new 113th Congress, and reaffirmed its commitment to training future leaders of the veterinary profession.

Details about these and other board actions appear in the following pages.

Executive Board

AVMA: New policy addresses FMD outbreak scenario

As a proactive move, the AVMA Executive Board approved a new policy during its Nov. 15–17, 2012, meeting that will be sent to the federal government as a recommendation regarding the response to a potential foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

The policy recommended by the Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee is as follows:

AVMA POLICY

Citric Acid as a Disinfectant for FMDv

The AVMA strongly advocates for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to proactively and collaboratively secure a Section 18 exemption for the use of citric acid as a Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDv) disinfectant.

Citric acid has long been recognized as an effective disinfectant. According to the recommendation background, the AVMA has concerns that in the event of an FMD outbreak in the United States, there would likely be an immediate shortage of approved disinfectants or logistic complications in getting them to the needed sites.

Section 18 exemptions to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, which may be requested by state or federal authorities, authorize the EPA to allow an unregistered use of a pesticide or disinfectant for a limited time if the agency determines that an emergency condition exists. Citric acid is not registered in the U.S. as a disinfectant against FMDv.

“Having the Section 18 exemption in place in advance of an outbreak would enhance disease response and containment efforts by increasing the immediate availability of authorized disinfectants while decreasing the time lag associated with obtaining the exemption, establishing supply sources, and then addressing any logistical or field operations issues if they arise,” according to background for the policy.

Dr. Kristi Henderson, an assistant director of the AVMA Scientific Activities Division, said if or when the USDA were to apply for the exemption, notification could potentially appear in the Federal Register. “Having this policy in place would allow the Association to increase membership and stakeholder awareness of the issue as well as send a letter in response to such a Federal Register notice, making its position known in a timely manner,” she said.

The board also reaffirmed the policy “Use of Biotechnology in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Agriculture” on the AALC's recommendation.

The AVMA affirms the responsible use of biotechnology to improve animal and human health, according to the policy. Specifically, the Association supports the opportunity to use biotechnology for a variety of applications, including to benefit and protect public health and welfare, enhance host resistance to infectious diseases and eliminate genetic-based diseases, and produce improved animal medicinal products and diagnostic tools.

The committee said in the policy's background that it is relevant and vitally needed, “especially with the current sociopolitical pressures elevating emotion and opinion over science in regards to genetic advancements associated with production paradigms.”

Both policies can be viewed at www.avma.org by clicking on “Knowledge Base” and selecting “Browse AVMA Policies.”

Genetics and analgesics added to castration, dehorning policy

The AVMA Executive Board approved revisions to the AVMA policy on cattle castration and dehorning that account for genetic selection and pain management, as proposed by the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee.

The policy “Castration and Dehorning of Cattle” was adopted in 1985, revised in 2008, and considered by the Animal Welfare Committee during its fall 2012 meeting, in accordance with the directive that all AVMA policies be reviewed every five years. The committee's deliberations included input from AVMA members, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners Board of Governors, and the AABP Animal Welfare Committee.

In its recommendation, the AVMA committee stated its belief that genetic selection is an important consideration regarding alternatives to dehorning and should, therefore, be mentioned in the policy. The AWC also believes that pain should be mitigated, not only during the procedure but also postoperatively. Consequently, the committee suggested adding language regarding use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The revised “Castration and Dehorning of Cattle” policy is posted at www.avma.org in the Knowledge Base section under “Browse AVMA Policies.”

Committee continues work of Vet2011

The events related to Vet2011 were developed to celebrate the profession's 250th anniversary. That, and educate the public about the variety of roles veterinarians fill in promoting animal and public health while also highlighting worldwide professional unity.

Dr. Jean-Francois Chary, inspector general of the French Ministry of Agriculture, was president of the Vet2011 Committee. While speaking before the AVMA Executive Board at its Nov. 15–17, 2012, meeting, he said, “Much more today, veterinarians around the world feel they belong to the same family with the same values and ideals. That's the success of Vet2011.”

But after the Vet2011 closing ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Chary remembers asking the question, “Now what?”

That's when he decided to found the International Bourgelat Committee, named after Claude Bourgelat, who founded the first veterinary school, in Lyon, France. The objective of the committee will be “the inventory and preservation of the tangible and intangible scientific and cultural veterinary heritage and its mediation to the widest possible public.” Every year, the IBC will promote one or more global events featuring the profession. A website will also be created, and each country will have its own section.

“I believe that the conservation and promotion of the historic and scientific heritage of our profession is necessary,” said Dr. Chary, who wants each country to establish its own committee as part of a global effort.

Founding members of the IBC are France, Brazil, Kenya, and Tunisia. Uruguay has since joined, and several other countries are in the process of joining or considering it. Many were waiting to see what the AVMA would do, Dr. Chary said.

The answer came at the November meeting when AVMA board members approved a recommendation from the Committee on International Veterinary Affairs to join the committee for 2013, with ongoing membership thereafter to be determined following evaluation of the committee's progress sometime this fall. Continuation of membership will require a subsequent recommendation to the board.

Dr. Larry G. Dee, District IV board representative, had expressed concern about the expense of joining the IBC.

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Dr. Jean-Francois Chary appeals to the AVMA Executive Board for the Association to join the International Bourgelat Committee. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

“I appreciate what they're doing, but it sounds like something we can do quite well in this country, and I don't want to spend members' money visiting other countries,” he said.

AVMA CEO Ron DeHaven explained that the IBC will meet in conjunction with the annual general session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) meeting. The AVMA representative on the U.S. delegation to the OIE meeting will also represent the AVMA at the IBC gathering.

Board Chair Janver D. Krehbiel noted that money left over from the AVMA's Vet2011 fund could be used for the fee for the AVMA to join the IBC, which is about $1,300 a year.

AVMA joins Scientists Center for Animal Welfare

The Executive Board has approved AVMA membership in the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, a not-for-profit association that develops best practices and provides educational materials for individuals and organizations using animals in research, testing, and education.

SCAW comprises research professionals dedicated to balancing animal welfare and excellence in basic and applied scientific inquiry.

The AVMA Animal Welfare Committee recommended the Association join the organization as an institutional member, which will cost $500 annually.

Membership in SCAW, according to the AVMA committee, will demonstrate tangible support for the promotion of state-of-the-art care for animals used in research, teaching, and testing; provide support for an association that offers valuable continuing education for veterinarians and technicians responsible for the care of animals in the laboratory; and provide improved access to SCAW resources for AVMA volunteers and staff, including members of the AVMA's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

AVMA: AVMA supports new horse protections

Executive Board approves agenda for new congressional session

The AVMA Executive Board has approved positions on legislation from the recent 112th Congress that are expected to be reintroduced during the new session that begins in January, including funding for food safety programs and new protections for horses.

The agenda was proposed by the board's Legislative Advisory Committee, which identified several bills and one House resolution lawmakers will likely see again in the current 113th congressional session.

The board designated the Horse Protection Act Amendments, the Know Before You Owe Act, and fiscal year 2014 appropriations for “active pursuit of passage,” meaning their enactment is a high priority for the AVMA.

The Horse Protection Act Amendments bill would, among other things, make soring illegal as well as ban using any boot, collar, chain, roller, or other device that encircles or is placed on the lower extremity of the leg for Tennessee Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, or Racking Horses at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, or auctions. This past year, the AVMA and American Association of Equine Practitioners called for prohibiting the use of action devices and performance packages on Tennessee Walking Horses (see JAVMA, Aug. 1, 2012, page 296).

The Know Before You Owe Act aims to increase financial literacy among students and improve responsible lending practices. Additionally, the AVMA will work to stave off disproportionate cuts in FY 2014 to such programs as the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, and the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank while pursuing funding at appropriate levels.

The AVMA board approved listing two bills in the “support” category, meaning their passage is not a high priority but puts the Association on record as endorsing the bills. The Superfund Common Sense Act would amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude manure from the definition of “hazardous substance” and “pollutant or contaminant.” The Safeguarding American Agriculture Act would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize such activities as identifying career paths for agricultural specialists at Customs and Border Protection and developing a plan to more effectively recruit and retain qualified agriculture specialists.

Three bills were designated for AVMA “non-support”: the Compound 1080 and Sodium Cyanide Elimination Act; Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act; and legislation establishing the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Their defeat is a low priority for the Association, but it is on record as not supporting their passage.

The Compound 1080 and Sodium Cyanide Elimination Act would prohibit the use, production, sale, importation, or exportation of sodium fluoroacetate, also known as Compound 1080, and the use of sodium cyanide in predator control devices. The bill was reviewed by three AVMA entities in addition to the Legislative Advisory Committee—the Animal Welfare Committee, Committee on Environmental Issues, and Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee. All opposed the legislation, citing the need for these compounds for predator control to protect small ruminant herds, already tight restrictions on use of these compounds, and lack of appropriate alternatives.

The Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2011 would provide for the expansion of federal efforts concerning prevention, education, treatment, and research activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, including the establishment of the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee.

The AVMA Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee, Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine, and Committee on Environmental Issues have recommended the AVMA not support the legislation. Part of their rationale is based on a belief in the adequacy of existing coordination among federal, state, and local public health agencies to investigate Lyme disease and on doubts that a new advisory committee in the Department of Health and Human Services would provide much benefit or improvement.

The Executive Board approved a designation of “no action” on the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act and a House resolution expressing Congress' opposition to using carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, argon, or other gases to euthanize shelter animals. This classification means the AVMA has no recommendation or position on either initiative.

The Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act would provide for certain requirements relating to the retirement, adoption, care, and recognition of military working dogs. The AVMA Legislative Advisory Committee agreed with the Animal Welfare Committee's assessment of the bill. While supporting the overarching goals of the legislation, the AWC had several concerns with certain provisions. For example, the bill changes the classification of military working dogs from “equipment” to “canine members of the armed forces.” This reclassification creates an ambiguity as to the dogs' status as property, the committee stated, with potentially unintended consequences—including questions about whether these animals would then be sufficiently protected under existing neglect and cruelty statutes that appropriately hold their owners responsible for providing at least a minimal standard of care.

The House resolution, if passed, would express a sense of Congress being in opposition to the use of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, argon, or other gases to euthanize shelter animals and support for state laws that require the use of the more-humane, euthanasia-by-injection method. The AVMA Legislative Advisory Committee recommendation concurred with the Animal Welfare Committee, which noted that although the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia state a preference for euthanizing shelter animals by injection, they allow the use of gases under well-controlled conditions.

The AVMA legislative agenda is posted at www.avma.org under “Advocacy” in the “National Issues” section.

Board appoints liaisons, representatives to committees

The AVMA Executive Board, meeting Nov. 15–17, 2012, at AVMA headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill., named the following individuals to the entities indicated, representing the designated areas. The duration of each term varies.

    Animal Welfare Committee

  • American Association of Bovine Practitioners alternate—Dr. Jan Shearer, Ames, Iowa; American Association of Swine Veterinarians alternate—Dr. Michelle Sprague, Audubon, Iowa.

    Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee

  • Nonveterinarian with expertise to enhance aquatic veterinary medicine and fulfill AqVMC objectives—Larry Hanson (non–AVMA member), Oktibbeha, Miss.

    Council on Education Candidate Qualifications Review Committee

  • House of Delegates—Dr. Vaughn Park, Provo, Utah.

    Committee on Disaster and Emergency Issues

  • Federal or state public health agency—Dr. Jeanie Lin, Raleigh, N.C.

    Convention Management and Program Committee

  • CMPC chair—Dr. Ron Banks, Durham, N.C.; Liaison industry adviser—Mark Anderson, Spring Valley, Wis.; Food Animal/Equine Section manager—Dr. Mark Alley, Cary, N.C.; Veterinary Technician Section manager—Rhonda Haywood (non–AVMA member), Knob Noster, Mo.; Companion Animal Practice Section manager—Dr. Clarence Rawlings, Athens, Ga.; Public and Corporate Practice Section manager—Dr. Christine O'Rourke, Bozeman, Mont.

    Legislative Advisory Committee

  • Executive Board—Dr. John de Jong, Weston, Mass.; Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges primary representative—Dr. Kent Hoblet, Starkville, Miss.; Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges alternate—Dr. Deborah Kochevar, North Grafton, Mass.

    Veterinary Leadership Conference Planning Committee

  • Constituent association officer—Dr. Hailey Gentile, Newport, Vt.

    Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities

  • Veterinary technicians—Ramona Crane (non-AVMA member), Colorado Springs, Colo.

    Liaison to the Rabies Compendium of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians

  • AVMA—Dr. Nick Striegel, Lakewood, Colo.

    Liaison to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, Annual Conference on Vaccine Research

  • AVMA—Dr. Ernest Rogers, Maplewood, N.J.

    Liaison to the Unwanted Horse Coalition

  • AVMA—Dr. Harry Werner, North Granby, Conn.

AVMA: Food safety policies updated

Four AVMA policies relating to food safety saw revisions proposed by the Food Safety Advisory Committee accepted by the Executive Board during its Nov. 15–17, 2012, meeting in Schaumburg.

The policy “Approval and Availability of Antimicrobials for Use in Food Producing Animals” had been amended so the wording ensures the policy is “consistent with current efforts while still maintaining the AVMA's support for Food and Drug Administration's use of scientific methods supported by substantial data to evaluate product safety and efficacy when approving antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals,” according to the recommendation background.

Other changes to the policy were made to produce a more clear and concise policy statement.

On the policy “Processes for Microbial Reduction in Food” (originally titled “Position on Food Irradiation”), the FSAC recommended edits so that the policy refers to “microbial reduction” rather than “food irradiation.” The changes reflect that fact that various multiple pathogen–reduction technologies besides irradiation, such as hyperbaric treatment and pasteurization, can ensure food safety.

The “Organic Foods” policy was altered to remove the sentence “AVMA recommends that a veterinarian be part of each team that visits farms to certify that the health and welfare of animals are being addressed,” among other edits.

The FSAC explained that it believes “it is important to ensure that food producing animals receive medically necessary treatments yet also recognizes that some treatments may jeopardize an animal's organic status,” such as administration of antimicrobials. This is why the committee instead added wording that encourages producers to “provide medically necessary treatments under the direction of a veterinarian, regardless of the impact on an animal's organic status.”

Dr. Christine Hoang, an assistant director of the AVMA Scientific Activities Division, further pointed out that these edits are intended to be reflective of current veterinary interaction with the organic industry.

Finally, the FSAC recommended changes to the policy “Veterinary Student Training Programs in Food Safety, Security, and Defense” (originally titled “USDA FSIS Food Safety Internships and other Student Programs”) to recognize that multiple government agencies host such programs besides the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

In other action, the board decided to draft its own revisions to the policy “Veterinarian as FSIS Administrator.” The proposed wording says the AVMA supports the appointment of veterinarians in the offices of the FSIS undersecretary of food safety and deputy undersecretary of food safety. Some board members wanted to expand the scope of the policy by including more agencies and not just government positions. Others suggested rescinding the policy altogether. The recommendation was referred back to the FSAC.

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House Advisory Committee Chair Karen Bradley makes a point during the Executive Board's deliberations. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

AVMA: Participation in Penn leadership program approved

The Executive Board approved a proposal from the Office of the Executive Vice President for AVMA President-elect Clark Fobian and Assistant Executive Vice President Elizabeth Curry-Galvin to attend the Penn Executive Veterinary Leadership Program this June.

The program is hosted jointly by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and The Wharton School. The four-day program brings together veterinary leaders from private practice, industry, academia, government, and veterinary associations.

The OEVP recommendation explained how the curriculum includes leadership and management classes taught by Wharton faculty as well as leaders from various disciplines within the veterinary profession. Special emphasis will be placed on Wharton leadership training specific to veterinarians, including working across boundaries, planning and leading change, and developing a global perspective for the profession that will allow it to have a greater societal impact. Time has also been included for participants to discuss insights and plan actions for advancing veterinary medicine.

AVMA alumni of the program include Drs. Larry Kornegay, Mark Lutschaunig, and Ron DeHaven.

AVMA: AVMA now condemns declawing wild and exotic cats

The AVMA has strengthened its opposition to declawing captive exotic and other wild indigenous cats for nonmedical reasons by condemning the practice.

Concerns that pain and suffering associated with declawing may be exacerbated in wild and exotic felines prompted the Executive Board to revise the Association's position on the matter from opposition to condemnation.

The Association's policy “Declawing Captive Exotic and Wild Indigenous Cats” was adopted in 2003 and stated: “The AVMA opposes declawing captive exotic and other wild indigenous cats for nonmedical reasons.” The policy was reviewed and reaffirmed in 2008 and was reviewed by the Animal Welfare Committee in 2012, in accord with the directive that all policies be reviewed every five years.

The policy was discussed at length during the committee's fall 2012 meeting, and AVMA member input was considered, according to the AWC recommendation to the Executive Board. Although the AVMA backgrounder “Declawing of Domestic Cats” is not specific to captive exotic and wild cats, references reviewed in conjunction with developing the backgrounder suggest that welfare concerns associated with declawing are worsened for these populations, the recommendation stated.

Committee members unanimously agreed that changing “opposes” to “condemns” is warranted. Other than for medical reasons that would clearly benefit the animal, there appears to be no justification for performing the procedure in this population of cats. While the suggested revisions are strong, the recommendation noted that similar language is used elsewhere in AVMA policy, namely, in the policy condemning soring of gaited horses.

Canine brucellosis policy adopted

The AVMA has adopted the following policy on canine brucellosis:

AVMA POLICY

Canine Brucellosis

Brucella canis infection is a common disease of canines and is a major cause of reproductive failure. Although B canis infections are relatively uncommon in humans, many documented cases have been reported in the literature and this disease is likely underreported in humans. Diagnosis of B canis infection in dogs can be somewhat difficult because of occasional lack of bacteremia in chronically infected dogs and the imperfect nature of serologic and molecular diagnostic tools in diagnosis.

The American Veterinary Medical Association supports the sustained commitment of all responsible state and federal agencies to continue appropriate and timely actions to eliminate brucellosis in all susceptible domestic and wild animal populations. Continued support for disease control efforts, including detection, control, and sustainable funding for surveillance activities toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority for the protection of human and animal health.

Brucellosis Research Priorities

Development of laboratory standards and improved diagnostic tests, validated for the target species.

Studies to further clarify the epizootiology of canine brucellosis, including disease pathogenesis and transmission parameters. These factors, once determined, may be exploited for control and elimination of the disease in susceptible populations.

Population Disease Management

The AVMA urges state and federal agencies to work together to develop a disease management plan, including control of the inter- and intrastate spread of B canis and eliminate brucellosis from the canine population.

The AVMA urges the USDA to establish and maintain a comprehensive nationwide surveillance program to support the eradication of all brucellosis from the United States.

The policy approved by the AVMA Executive Board was developed by the Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine with the support of the Council on Veterinary Service.

In its recommendation to the board, the CPHRVM stated that the issues related to canine brucellosis are unique and specific and are not necessarily the same as those addressed in the existing AVMA “Brucellosis Policy.” Therefore, the council saw a need for a separate policy specifically addressing B canis. The policy is intended to encourage the scientific community to develop validated tests specific to this disease.

AVMA: Veterinary wellness symposium in the works

Stress isn't exclusive to the veterinary profession, but practitioners encounter plenty of taxing situations in their work that can affect them emotionally and physically.

Members of the International Veterinary Officers Coalition, seeing this as an area warranting further exploration, is sponsoring the first Wellness Symposium at the 31st World Veterinary Congress, to be held Sept. 17–20 in Prague.

The program for “The Science of Happiness: A Guide to Achieving Sustainable Mental Well-being” is expected to be finalized in March, but so far, the tentative schedule includes the following:

  1. •Mental health in veterinary surgeons and potential influences: a structured review of the world literature.
  2. •Recognizing and responding to mental health problems in the workplace.
  3. •Supporting the mental well-being of the veterinary profession: some examples from around the world.

Dr. David Bartram has been identified as the primary speaker and facilitator for this half-day event. He is a 1988 graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London and a doctoral student studying the mental health of the veterinary profession at the University of Southampton School of Medicine.

The AVMA Executive Board approved at its Nov. 15–17, 2012, meeting spending up to $3,000 to bring a U.S. speaker to the symposium. Corporate sponsorship could potentially offset the AVMA's cost.

IVOC comprises the president and CEO of the AVMA, Australian Veterinary Association, British Veterinary Association, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, New Zealand Veterinary Association, and South African Veterinary Association.

The idea for sponsoring a wellness symposium at the 2013 WVC was first discussed during the May 2012 IVOC meeting, with a request for support subsequently submitted to all IVOC member associations. Members of the Committee on International Veterinary Affairs, which made the recommendation for AVMA support to the board, said they believe wellness and well-being of members of the veterinary profession is an important issue, particularly in light of recent articles suggesting the suicide rate among veterinarians is higher than that of the general population.

“The CIVA believes such assistance is an important step to show AVMA's support for the IVOC agenda and to gain a better understanding of how widespread the issue of veterinary wellness is on a global scale,” according to the recommendation background. Other IVOC member associations are also providing financial support to offset symposium costs.

AVMA: Member survey results remain private

The AVMA Executive Board declined to make public results of the AVMA Member Needs Assessment Survey during its Nov. 15–17, 2012, meeting in Schaumburg, Ill.

The survey, which is conducted every five years, received responses from about 2,600 veterinarians and 300 fourth-year veterinary students. The AVMA completed its analysis of the results in November 2011 and provided a summary of those findings for members this past summer (see JAVMA, Aug. 15. 2012, page 400).

The Association's strengths as indicated by members in the survey included respondents' high awareness of AVMA programs and services, agreement with the AVMA's strategic priorities, and belief that the AVMA does a good job of advocating positions for veterinary medicine. That's according to the summary report compiled by the Communications Division.

Challenges outlined by members in the survey involved the following:

  1. •Improving the governance structure so that individual members have a voice in their Association.
  2. •Providing a flexible, nimble, and forward-thinking culture for the AVMA.
  3. •Heightening the belief that AVMA leadership is keeping the Association vital and relevant to AVMA members.

The Member Services Committee recommended the board make available to the AVMA membership the complete results of the survey. Currently, only the summary report is available at http://atwork.avma.org.

“AVMA is striving to increase the transparency of the organization to its members. To this end, the Member Services Committee feels that providing access to the data and comments from this survey will increase both the actual and perceived transparency of the association, which will improve the value of AVMA to its members,” according to the recommendation background.

The board voted against the measure with no discussion. The board chair, Dr. Janver D. Krehbiel, later told JAVMA, “The recommendation did not pass, as (the survey results are) considered to be proprietary information and there was concern” about how the data might be misinterpreted.

AVMA: Policy outlining AVMA research priorities revamped

The AVMA has revised its policy on research priorities, making the document more succinct, current, and in line with the Association's pursuits.

Changes made by the Council on Research to “Research Priorities of the American Veterinary Medical Association” (formerly titled “Research Priorities: American Veterinary Medical Association/Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges”) were approved by the AVMA Executive Board during its meeting Nov. 15–17, 2012.

Part of the new policy states the following:

Moving towards the future, the AVMA has identified the following research-related issues as high priority:

Research and/or programs that address or support:

  1. •Clinical research for the benefit of animal health.
  2. •Infectious and zoonotic diseases of animals and humans.
  3. •Environmental issues relating to animal and human well-being.
  4. •Food security and food safety.
  5. •Enhanced animal welfare and the human-animal bond.
  6. •Basic and translational research on human and animal disease.
  7. •Training veterinarians for the research workforce.

The document was originally developed in conjunction with the AAVMC in 1994–1995. It was last revised in 2006, with changes made partly in response to studies released by the National Academy of Sciences detailing critical needs for research in the veterinary sciences and also in response to post-9/11 events, particularly biodefense initiatives, according to the recommendation background.

The revisions are based on “both current literature and recurring themes confronting the AVMA as far as calls for input on legislative items and advocacy for matters pertaining to animal research,” the background states.

COR member Dr. Don Reynolds said the previous policy was put together when the national agenda was different. The 9/11 attacks, anthrax scares, and outbreaks of influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome were in the spotlight. The research priorities reflected this, with many references to biodefense, food safety and food security, and protection from adulterants and terrorist attacks. “A lot of it was a sign of the times, defense type of tone to it,” Dr. Reynolds said.

He called revamping the document an arduous task. COR members had aimed to change the tone and focus, but they first had to identify the AVMA's current priorities and stakeholders.

The result was a document that distilled priorities from companion animal medicine, food animal medicine, public health, academia, and the like into a list of broad, all-encompassing items. A unifying theme among the new priorities is one health, Dr. Reynolds said.

“Part of it is to give the Executive Board a reference point, so if someone asks if we endorse this or support that, they can come back and give background information and say, ‘Yes, we do,”’ he said.

The Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee and Animal Welfare Committee each reviewed and supported the revisions.

Additionally, the board approved a recommendation from the research council that re-established a monetary component to the AVMA research awards in lieu of travel and registration benefits.

This means $5,000 will be given with the AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award, $2,500 with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation/American Kennel Club Career Achievement Award in Canine Research, $2,500 with the AVMF/Winn Excellence in Feline Research Award, and $2,500 with the Practitioner Research Award.

The AVMA awards program will continue to be managed by the AVMF.

The Executive Board had removed honoraria from all AVMA awards—not just the research ones—at its September 2012 meeting, citing the recognition and honor of each award to be the pre-eminent factors.

The COR based its recommendation on its belief that the research awards provide an opportunity for the AVMA to elevate its stature as a science-based organization.

“The AVMA research awards are given not only to recognize and honor the recipients but also to promote the significant advances in animal and human health that result from the research conducted. In the context of the AVMA's effort to raise its research profile, the COR believes that the prestige of a research award is linked with a substantial honorarium,” the recommendation background states.

A venue hasn't been officially identified for giving out the research awards, which have traditionally been presented at the AVMA Annual Convention. Dr. Ed Murphey, staff assistant to the council, noted, “We are planning on having some public recognition for the awardee at the opening ceremony of the AVMA convention by using slides with the awardee's picture and a description of the award.”

AVMA: AVMA steps up support for career fair

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Most attendees at last year's AAVMC Career Fair were high school students, and about 21 percent were African-American. (Courtesy of AAVMC)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

The AVMA is set to become more involved in a veterinary career fair that draws a large share of minority high school students. The Executive Board voted during its Nov. 15–17, 2012, meeting to spend $5,000 annually, beginning in 2013, to support the Career Fair Exhibition. It is hosted by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges and held in conjunction with its annual conference in the Washington, D.C., area. The money will pay for advertising, invitations, workshops, and the like.

The event was launched by the AAVMC Diversity Committee nine years ago. The AAVMC does targeted invitations throughout the region. As a result, the career fair has enjoyed diverse attendance over the years. At the 2012 event, 21 percent of registrants were African-American; 15 percent were Hispanic; and 9 percent were Asian.

Registrants to the 2012 event overwhelmingly had pets (85 percent); however, most registrants were not currently being mentored by a veterinarian (80 percent), and most had not worked with or for a veterinarian (74 percent).

Estimates of actual attendees are typically one-third greater than the number of registrants. The total estimated attendance for the event in 2012 was 410; most attendees were high school students (48 percent), followed by undergraduate students (31 percent).

In past years, the AVMA provided funding for the event on the basis of recommendations from the AVMA Office of the Executive Vice President. With this new commitment, the Association will have a stronger presence at the fair.

The AVMA will be invited to identify a speaker appropriate for the theme of each year's event. Plus, it will have a tabletop booth to provide information about the AVMA and the veterinary profession to fair attendees.

The OEVP, which made the recommendation to the board, said in the background material that this action will help the AVMA meet one of the objectives in the AVMA Strategic Plan under the “Enhance Veterinary Medical Workforce” goal, namely, to promote and nurture increased diversity within veterinary medicine, including cultural, ethnic, gender, and racial representation.

The 2013 career fair will be held March 10.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Sabin, AVMA associate director for international and diversity initiatives, said all of the U.S. veterinary schools and colleges are represented there.

“It's good to have the overall profession represented there as well. You can see (the attendees are) a fairly diverse group, and they're pulling from an area that has a fair amount of diversity,” she said.

AVMA: Single policy on teeth reduction and removal adopted

The AVMA has a new policy concerning teeth removal and reduction in nonhuman primates and carnivores that replaces two related policies.

The Executive Board approved the Animal Welfare Committee's recommendation to adopt “Removal or Reduction of Teeth in Non-Human Primates and Carnivores.” The board action means the new policy supersedes “Removal or Reduction of Teeth of Dogs as a Method of Reducing Bite-Related Injuries” and “Removal or Reduction of Canine Teeth in Captive Nonhuman Primates or Exotic and Wild (Indigenous) Carnivores.”

The new AVMA policy reads as follows:

AVMA POLICY

Removal or Reduction of Teeth in Non-Human Primates and Carnivores

The AVMA is opposed to removal or reduction of healthy teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores, except when required for medical treatment or approved scientific research. Animals may still cause severe injury with any remaining teeth and this approach does not address the cause of the behavior. Removal or reduction of teeth for nonmedical reasons may also create oral pathologic conditions. To minimize injury, recommended alternatives to dental surgery include behavioral assessment and modification, environmental enrichment, changes in group composition and improved animal housing and handling techniques.

The Animal Welfare Committee concluded that the two policies on teeth removal and reduction could be replaced with a single, comprehensive policy addressing nonhuman primates and domestic and exotic carnivores, according to the background information provided in the committee's recommendation to the board.

Committee members considered the rationale generally provided for removal or reduction of teeth for nontherapeutic purposes as well as related policies provided by the American Veterinary Dental College and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, the recommendation stated. While the AWC recognized the considerable skill of veterinary dentists, the consensus was that this practice remains poorly justified, does not protect humans from associated risks, and may create additional risks for affected animals.

The AWC believes ownership of an animal known to be dangerous carries with it a responsibility to manage the animal humanely; doing so may require considerable expertise and resources, according to the recommendation. Where risk of bite injury is inherent or it is not possible to mitigate, contact between human handlers and conscious, unrestrained animals known to be dangerous should be avoided.

The committee recommendation noted problems associated with teeth removal or reduction include not only impaired function of the animal and risks of oral pathology but also retention of a dangerous animal in a home or other setting where it cannot be safely managed.

AVMA: Leadership program will see another year

After reviewing information about the first two classes of the AVMA Future Leaders Program, the AVMA Executive Board agreed to continue the initiative for another year. The program will continue to be sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health and by High Impact Facilitation, owned by professional facilitator Ken Andrews.

The Association established the yearlong program to develop future leaders for the AVMA and other veterinary associations. Working with Andrews, participants develop leadership and problem-solving skills relevant to organized veterinary medicine.

The 2011–2012 future leaders have completed their program, which culminated in several individuals now participating in organized veterinary medicine, including the AVMA and state VMAs, according to the recommendation background from the Office of the Executive Vice President.

In addition, the 2011–2012 class developed online leadership materials, executed a half-day leadership track at the AVMA Annual Convention, and is piloting the Compass Mentoring Program, a new mentorship model designed to help recent graduates find their direction within the profession. It was developed in collaboration with the AVMA and the Alabama, Connecticut, and Indiana VMAs.

The kick-off event for the Compass Program occurred Oct. 24, 2012, in Wallingford, Conn. The event featured round-table discussions on issues such as work-life balance, student loan debt, and career paths. Experienced veterinarians were there to meet with recent graduates and offer to serve as mentors to interested attendees. Other states may implement the program at their discretion.

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Dr. Rebecca Stinson (GA ′02) speaks during a news conference announcing her selection as one of 10 members of the 2012–2013 Future Leaders Program. Dr. Stinson practices at the Carolina Equine Hospital in Gibonsville, N.C. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

Meanwhile, the 2012–2013 future leaders are engaged in personal leadership development through one-on-one mentoring by leaders within the profession and development of personal leadership goals and action plans in the workplace, society, and organized veterinary medicine. Their team project is to pilot a novel cultural competency skill set for practicing veterinarians to use. Like the first class, the current future leaders are developing a session for the AVMA Annual Convention.

Those interested in applying to the 2013–2014 Future Leaders Program may visit www.avma.org/Members/FutureLeaders. The application deadline is Feb. 18. This upcoming class of 10 will be announced in the spring.

AVMA: Competition tests students' animal welfare knowledge

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Students make their case before a panel of judges. (Courtesy of Teresa Casey-Trott)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

By R. Scott Nolen

The 12th annual Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging/Assessment Contest was held Nov. 17–18, 2012, at the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare at the University of Guelph in Ontario.

The competition is an educational tool that helps veterinary students and undergraduate and graduate students in animal science programs understand welfare issues in a variety of settings. The contest teaches ethical reasoning, encourages objective assessment of animal welfare on the basis of scientific theory and data, promotes critical thinking, and improves communication skills.

Students analyze the welfare of various types of animals as presented in comparative scenarios, determine whether the welfare of animals in one scenario is better or worse than the other, and orally present reasons for their decision to a panel of judges. Species covered in the latest contest included companion animals in veterinary clinics, laying hens, veal calves, and laboratory mice.

“We were extremely pleased by the turnout given that this was the first time the contest was held in Canada. And we were especially excited to have teams travel from as far away as California, Colorado, and Grenada just to compete here. It is clear, interest in the contest is growing in a big way,” said contest organizing committee member Dr. Derek Haley, assistant professor at Ontario Veterinary College.

The AVMA sponsored the contest with $5,000 and also provided $400 travel grants for 25 veterinary students to attend. Dr. Cia Johnson, an assistant director in the AVMA Animal Welfare Division, attended the recent competition and was pleased with the veterinary representation. “I'm proud to say that, while the veterinary division wasn't established until 2008, it continues to be the largest division of the contest,” Dr. Johnson said.

Following are the winners in each category. Undergraduate Section: First place—Tanya Hnatejko, University of Guelph (Team 2); second place—Venessa Beaudoin, University of Guelph (Team 2); third place—Sophie Taylor, University of Guelph (Team 1). Graduate Student Section: First place—David Orban, Michigan State University; second place—Lena Levison, University of Guelph; third place—Mike Walker, University of Guelph. Veterinary Student Section: First place—Denise Yates, University of Guelph; second place—Catherine Nicoll, University of Guelph; third place—Madeleine Consentino, University of Guelph. Team Assessment Exercise: Undergraduate—University of Guelph (Team 2). Graduate—University of Guelph. Veterinary Student— Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Individual Assessment Exercise—Catie Cramer, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Overall Team Placing: Undergraduate Division: First place—University of Guelph (Team 2); second place—University of Guelph (Team 1); third place—University of Wisconsin-Madison. Graduate Student Division: First place—University of Guelph; second place—Michigan State University; third place—Colorado State University. Veterinary Student Division: First place—University of Guelph; second place—Atlantic Veterinary College; third place—Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

Nocera joins AVMA as CFO

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John Nocera

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

After an extensive search and several rounds of interviews, John Nocera was hired as director of the AVMA Finance and Business Services Division. He fills a position left vacant for more than a year.

Nocera brings to the job more than 26 years of experience in the not-for-profit and business arenas. For the past three years, he was chief financial officer for Executive Administration Inc., an association management consulting firm specialized in managing professional medical societies.

“One basic responsibility of every member organization is careful stewardship of financial resources, which, in our case, come principally from member dues,” AVMA President Douglas G. Aspros said. “John brings a solid resume of experience in the not-for-profit sector in addition to his soft skills, and will be a valuable member of an already solid leadership team.”

Nocera began his new role in mid-November 2012. As CFO and director of the Association's finance and business division, he will provide the vision, strategic planning, leadership, development, implementation, and ongoing management for the AVMA's financial policies, operations, and functions.

“It's an honor for me to be selected as the AVMA's director of finance and business services. I am excited about the opportunity to join this great organization and help lead the way for much continued success into the future.” Nocera said.

Prior to his work for Executive Administration, Nocera, a certified public accountant, spent eight years as CFO for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, based in Chicago.

Nocera began his career at Ernst & Young and has also served as the managing director/CFO of subsidiary operations for SmithBucklin, a leading association management consulting firm, and as CFO for Bigsby & Kruthers, a large clothing retailer based in Chicago.

Education council schedules site visits

The AVMA Council on Education has scheduled site visits to eight schools and colleges of veterinary medicine for 2013.

Site visits are planned for the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Feb. 10–14; University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary Science, March 17–21; University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, April 7–11; University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, April 21–25; University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, May 19–23; VetAgro Sup Campus Veterinaire de Lyon, Sept. 22–26; Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Oct. 13–17; and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Oct. 27–31.

The council welcomes written comments on these plans or the programs to be evaluated. Comments should be addressed to Dr. David E. Granstrom, Director, Education and Research Division, AVMA, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Comments must be signed by the person submitting them to be considered.

Auxiliary seeks entries for National Pet Week contests

The Auxiliary to the AVMA is seeking entries for its annual poster and creative writing contests to generate promotional materials for National Pet Week 2014.

“Celebrate a Healthy Pet” will be the theme for National Pet Week in 2014. The postmark deadline for the poster and creative writing contests is March 9, 2013. The contests are open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The winners of each contest will receive $100.

Entries in the poster contest may be any size. They must be colorful and the artist's original work. Contestants should send entries by mail and send a JPG image of the poster by email.

Entries in the creative writing contest should be poems, essays, or stories of 20 to 200 words. The entry must be original and previously unpublished. Contestants should submit entries in the body of an email message or send entries by mail.

Judging by the Auxiliary board will focus on originality, content, and use of the theme “Celebrate a Healthy Pet.” Family members of the judges are not eligible to participate in the contests. Entries will not be returned and will become property of the Auxiliary. Submission of an entry entitles the Auxiliary to use the work in projects, promotions, and publications.

An entry form must accompany each entry. The mailing address for entries is NPW Poster and Creative Writing Contest, Auxiliary to the AVMA, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173. The email address is auxiliarykritters@yahoo.com.

Additional details and entry forms are available by visiting the Auxiliary website at www.avmaaux.org, then looking under “National Pet Week”; by emailing auxiliarykritters@yahoo.com; or by calling (800) 248-2862, Ext. 6747.

Issues: One Health Commission reaches out

By Katie Burns

The One Health Commission has begun inviting individuals and corporations to become members, along with institutions, and is expanding efforts to promote the one-health approach.

The one-health concept is that the health of humans, animals, and the ecosystem is intertwined. The OHC advocates a one-health approach of collaboration among disciplines to improve health locally, nationally, and globally.

“The One Health Commission is excited to be entering the next phase of its visionary development towards one health,” said Dr. Roger K. Mahr, OHC chief executive officer. “The new membership program provides a special opportunity for all health professions and their related disciplines to become a vital part of this exciting future.

“The commission seeks to engage collaborative leadership and expertise from across multiple disciplines and organizations to help tackle the high-priority health challenges of our global society.”

The founding members of the OHC were institutions such as the AVMA. The new membership model has categories not only for institutions but also for individuals and corporations. In November 2012, the AVMA Executive Board approved a contribution of $5,000 for the AVMA to continue as an institutional member of the commission.

Commission members have opportunities to participate in the OHC varying by category and contribution level. Institutions at the highest contribution level, such as the AVMA, may nominate a representative to the board. Other opportunities for members include participation in the advisory council or in working groups.

“I perceive a desire in the one-health community to be involved,” said Dr. Cheryl M. Stroud, AVMA representative to the commission. “People who feel strongly and have a passion for making one health a reality, making the concept of one health really happen, can get involved and make that happen.”

The goals of the OHC, headquartered at Iowa State University, are to inform all audiences about the interdisciplinary one-health approach and to facilitate projects to demonstrate the value of the approach.

The commission is collaborating with the ISU Center for Food Security and Public Health on the first demonstration project, a book on zoonoses of companion animals. The OHC is seeking sponsors to provide the book for free to students of veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health. The book also will become available to health care practitioners.

Dr. Stroud is pursuing two potential projects for the OHC. One is a possible partnership with the Global Alliance for Rabies Control to distribute educational posters about rabies in bats. The other is an idea from the Student AVMA for a one-health congress for students of veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health.

In June 2012, the OHC surveyed its board and advisory council as well as more than 150 individual stakeholders about how to prioritize one-health challenges. All three groups listed infectious diseases as the top priority. Other high priorities were food and water safety and security, ecosystem health, and antimicrobial resistance.

The OHC adopted a strategic plan in September 2012 and is working on a joint strategic plan with ISU. The plan includes development of an annual one-health symposium.

“There are so many bubbles of one-health activity around the country and around the world, but there was no good mechanism to connect us,” Dr. Stroud said. “The way I see it, what the commission can really do, what it's trying to do, is to be the connector, to bring the one-health community together to accomplish significant things together that cannot be accomplished alone.”

Organization finds Yersinia enterocolitica in most pork samples

By Greg Cima

A product testing organization found Yersinia enterocolitica in 69 percent of pork samples tested, according to a recent announcement.

The results published by Consumer Reports indicated the organization tested for the presence of certain bacteria in about 200 samples from pork chops and ground pork bought in six U.S. cities. About 11 percent also contained Enterococcus organisms, 7 percent contained Staphylococcus aureus, 4 percent contained Salmonella organisms, and 3 percent contained Listeria monocytogenes.

The announcement and a related article were published online in late November 2012, and the article was scheduled for print publication in January.

The article also noted that 121 of 132 Yersinia isolates tested for drug resistance were resistant to at least one antimicrobial.

Dr. H. Scott Hurd, an associate professor at Iowa State University and former Department of Agriculture deputy undersecretary for food safety, said Y enterocolitica is fairly common in raw pork, but high numbers of the right serotype typically are needed to cause illness in humans. He said concern about the bacteria is low enough that the Department of Agriculture does not test for its presence.

“Yersinia is such a low concern from a public heatlh standpoint that there's not a lot of information on it,” Dr. Hurd said.

About 98,000 people were sickened by Y enterocolitica annually from 2000–2008, most commonly causing diarrhea and abdominal pain, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bacteria are most often spread to humans through contaminated food, particularly undercooked or raw pork.

Yersinia enterocolitica–related illness is most common among children, according to the CDC. Dr. Hurd said smaller amounts of the pathogen can cause illnesses in children, compared with adults.

Cathy Cochran, a spokeswoman for the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, said tests used to detect Yersinia bacteria are not very effective at distinguishing between pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains. She said the percentage of samples containing Yersinia bacteria in the Consumer Reports tests suggest the company data include nonpathogenic strains, but the FSIS would need more information on the testing methods to better understand the data.

Cochran noted that two Yersinia outbreaks have been reported since 2005, one each connected with pasteurized milk and raw pork chops. The bacteria are not considered to be an adulterant, which would require removing contaminated items from the food supply.

Officials with Consumer Reports indicated they were willing to respond to requests for additional information but did not respond by press time.

Information provided by the National Pork Board states that, with proper cooking, “Pork is safe.” The organization's statement also states that federal government research has yet to show resistant bacteria are transferred from animals to humans.

The Consumer Reports article also notes that the organization found traces of ractopamine in about one-fifth of 240 pork samples tested for the drug. The meats with ractopamine residues had fewer than 5 PPB of the drug, one-tenth the limit allowed under federal regulations. But the announcement noted that Consumer Reports' policy and action arm, Consumers Union, does not think ractopamine use has been proved to be safe and thinks its use should be prohibited.

Dr. Hurd estimated that, based on tolerance levels found through experimental studies, an adult would need to eat about 700 pounds of raw pork daily for years to have noticeable effects from ractopamine residues. He also noted that a compound similar to ractopamine is included in a medication his children take for asthma.

The Consumer Reports article is available at www.consumerreports.org.

Practice: Ammonia capture may reduce risks to humans, pigs

A membrane used to capture ammonia in pig waste could reduce health risks for people and animals.

Concentrated nitrogen captured by the membranes also could be sold as fertilizer.

In 2012, two Department of Agriculture researchers filed for a patent on a system of gas-permeable membranes that “capture and recycle” ammonia from livestock wastewater, according to an article in Agricultural Research Magazine, which is published by the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The membranes may be useful in manure tanks and lagoons at swine production facilities, where they could help swine owners meet air quality requirements, reduce risks to their employees and livestock, and produce a sellable product.

The ARS described the membranes as similar to materials used in waterproof consumer products as well as to biomedical devices that add oxygen to blood and remove carbon dioxide.

In one study, immersing the membrane in liquid manure for nine days reduced the gaseous ammonia in the liquid by 95 percent, from 114.2 milligrams per liter to 5.4, the ARS information states. Repeated use of the process recovered concentrated nitrogen in a clear solution.

The ARS has research projects intended to find ways to reduce releases of odors, pathogens, ammonia, and greenhouse gases from livestock manure; recover nutrients from that manure; develop technologies to convert manure into useful products such as heat and biofuels; reduce nitrous oxide emissions from manure-affected wetlands and stream areas; and find uses for manure treatment byproducts. In March 2011, ARS employees filed a patent application for use of gas-permeable membranes in enclosures such as poultry barns to capture gaseous ammonia.

“The final products are cleaner air inside the barns with benefit for animal health and reduced environmental emissions, and concentrated liquid nitrogen that can be re-used in agriculture,” ARS information states.

Genome analysis could aid human, pig health

Recent analysis of a domestic pig's genome may help to improve models for research in human medicine and lead to discoveries useful for agriculture.

The analysis also provides a better understanding of pigs' history, adaptation, and domestication.

The research findings were published in the scientific article “Analyses of pig genomes provide insight into porcine demography and evolution” (Nature 2012;491:393–398). The research team assembled and analyzed a draft genome sequence from a domestic female Duroc pig and compared the genome with those of wild and domestic pigs from Europe and Asia, according to the article.

The paper particularly notes the usefulness of pigs as biomedical models for research into human diseases. For example, the researchers compared protein sequences shared between humans and pigs and saw 112 positions where the porcine protein has the same amino acid implicated in a human disease, according to the article.

More information is available at www.nature.com.

Community: Honor roll members inducted

The following 641 AVMA members have been granted honor roll status beginning in 2013. These individuals have maintained membership in the Association for a period of 40 years or more and have reached the age of 70, or have reached the age of 72 and have maintained continuous membership since graduation. As honor roll members, they will continue to receive the full benefit and privilege of membership while being exempt from the payment of dues.

    DISTRICT I

  • Randolph M. Adams, Marshfield, Mass.

  • Samuel R. Adams, Brooklyn, N.Y.

  • Glenn A. Anderson, Huntington, N.Y.

  • David J. Balkman, Ithaca, N.Y.

  • George J. Beyer, East Aurora, N.Y.

  • Edward S. Dalland Jr., Latham, N.Y.

  • J.L. Dunn, Charlestown, R.I.

  • Paul A. Elwell, Roxbury, Conn.

  • Elizabeth J. Essex, Sharon, Mass.

  • David A. Foster, Wantagh, N.Y.

  • James C. Franzek, Snyder, N.Y.

  • Richard W. Fredericks, Northport, N.Y.

  • Jill E. Frucci, Lynn, Mass.

  • James R. Glendening, Queensbury, N.Y.

  • Robert S. Goldstein, Bridgeport, Conn.

  • Edward I. Gordon, Potsdam, N.Y.

  • Ferris G. Gorra, New Milford, Conn.

  • Joseph E. Haddad, East Orleans, Mass.

  • Melvin C. Haddad, Brockton, Mass.

  • John P. Hansen, Ballston Spa, N.Y.

  • Richard A. Heller, Milford, Mass.

  • Frederick F. Hess, Amherst, Mass.

  • Ronald L. Higginbotham, Batavia, N.Y.

  • Kenneth L. Hodgson, Oswego, N.Y.

  • Wayne K. Hodsden, Lockport, N.Y.

  • Ralph H. Hunt, Wilton, Conn.

  • Douglass B. Hutchins, Lyman, Maine.

  • Robert J. Jacobson, Dryden, N.Y.

  • Mary L. Keating, New York.

  • William F. Keish, Glastonbury, Conn.

  • Paul D. Kennett, Middlebury, Conn.

  • Paul W. Kinnear, Staten Island, N.Y.

  • Lincoln O. Lee, New York.

  • Priscilla A. Lightcap, New Fairfield, Conn.

  • Thomas A. Milos, Stratford, Conn.

  • Peter M. Neveu, Chateaugay, N.Y.

  • Harry S. Newman, Williamsville, N.Y.

  • Edward J. Nowak, Boston, N.Y.

  • Frank C. Palka, Chester, Conn.

  • Donald E. Peddie, Vergennes, Vt.

  • William B. Pollock, Gray, Maine.

  • Mark S. Povar, South Kingstown, R.I.

  • Josef M. Powell, Fredonia, N.Y.

  • David G. Reese, Pine City, N.Y.

  • Martin B. Reiter, East Haddam, Conn.

  • Alan B. Schreier, Pleasantville, N.Y.

  • Scott C. Seely, Portsmouth, N.H.

  • Kenneth J. Shea, Franklin, Mass.

  • Jerald Silverman, Worcester, Mass.

  • Dennis M. Stark, New York.

  • Jon A. Stokes, South Burlington, Vt.

  • Wayne E. Tremper, Kingston, N.Y.

  • David A. Wolfe, Latham, N.Y.

  • George M. Yancey, Leicester, Mass.

    DISTRICT II

  • Karl P. Achenbach, Hermitage, Pa.

  • Louis J. Applefeld, Lutherville, Md.

  • Ralph E. Ayers, Daleville, Va.

  • Arthur Baeder, Rockaway, N.J.

  • Robert R. Blease, Stewartsville, N.J.

  • Roland T. Bowman, Chestertown, Md.

  • Ralph L. Buckel, Chestertown, Md.

  • David P. Burrichter, Columbia, Pa.

  • Donald W. Butts, Williamsburg, Va.

  • Richard S. Dailey, Virginia Beach, Va.

  • James P. Davidson, Rockville, Md.

  • John A. DePlanque, Fleetwood, Pa.

  • John M. Egloff, Gettysburg, Pa.

  • John D. Freed, Newport News, Va.

  • James B. Gates, Farmville, Va.

  • Robert E. Graybill, Lancaster, Pa.

  • David K. Hagan, Waynesboro, Pa.

  • Jerome K. Harness, Greencastle, Pa.

  • Jacob R. Haught, Abingdon, Va.

  • Gary A. Hauptmann, Towson, Md.

  • Darrell M. Hoffman, Chester Springs, Pa.

  • Joseph T. Horman, Frederick, Md.

  • Lance N. Horwitz, Jenkintown, Pa.

  • Michael H. Kaplan, Towson, Md.

  • John A. Kelly, Frederick, Md.

  • David D. Klopp, Wyckoff, N.J.

  • William G. Komazec, Tinton Falls, N.J.

  • John A. Laudermilch, Bloomsburg, Pa.

  • Michael J. Lynch, Phoenix, Md.

  • Lawrence F. McCormick, Boalsburg, Pa.

  • Linda M. Merry, New Castle, Del.

  • Solomon Michael, Greensboro, Md.

  • Donald C. Mills, Baltimore.

  • Ronald W. Moch, Rockville, Md.

  • William F. Moffett, Dover, Del.

  • John A. North, Glen Gardner, N.J.

  • Martha D. O'Rourke, Toms River, N.J.

  • Thomas P. Padhi, East Brunswick, N.J.

  • Robert E. Pitney, Murrysville, Pa.

  • Edward J. Plocharski, Highland Lakes, N.J.

  • Joseph L. Pollara, Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

  • Roger F. Poole, Lincroft, N.J.

  • John C. Prucha, Highland, Md.

  • Bruce S. Putchat, Quakertown, Pa.

  • Daniel R. Reilly, York, Pa.

  • Carl E. Rogge, Severna Park, Md.

  • Leon D. Rumsey, Smethport, Pa.

  • Joseph B. Schaefer, Bechtelsville, Pa.

  • Larry K. Schaeffer, Dauphin, Pa.

  • John E. Settle, Virginia Beach, Va.

  • W.R. Shortall, Cockeysville, Md.

  • William J. Solomon, New Freedom, Pa.

  • Charles A. Stancer, Mount Airy, Md.

  • Robert W. Stewart Sr., Bethlehem, Pa.

  • Locke A. Taylor, Richmond, Va.

  • Susan B. Thayer, Chester Springs, Pa.

  • Charles L. Thomas, Frackville, Pa.

  • H.W. Towers, Harrington, Del.

  • Jonathan P. Walker, Titusville, Pa.

  • Jerrold M. Ward, Montgomery Village, Md.

  • William T. Watson, Bethesda, Md.

  • Charles A. Williams, Fairfax, Va.

  • Marilyn J. Wolfe, Sterling, Va.

  • Daniel M. Woodworth, Waynesboro, Va.

    DISTRICT III

  • Franklin B. Alley, McEwen, Tenn.

  • Alfred W. Anderson, Shelbyville, Tenn.

  • Sarah A. Bingel, Hendersonville, N.C.

  • Randall G. Brandon, Camden, S.C.

  • Richard H. Bruner, Clemson, S.C.

  • Claude L. Buckles, Union City, Tenn.

  • William A. Caudle, Fort Mill, S.C.

  • Stanley L. Cohen, Chocowinity, N.C.

  • Andrew W. Creel, Greenville, S.C.

  • Stuart G. Denman, Charleston, Miss.

  • John C. Donaldson, Celina, Tenn.

  • Gerald E. Dukes, Foley, Ala.

  • James L. Everett, Crossville, Tenn.

  • Craig A. Fischer, High Point, N.C.

  • Ernest J. Fox, Georgetown, S.C.

  • Lawrence T. Glickman, Pittsboro, N.C.

  • Thomas E. Hamm Jr., Cary, N.C.

  • Wendel R. Harrison, Cope, S.C.

  • James G. Heil, Summerdale, Ala.

  • James M. Herring, Dadeville, Ala.

  • John K. Hindman, New Albany, Miss.

  • Jacky R. Horner, Memphis, Tenn.

  • Jeffrey J. Hubbell, Columbia, S.C.

  • Morris A. Hughes, Arden, N.C.

  • Campbell C. Hyatt, Kingsport, Tenn.

  • Curtis L. Ish, Denton, N.C.

  • Stephen C. Jaffe, Wilmington, N.C.

  • Henry M. Jones Jr., Kosciusko, Miss.

  • Robert J. Kart, Bluffton, S.C.

  • Ronald J. Kolata, Raleigh, N.C.

  • Delbert J. Krahwinkel Jr., Knoxville, Tenn.

  • Alfred M. Legendre, Knoxville, Tenn.

  • Barry N. Ligon, Chattanooga, Tenn.

  • Joseph B. Lombardo, Birmingham, Ala.

  • John B. Marlow Jr., Irmo, S.C.

  • Alfred P. Marshall, Hayesville, N.C.

  • H.L. McHugh, Trenton, Tenn.

  • P.C. Moyers, Morristown, Tenn.

  • Fred R. Nicholson, Gardendale, Ala.

  • Enoch W. Parry II, Phenix City, Ala.

  • Henry W. Pirtle Sr., Montgomery, Ala.

  • Ram C. Purohit, Auburn, Ala.

  • William L. Roberts, Atmore, Ala.

  • Walter C. Robinson III, Greenville, S.C.

  • Donald M. Rothgeb, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

  • Charles B. Smith, McKenzie, Tenn.

  • William B. Smith, Seale, Ala.

  • Thomas C. Snodgrass, Johnson City, Tenn.

  • Albert E. Sollod, Diamondhead, Miss.

  • Lester J. Spell, Richland, Miss.

  • William J. Stewart, Sparta, Tenn.

  • Joe D. Walden, Silverhill, Ala.

  • Barry D. Ward, Friendsville, Tenn.

  • C.G. Warren, Charlotte, N.C.

  • John R. Webster, Stoneville, N.C.

    DISTRICT IV

  • Rodger D. Atkins, Dalton, Ga.

  • Richard H. Baier, Clearwater Beach, Fla.

  • Barry R. Berman, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

  • Edward A. Boraski, Flowery Branch, Ga.

  • John R. Broderson, Atlanta.

  • Leon G. Brown, Augusta, Ga.

  • Walter J. Bruno, St. Petersburg, Fla.

  • Hugh W. Calderwood, Alachua, Fla.

  • Maron B. Calderwood Mays, Gainesville, Fla.

  • Billy R. Cannon, Davie, Fla.

  • Chris Clement, Cape Coral, Fla.

  • Stephen R. Cobb, Bonita Springs, Fla.

  • Larry W. Coen, Naples, Fla.

  • Larry R. Corry, Buford, Ga.

  • Larry G. Dee, Hollywood, Fla.

  • Edwin C. Derks, Miami.

  • William E. Disque, St. Simons Island, Ga.

  • Kenneth E. Dougan, Tignall, Ga.

  • David H. Eichholtz, Eagle Lake, Fla.

  • Garry E. Ernst, Panama City, Fla.

  • William H. Flowers, Pensacola, Fla.

  • Benjamin Franklin Jr., West Palm Beach, Fla.

  • W.J. Fuller III, Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.

  • R.B. Garrett, Ball Ground, Ga.

  • Branham Garth, St. Simons Island, Ga.

  • T.L. Gilbert, Cumming, Ga.

  • Melvin L. Gordon, Atlanta.

  • Jonathan W. Greenfield, Naples, Fla.

  • Darry D. Griebel, Lehigh Acres, Fla.

  • Greg J. Harrison, Palm Beach, Fla.

  • Penelope A. Holt, Orlando, Fla.

  • Louis J. Horvath, Miami.

  • James M. Johnson, Atlanta.

  • Ronald A. Johnson, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

  • Timothy P. Johnston, Boca Raton, Fla.

  • Joseph D. Jones, Orlando, Fla.

  • Robert E. Kaderly, Estero, Fla.

  • Barry N. Kellogg, North Port, Fla.

  • Floyd D. Kirby, Vero Beach, Fla.

  • Ronald J. Lott, North Port, Fla.

  • William G. McCart, Covington, Ga.

  • James H. McGee, Archer, Fla.

  • William L. McGee, Carrollton, Ga.

  • John P. McGruder, Cumming, Ga.

  • Jerry G. Mitchell, Donalsonville, Ga.

  • Paul A. Piche, Punta Gorda, Fla.

  • John H. Plant, Jacksonville, Fla.

  • Keith W. Powell, Tallahassee, Fla.

  • Joseph R. Priest, Tampa, Fla.

  • Benjamin H. Rawls, Daytona Beach, Fla.

  • Richard P. Rogoff, Miami.

  • Ronald M. Russell, Norcross, Ga.

  • James L. Shewmaker, Labelle, Fla.

  • Frederick G. Smith, Athens, Ga.

  • Bruce G. Steinfeldt, Moore Haven, Fla.

  • Roger D. Swearingen, Hialeah, Fla.

  • Frederik R. Tellekamp, Tampa, Fla.

  • Neil B. Tenzer, Hollywood, Fla.

  • Vernon R. Thornton, Wellington, Fla.

  • Donald S. Traphagen, Wellington, Fla.

  • Donovan Vezin, Naples, Fla.

  • Charles E. Wallace, Athens, Ga.

  • Martha V. Weed, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

  • James B. Wilkes, Augusta, Ga.

    DISTRICT V

  • Frederick R. Adams, Keyser, W.Va.

  • Paul G. Alderman, Ortonville, Mich.

  • Ames F. Allen, Plain City, Ohio.

  • John A. Anderson, Manchester, Mich.

  • Michael R. Andrews, Tallmadge, Ohio.

  • Robert L. Baumann, Elyria, Ohio.

  • Andrew A. Benigna, Detroit.

  • Gary L. Bowman, Milford Center, Ohio.

  • John G. Bradbury, Camden, Ohio.

  • Richard D. Brenner, St. Johns, Mich.

  • John S. Brewster, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.

  • Stuart J. Burns, Paris, Ky.

  • Robert E. Cape, Columbus, Ohio.

  • Joan S. Caywood, Lawrenceburg, Ky.

  • James D. Coots, Shelbyville, Ky.

  • William G. Cummings, Paducah, Ky.

  • George H. Cunningham, La Center, Ky.

  • Christopher F. Donley, Whitehall, Mich.

  • Dale L. Duerr, New Philadelphia, Ohio.

  • A.T. Evans, Bath, Mich.

  • Stuart B. Everett, Traverse City, Mich.

  • Rick A. Fischer, Louisville, Ky.

  • Richard N. Flinn, Huntsville, Ohio.

  • Gretchen L. Flo, East Lansing, Mich.

  • W.A. Frey, Beavercreek, Ohio.

  • James M. Gentry, Versailles, Ky.

  • Gerald A. Graf, Belleville, Mich.

  • Lenn R. Harrison, Lexington, Ky.

  • William J. Hearle, Manistique, Mich.

  • Donald R. Kaeser, Ashland, Ohio.

  • Daniel A. Kienitz, Dimondale, Mich.

  • David L. Luhring, Frankenmuth, Mich.

  • Robert C. Lynch, Lexington, Ky.

  • Bruce J. Marhefka, Kensington, Ohio.

  • James A. Mayer, Elizabethtown, Ky.

  • Ronald L. McNutt, Tucson, Ariz.

  • Larry L. Miley, Grove City, Ohio.

  • Mohamed M. Minshawi, Columbus, Ohio.

  • Ronald L. Montgomery, Dublin, Ohio.

  • Ray Nachreiner, East Lansing, Mich.

  • Robert E. Neubauer, Cincinnati.

  • Frederick B. Peterson, Lexington, Ky.

  • Neil I. Phillips, Henderson, Ky.

  • Mark E. Place, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

  • Jan H. Pol, Weidman, Mich.

  • Frederick W. Rutherford, Warren, Mich.

  • William D. Schall, East Lansing, Mich.

  • David T. Smith, Lima, Ohio.

  • Wayne C. Snyder, Battle Creek, Mich.

  • Benjamin R. Stallard, Shelbyville, Ky.

  • Jerrold L. Swan, Charleston, W.Va.

  • William P. Tower, Midland, Mich.

  • Don E. VanVlerah, Defiance, Ohio.

  • Joseph A. Watkins, Atlanta, Mich.

  • Morris G. Weaver, Perrysburg, Ohio.

  • Nelson F. Woolman, Alpena, Mich.

    DISTRICT VI

  • Cesar C. Agustin, Naperville, Ill.

  • F.Z. Bebawy, Burr Ridge, Ill.

  • Paul L. Berge, Plymouth, Wis.

  • Frederick D. Birzele, Elkhart, Ind.

  • John E. Bourn, Woodson, Ill.

  • John W. Byrd, Mahomet, Ill.

  • James A. Case, Peoria, Ill.

  • Dennis P. Chuchel, Appleton, Wis.

  • Jon J. Clark, Washington, Ind.

  • Mervyn H. Daehler, Antioch, Ill.

  • Morey D. Doyle, Indianapolis.

  • Allan F. Frank, Evanston, Ill.

  • Joseph M. Frost Sr., Rockford, Ill.

  • Claude L. Gendreau, Buffalo Grove, Ill.

  • Marie A. Goulden, Lockport, Ill.

  • Thomas P. Greiner, Moline, Ill.

  • Frederick R. Harder, Jasper, Ind.

  • Frank C. Helfrich, Fort Wayne, Ind.

  • Thomas E. Hickey, Mount Vernon, Ind.

  • Sammy K. Hiland, Crawfordsville, Ind.

  • William L. Hilleman, Richland Center, Wis.

  • Gary L. Hollewell, Forreston, Ill.

  • Charles G. Howe, Ridgeland, Wis.

  • Steven T. Knight, Lagrange, Ind.

  • Glenn E. Kolb, Cumberland, Wis.

  • R.W. Kuhn, Wausau, Wis.

  • Thomas D. Kuhn, Shelbyville, Ind.

  • Joseph P. Kunzer, Dahinda, Ill.

  • David C. Liddell, Auburn, Ind.

  • Robert G. Lindsey, Plymouth, Ind.

  • Frederick G. Lord, Forest Junction, Wis.

  • Douglas G. Lucke, Indianapolis.

  • Allen R. Lueking, Linton, Ind.

  • George H. Luke, Northfield, Ill.

  • Larry D. Mahr, Oregon, Wis.

  • Emil W. Meyer, Decatur, Ind.

  • William J. Michaels, Whiting, Ind.

  • Barbara H. Miller, Viola, Wis.

  • John P. Mitchell, Fort Wayne, Ind.

  • Christ V. Mueller, Marshfield, Wis.

  • John C. Pickett Jr., Lafayette, Ind.

  • Laurence W. Reed, Porter, Ind.

  • George E. Richards Jr., Danville, Ill.

  • Thomas A. Riggs, Fort Atkinson, Wis.

  • Wesley I. Robinson, Freeport, Ill.

  • Sheldon B. Rubin, Wilmette, Ill.

  • Leroy P. Schild, Mokena, Ill.

  • George A. Schul, Andrews, Ind.

  • Robert A. Smiley, Crawfordsville, Ind.

  • Charles D. Spence, Sesser, Ill.

  • Dennis R. Stubblefield, Rantoul, Ill.

  • Chester B. Thomas, Madison, Wis.

  • R.M. Thomas, Indianapolis.

  • Thomas N. Torhorst, Racine, Wis.

  • Gerald N. Wagner, La Porte, Ind.

  • Burton G. Wiersema, Brandon, Wis.

  • Larry R. Woodcock, Marion, Ill.

  • John F. Zook, Eden, Wis.

    DISTRICT VII

  • Joe K. Baber, Garrison, N.D.

  • Robert G. Baxa, Beatrice, Neb.

  • Ronald M. Blessing, Rapid City, S.D.

  • Lewis C. Boucher, Griswold, Iowa.

  • Rex H. Bridgman, Ord, Neb.

  • David O. Christenson, Hartley, Iowa.

  • Keith C. Cogley, Colfax, Iowa.

  • R.D. Collier, Blue Springs, Mo.

  • Sita K. Dash, Eden Prairie, Minn.

  • Gordon P. DeVries, Pierz, Minn.

  • Joseph W. Denhart, Shenandoah, Iowa.

  • Robert K. Dennis, Center Point, Iowa.

  • Raymond J. Diemer, Windom, Minn.

  • Richard L. Dutton, Wakefield, Neb.

  • Kenneth O. Ehlen, Ozark, Mo.

  • Larry E. Eilts, Bridgewater, S.D.

  • Wayne A. Endres, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

  • Deborah F. Erichsen, Helena, Mo.

  • James R. Gute, Owatonna, Minn.

  • Darrell L. Haeker, St. Joseph, Mo.

  • Bruce R. Havick, Harlan, Iowa.

  • Margaret A. Hayden, Stillwater, Minn.

  • Oliver K. Holbein, Cozad, Neb.

  • Paul D. Holmberg, White Bear Lake, Minn.

  • Douglas M. Holmes, Algona, Iowa.

  • Daryl C. Hormann, Monroe, Iowa.

  • Charles R. Kratt, Oakdale, Minn.

  • William A. Krumrey, St. Louis, Mo.

  • Thomas A. Lang, Clarks Grove, Minn.

  • Roger R. Madison, Zumbrota, Minn.

  • Thomas G. Maline, Holbrook, Neb.

  • Donald O. Marsh, Duluth, Minn.

  • Andrew C. Mills, Shoreview, Minn.

  • Daniel A. Nesheim, Mallard, Iowa.

  • Charles F. Neumann, Hastings, Neb.

  • Gary D. Osweiler, Boone, Iowa.

  • Duane C. Pankratz, Keystone, S.D.

  • Joseph T. Patterson, Lee's Summit, Mo.

  • Richard P. Piepgras, Brainerd, Minn.

  • Gerald L. Rainey, Cameron, Mo.

  • Arthur L. Rasmussen, Town and Country, Mo.

  • Robert J. Roberson, Grain Valley, Mo.

  • James D. Rundquist, Waseca, Minn.

  • William H. Schabbing, Jackson, Mo.

  • Diane C. Sittig, St. Paul, Minn.

  • Lowell R. Smalley, Omaha, Neb.

  • George W. Spencer, Macon, Mo.

  • Dietrich Steinberg, Manchester, Mo.

  • Charles L. Stoehr, Plattsmouth, Neb.

  • Robert A. Swerczek, Omaha, Neb.

  • John U. Thomson, Kelley, Iowa.

  • Kenneth J. Throlson, New Rockford, N.D.

  • George A. Twitero, Rapid City, S.D.

  • E.D. VerSteeg, Inwood, Iowa.

  • Virgil C. Voigt, Hutchinson, Minn.

  • Leland J. Volker, Walton, Neb.

  • James W. Walker, Prairie City, Iowa.

  • Raymond P. Woody, Fairfield, Iowa.

  • Ronald M. Zobenica, Mountain Iron, Minn.

    DISTRICT VIII

  • Henry R. Adams, College Station, Texas.

  • Andy B. Baker, McAllen, Texas.

  • James K. Bielfeldt, Gladewater, Texas.

  • James F. Biermann, Covington, La.

  • Thomas G. Bradfield, Austin, Texas.

  • David F. Bristol, San Antonio.

  • James C. Carter, San Antonio.

  • James C. Conner, Wichita Falls, Texas.

  • Marvin P. Crawford, Baton Rouge, La.

  • Clifton Daniels, Bloomburg, Texas.

  • J.E. Davis, Ruston, La.

  • William C. Drow, Houston.

  • William J. Ehler, Helotes, Texas.

  • David B. Fields, Springdale, Ark.

  • Stephen K. Fisk, Georgetown, Texas.

  • Bradford S. Goodwin Jr., Kingwood, Texas.

  • Richard J. Habbinga, Austin, Texas.

  • Howard M. Head, Childress, Texas.

  • Michael R. Herron, College Station, Texas.

  • William J. Hill, Dimmitt, Texas.

  • Charles H. Hobbs, Stockdale, Texas.

  • Stanley C. Hoffpauir, Katy, Texas.

  • Franklin B. Hopkins, Winnsboro, Texas.

  • H.W. Howell, Granbury, Texas.

  • Roy A. Jacoby, Pasadena, Texas.

  • Howard C. Johnson, Dripping Springs, Texas.

  • John C. Key, Lubbock, Texas.

  • John H. Kirk, Abilene, Texas.

  • Kenneth W. Knauer, College Station, Texas.

  • Danny C. Lazenby, Pasadena, Texas.

  • Ernest S. Martin, Melissa, Texas.

  • John J. Martin, Covington, La.

  • Billy D. Martindale, Denison, Texas.

  • John M. McClure, Bossier City, La.

  • Stanley A. McVey, Cleburne, Texas.

  • James W. Mills, Searcy, Ark.

  • Gary D. Mirts, Shreveport, La.

  • Eldon L. Misak, Jacksonville, Ark.

  • Billy M. Mullican, Lampasas, Texas.

  • Tom M. Neal, Lubbock, Texas.

  • John B. Oman, Avoca, Texas.

  • David M. Renquist, Georgetown, Texas.

  • Donald L. Ross, Stafford, Texas.

  • William C. Satterfield, Elgin, Texas.

  • Perry G. Sheets, San Antonio.

  • George Y. Siddons Jr., Fort Worth, Texas.

  • Russell B. Simpson, Hondo, Texas.

  • Jerry Singleton, El Paso, Ark.

  • Ira L. Smith, Houston.

  • Joe P. Speck, Brownwood, Texas.

  • Leo G. Staley, Van Vleck, Texas.

  • Claude L. Stephenson, Washington, La.

  • Bobby L. Stevener, Pearland, Texas.

  • Robert C. Stubbs, Johnson City, Texas.

  • Michael E. Tatum, College Station, Texas.

  • Millard L. Tierce III, Fort Worth, Texas.

  • Lyle L. Warden, Georgetown, Texas.

  • Steven E. Wikse, College Station, Texas.

  • Byron L. Wilson, Georgetown, Texas.

  • Robert H. Wolf, Little Rock, Ark.

  • Larry D. Wood, San Antonio.

  • Oscar J. Woytek, College Station, Texas.

    DISTRICT IX

  • Arden L. Andersen, Scottsdale, Ariz.

  • Marshall H. Beleau, Rio Rancho, N.M.

  • Dean S. Brase, Colorado Springs, Colo.

  • Ronald M. Bright, Loveland, Colo.

  • Douglas J. Brooks, Aurora, Colo.

  • John D. Clark, Phoenix.

  • Billy R. Clay, Stillwater, Okla.

  • Steven B. Colter, Red Feather Lakes, Colo.

  • Sammie M. Crosby III, Edmond, Okla.

  • William R. Doster, Buckeye, Ariz.

  • John C. Durling, Fort Scott, Kan.

  • Donald W. Dykhouse, Tyrone, N.M.

  • Edward A. Fell, Pryor, Okla.

  • J.C. Freeny, Caddo, Okla.

  • Robert E. Froehlich, Littleton, Colo.

  • Robert W. Fulton, Stillwater, Okla.

  • Stanley M. Heyman, Santa Fe, N.M.

  • Stephen F. Huber, Aurora, Colo.

  • Kenneth G. Huggins, Stanley, Kan.

  • Marlin D. Jeffers, Casa Grande, Ariz.

  • Thomas R. Jones, Windsor, Colo.

  • Sophia B. Kaluzniacki, Green Valley, Ariz.

  • Kerry S. Keeton, Manhattan, Kan.

  • Gerald L. Kelly, Broomfield, Colo.

  • Granvel K. Killian, Hollis, Okla.

  • Robert L. Kritsberg, Glendale, Ariz.

  • Steven R. Leininger, Lawrence, Kan.

  • Diana Loeffler, Phoenix, Ariz.

  • Larry R. Magnuson, Greenwood Village, Colo.

  • Ronald B. Mannis, Longmont, Colo.

  • Frank G. Markos, Ogden, Utah.

  • James B. McKinnon, Tremonton, Utah.

  • Henry C. Metcalf, Casa Grande, Ariz.

  • Gerald A. Montague, Merino, Colo.

  • Lawrence Y. Moore, La Veta, Colo.

  • Richard W. Morehouse, Tucson, Ariz.

  • Steven R. Mosier, Hays, Kan.

  • Max R. Moss, Wichita, Kan.

  • Larry M. Murphy, Bethany, Okla.

  • Lawrence P. O'Brien, Albuquerque, N.M.

  • Charles S. Olinger, Albuquerque, N.M.

  • Richard D. Park, Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Thomas R. Pescod, Green Valley, Ariz.

  • Mark A. Poell, St. Marys, Kan.

  • Penelope A. Porter, Tucson, Ariz.

  • Charles M. Pullen, Scottsdale, Ariz.

  • William C. Randle, Norman, Okla.

  • Donald A. Reif, Clayton, N.M.

  • John D. Remple, Loveland, Colo.

  • Phillip N. Richardson, Minco, Okla.

  • Lee E. Rogers, West Point, Utah.

  • William O. Schroeder, Wellington, Colo.

  • Lesley E. Sealing, Englewood, Colo.

  • William A. Sherman, Lakewood, Colo.

  • James J. Soukup, Elizabeth, Colo.

  • Eugene P. Steffey, Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Barry P. Stuart, Louisburg, Kan.

  • Bert T. Teskey, Mayer, Ariz.

  • Thomas D. Vincent, Lakin, Kan.

  • Dale L. Wendlandt, Kinta, Okla.

  • Wayne E. Wingfield, Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Stephen L. Winn, Wichita, Kan.

  • Larry J. Wiseman, Colorado Springs, Colo.

  • Sue L. Wiseman, Colorado Springs, Colo.

  • Gary B. Woods, Erie, Colo.

  • Gary W. Woulfe, Ardmore, Okla.

  • Joe O. Yearous Jr., Tucson, Ariz.

    DISTRICT X

  • John L. Augustine, Poway, Calif.

  • Luisito G. Cabaluna, San Mateo, Calif.

  • Lee A. Calsyn, West Hollywood, Calif.

  • Gary P. Carlson, Davis, Calif.

  • Robert M. Collett, Granada Hills, Calif.

  • Larry L. Congdon, Granite Bay, Calif.

  • Stephan H. Cramlet, Granite Bay, Calif.

  • Brent H. Dastrup, Torrance, Calif.

  • Donald E. Dooley, Whitmore, Calif.

  • Gary H. Evans, Los Osos, Calif.

  • Richard S. Glassberg, Fullerton, Calif.

  • Jerold L. Gross, Woodland Hills, Calif.

  • Thomas A. Hackathorn, Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.

  • Leslie J. Hardy, Alameda, Calif.

  • Joseph M. Helfand, Alameda, Calif.

  • James F. Hicks, Riverside, Calif.

  • M.J. Hinrichs, Petaluma, Calif.

  • David W. Hird, Davis, Calif.

  • John S. Howarth, Bermuda Dunes, Calif.

  • Charles E. Irvin, Redlands, Calif.

  • Connor M. Jameson, Tulare, Calif.

  • Edd M. Jordan, West Hollywood, Calif.

  • Hugh J. Kiely, Oakdale, Calif.

  • Harry C. King, Las Vegas.

  • Wayne E. Knittel, Bakersfield, Calif.

  • Lawrence Kosmin, Long Beach, Calif.

  • Jan W. Kubiak, Indian Wells, Calif.

  • Roger C. Kuhn, Mill Valley, Calif.

  • David T. Lane, Solvang, Calif.

  • Samuel Lerner, Redwood City, Calif.

  • Donald M. Long, Reno, Nev.

  • Larry L. Lowe, Newbury Park, Calif.

  • Robert V. Mason, Grass Valley, Calif.

  • Roger A. Mauer, Las Vegas.

  • David L. McCrystle, Healdsburg, Calif.

  • Timothy J. McGuire, Grass Valley, Calif.

  • Gene W. Nagel, San Ramon, Calif.

  • Yoshio J. Nakata, Fresno, Calif.

  • John R. Noel, Las Vegas.

  • Gary A. Peters, San Jose, Calif.

  • Orben Pratt, Huntington Beach, Calif.

  • Michael S. Radcliffe, Lafayette, Calif.

  • Norman W. Rantanen, Fallbrook, Calif.

  • Carolyn Reed, Cupertino, Calif.

  • Robert F. Sahara, El Macero, Calif.

  • David M. Sasaki, Honolulu.

  • J.P. Sevedge, Big Bear City, Calif.

  • James L. Sharp, North Hollywood, Calif.

  • William L. Spangler, Davis, Calif.

  • James J. Tapper, Fountain Valley, Calif.

  • Harold T. Trimmer, Las Vegas.

  • Kenneth L. Twisselmann, Rocklin, Calif.

  • Martin M. Vale, Santa Maria, Calif.

  • Karl M. Waidhofer, El Cerrito, Calif.

  • Joanne P. Williams, Los Gatos, Calif.

  • Dan A. Wilson, La Habra Heights, Calif.

    DISTRICT XI

  • Jeffrey F. Anderson, McCammon, Idaho.

  • Raymond B. Baggs, Aloha, Ore.

  • H.D. Bauman, Newport, Ore.

  • Roger A. Baxter, Chinook, Mont.

  • Herbert G. Beadle, Livingston, Mont.

  • Robert J. Brophy, Hamilton, Mont.

  • Donald L. Buelke, Victor, Mont.

  • Donald R. Canfield, Seattle.

  • Donald V. Cobb, Casper, Wyo.

  • Susan M. Conner, Bend, Ore.

  • Robert W. Coppock, Vegreville, Alberta.

  • Jean K. Cotton, Cheyenne, Wyo.

  • Wayne O. Dollarhide, Grants Pass, Ore.

  • H.F. Fodrea, Brookings, Ore.

  • Stephen R. Frack, Roseburg, Ore.

  • Janette Friel, Eugene, Ore.

  • Steven D. Gaub, Tacoma, Wash.

  • Dennis D. Haslanger, Belgrade, Mont.

  • Keiichi Hirose, Bellevue, Wash.

  • Raymond S. Holmgren, Portland, Ore.

  • Fineas G. Hughbanks, Gooding, Idaho.

  • Mary L. Jacobson, Port Townsend, Wash.

  • Edward G. Johnson, Parma, Idaho.

  • Margretta F. Kethler, Moscow, Idaho.

  • Raj Khare, Jaipur, India.

  • Michael L. Kovsky, Bellevue, Wash.

  • Lawrence L. Kunz, Greenbank, Wash.

  • James W. Lindley, Big Sky, Mont.

  • Alan D. Marley, Plains, Mont.

  • George P. McGinnis, Happy Valley, Ore.

  • Alan C. Miller, Casper, Wyo.

  • Joyce M. Murphy, Port Hadlock, Wash.

  • Duane E. Olsen, Long Beach, Wash.

  • Gerald M. Orlando, Salem, Ore.

  • Thomas W. Pearson, Helena, Mont.

  • Charles R. Root, Bothell, Wash.

  • Stephen E. Rowe, Kennewick, Wash.

  • Dennis E. Runyon, Eagle Creek, Ore.

  • Gary L. Schmid, Ellensburg, Wash.

  • Sharon B. Sharpnack, Sisters, Ore.

  • Guy L. Sorel, Miramichi, New Brunswick.

  • Larry C. Wainright, Damascus, Ore.

  • Allen G. Wesselius, Centralia, Wash.

  • Karl K. White, Post Falls, Idaho.

  • William C. Wilson, Riverton, Wyo.

  • Gerald R. Wooldridge, Anchorage, Alaska

American College of Veterinary Radiology

Event: Annual meeting, Oct. 18–21, 2012, Las Vegas

Awards: Outstanding Resident-Authored Paper Award: Dr. L. Abbi Granger, Baton Rouge, La. A 2007 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Dr. Granger is an assistant professor at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. She was honored for “Estimation of glomerular filtration rate in healthy cats using single-slice dynamic computed tomography and Patlak plot analysis”

New diplomates: Thirty new diplomates were welcomed into the ACVR. They are as follows:

    Radiology

  • Donna Y. Almondia, Oswego, Ill.

  • Elizabeth D. Brochrup, Webster Groves, Mo.

  • Alaina H. Carr, Woodland, Calif.

  • Vicente C. Castellanos, Valencia, Spain.

  • Lise A. Daniaux, Davis, Calif.

  • Kyle Francis, Montville, N.J.

  • Ricardo G. Gallach, Torrente, Spain.

  • Jin Y. Heo, Irvine, Calif.

  • Maureen Holowinski, Northbrook, Ill.

  • Ketaki S. Karnik, Marina del Rey, Calif.

  • Christopher S. MacKay, Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Rebecca Manley, Jamaica Plain, Mass.

  • James E. Montgomery, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

  • Trisha J. Oura, Raleigh, N.C.

  • Diane C. Saulnier, Santa Monica, Calif.

  • David M. Schmidt, Woburn, Mass.

  • Scott Secrest, Athens, Ga.

  • Jenelle L. Sharpley, Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Steven L. Tsai, North Grafton, Mass.

  • Daniel VanderHart, Gainesville, Fla.

  • Christopher D. Warrington, Cranberry Township, Pa.

  • Robert Werner Jr., Anderson, Texas.

  • Diane U. Wilson, Montgomery, Ala.

  • Alex zur Linden, Guelph, Ontario.

    Radiation oncology

  • Lauren Askin, Marina del Rey, Calif.

  • Stephanie Cook, Rowlett, Texas.

  • Randi Drees, Madison, Wis.

  • Catherine McDonald, Beaverton, Ore.

  • Michael Nolan, Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Kerensa Rechner, Cicero, Ind.

Officials: Drs. Clifford Berry, Gainesville, Fla., president; Anthony Pease, East Lansing, Mich., presidentelect; Sheri Siegel, Waltham, Mass., president of Radiation Oncology; Thomas Nyland, Davis, Calif, secretary; Robert McLear, Swarthmore, Pa., treasurer; and Kari Anderson, St. Paul, Minn., immediate past president

Community: American College of Veterinary Surgeons

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons certified 103 new diplomates in 2012. The new diplomates are as follows:

  • Anthony E. Acquaviva, Fairfield, Conn.

  • Benjamin Ahern, Sydney

  • David A. Allman, Lansing, Mich.

  • Chad M. Andrews, Austin, Texas

  • Amanda Rae Armentrout, Fort Worth, Texas

  • Andreas Bachelez, Pullman, Wash.

  • Steven G. Baker, Vernon Hills, Ill.

  • Jessica Barrera, Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Benjamin J. Bayer, Addison, Texas

  • Axel Beccar-Varela, Athens, Ga.

  • Ron Ben-Amotz, San Antonio, Texas

  • Kevin Benjamino, Houston

  • Sylvain Bichot, Guelph, Ontario

  • Cara Blake, Philadelphia

  • Jose J. Bras, Manhattan, Kan.

  • Colby G. Burns, Odessa, Fla.

  • Sara M. Burns, Boonville, Ind.

  • James R. Butler, Starkville, Miss.

  • Julien Cabassu, Montreal

  • Sady Y. Cabrera, Marina del Rey, Calif.

  • J. Brad Case, Gainesville, Fla.

  • Jose R. Castro, Knoxville, Tenn.

  • Marco Cervi, Oakland, Calif.

  • Steven Cogar, Winston-Salem, N.C.

  • Amanda L. Conkling, Ada, Mich.

  • Philip A. Cramp, Knayton, United Kingdom

  • Kelson C. Danielson, Brooklyn, N.Y.

  • Brian Daubs, Port St. Lucie, Fla.

  • Jennifer Dulin, Lafayette, Ind.

  • April M. Durant, Loveland, Ohio

  • Jeremiah Easley, Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Stephen C. Fisher, Starkville, Miss.

  • Jennifer Fowlie, Calgary, Alberta

  • Samuel P. Franklin, Columbia, Mo.

  • Jean K. Frazho, Glen Allen, Va.

  • Katherine S. Garrett, Lexington, Ky.

  • Janik Gasiorowski, Kennett Square, Pa.

  • Matthieu Gatineau, Montreal

  • Michelle Giuffrida, Gainesville, Fla.

  • Nicole L. Green, Oklahoma City

  • Brian P. Grossbard, Huntington, N.Y.

  • Daniel B. Guastella, Mesa, Ariz.

  • Elaine S. Holmes, Cary, N.C.

  • Jennifer L. Huck, Brooklyn, N.Y.

  • Connie R. Hurley, Palmyra, Wis.

  • Gregory Jackson, San Diego

  • Kieri Jermyn, Raleigh, N.C.

  • Scott Katzman, Woodland, Calif.

  • James Yong Woon Kim, Los Angeles

  • Jongmin Kim, Leo, Ind.

  • Agatha Kisiel, Guelph, Ontario

  • Heather Knapp-Hoch, Freeville, N.Y.

  • Kevin Kunkel, Newberry, S.C.

  • Lauren D. Lamb, Edmond, Okla.

  • Jennifer M. Lang, Richmond, Va.

  • William R. Linney, Goodyear, Ariz.

  • Mary Jo Mallinckrodt, Jericho, Vt.

  • Chad A. Marsh, Caldwell, Texas

  • Charles S. McBrien, Dallas, Pa.

  • Andrew Mercurio, Massapequa, N.Y.

  • Emily I. Miller, Blacksburg, Va.

  • Akiko Mitsui, Phoenix

  • Rebecca L. Murray, Worthington, Ohio

  • Michelle Nanfelt, Charlotte, N.C.

  • Steven Neihaus, Highland Park, Ill.

  • Brent Newcomb, Stillwater, Okla.

  • Barbro Nordquist, Gig Harbor, Wash.

  • Jeffrey C. Norton, Manassas, Va.

  • Thomas O'Brien, Berne, Switzerland

  • Daniel M. Ogden, Baton Rouge, La.

  • Karine Pader, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec

  • Cory Pinel, Thompsons Station, Tenn.

  • Chantal Ragetly, Paris

  • Davida R. Rausch, Olivette, Mo.

  • Heidi L. Reesink, Ithaca, N.Y.

  • Marije Risselada, Cary, N.C.

  • Nathan D. Rose, St. Paul, Minn.

  • Scott Rose, Athens, Ga.

  • Nicole M. Salas, Lutz, Fla.

  • Michael D. Schlicksup, Philadelphia

  • Dina M. Schofield, Thorndale, Pa.

  • Regina M. Schroeder, Sparks, Nev.

  • Laura Selmic, Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Edward B. Silverman, San Antonio

  • Jennifer Simpson, Lafayette, Calif.

  • Thomas Smith, Douglas, Australia

  • Lynne A. Snow, Spearwood, Australia

  • Carlos H. de M. Souza, Columbia, Mo.

  • Leah C. Stern, Milford, Conn.

  • Jeffrey Steurer, Tempe, Ariz.

  • Meghan Sullivan, East Longmeadow, Mass.

  • Julia Sumner, Madison, Wis.

  • James Taylor, Paris, Va.

  • Kelley M. Thieman, College Station, Texas

  • Leslie Thomas, Tampa, Fla.

  • Ferenc Toth, St. Paul, Minn.

  • Forrest I. Townsend, Cranston, R.I.

  • Marcos Unis, Santa Ana, Calif.

  • Stuart Vallance, Mount Prospect, Australia

  • Courtney S. Watkins, Seattle

  • Canaan Whitfield-Cargile, Bryan, Texas

  • Rebecca Wolf, Chicago

  • Jeff Kwang-An Yu, Elizabeth, Colo

Community: American College of Veterinary Dermatology

The American College of Veterinary Dermatology certified 12 new diplomates following the certification examination it held Nov. 8–9, 2012, in Pomona, Calif. The new diplomates are as follows:

  • Karri Beck, Toronto

  • Darren Berger, Gilbert, Ariz.

  • Michael Canfield, New Port Richey, Fla.

  • Darin Dell, Indianapolis

  • Nicole Eckholm, Arlington, Va.

  • Nicole Heinrich, Eden Prairie, Minn.

  • Katherine Irwin, Houston

  • Alondra Martin, Richland, Mich.

  • Rose Miller, Salt Lake City

  • Brian Scott, San Antonio

  • Casey Stepnik, Port Washington, Wis.

  • Natalie Tabacca, Hilliard, Ohio

ACVIM, Pfizer Animal Health partner on new research fund

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation has announced a partnership with Pfizer Animal Health to establish the Pfizer Animal Health Fellowship Fund for Inflammation, Infectious Disease & Immunology.

In support of research on the health of small animals, livestock, and horses, with a focus on inflammation, infectious disease, and immunology, Pfizer provided $120,000 to the ACVIM Foundation for three grants of $30,000 each and administrative costs.

“The ACVIM Foundation is committed to eliminating animal disease by supporting discovery, education, and partnerships throughout the global community of medicine,” said Paige Heydon, director of the ACVIM Foundation.

“These fellowships are targeted for resident research and provide an opportunity for residents to widen their research experience by having a mentor within industry as well as in a practice setting,” said Dr. Elizabeth Settles, associate director of Global Alliances at Pfizer Animal Health.

Principal investigators must be active ACVIM diplomates. Residents in ACVIM-approved residency programs with a minimum of one year left in their program at the time of the award may act as co-principal investigators.

Feb. 20 is the deadline for receipt of grant proposals by the ACVIM Foundation. Grants will be awarded by March 15.

Details are available at www.acvimfoundation.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant.

Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians

Event: Annual meeting, Oct. 23, 2012, Oakland, Calif.

Program: The meeting drew 60 attendees. The secretary/executive director of the AEMV, Dr. Melissa Kling, presided over the meeting. Immediate past president of the AEMV, Dr. Joerg Mayer, was acknowledged for completing two years of service as president.

Awards: Research Grant ($5,000): Dr. Nico Schoemaker, Utrecht University, The Netherlands, for her project “Characterization and functional analyses of two ferret insulinoma cell lines.” President's Award: Dr. Peter G. Fisher, Virginia Beach, Va. Dr. Fisher was honored for his years of service to the association, including the creation and maintenance of a new Facebook page this past year.

Business: It was announced that the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine had a 2011 Impact factor of 0.435, a 21 percent increase from the previous year's Impact factor of 0.359. Planned developments for 2013 include the formation of a list of member practices that offer veterinary student externship opportunities and a greater AEMV presence in the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. The AEMV plans to join the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians in Indianapolis for their annual scientific program and conference in October 2013.

d3325616e4015

Dr. Chris Griffin

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

Officials: Drs. Chris Griffin, Kannapolis, N.C., president; Dan Johnson, Raleigh, N.C., president-elect; Joerg Mayer, Athens, Ga., immediate past president; and Melissa Kling, Macon, Ga., secretary/executive director

Veterinary Comparative Respiratory Society

Event: 30th annual symposium, Oct. 22–25, 2012, Columbia, Mo.

Program: The symposium drew more than 50 attendees representing nine countries. The theme was “Mucosal immunity, inflammation, and the lung.” A presymposium workshop was held on “Flow cytometry in respiratory research applications: immunophenotyping and beyond.”

Awards: Joan A. O'Brien Research Award: Drs. Annette Prohl, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Germany, for “Introduction of in vivo techniques to evaluate the effects of antimicrobial treatment of Chlamydia psittaci infections in calves”; and Henna P. Heikkila, University of Helsinki, Finland, for “The histopathology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in West Highland White Terriers–A comparison to usual interstitial pneumonia and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in man”

d3325616e4055

Dr. Henna P. Heikkila

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

d3325616e4064

Dr. Renaud Leguillette

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242, 2; 10.2460/javma.242.2.122

Officials: Drs. Renaud Leguillette, Calgary, Alberta, president; Rose Nolen-Walston, Kennett Square, Pa., presidentelect; Daniela Bedenice, Grafton, Mass., executive secretary; Elizabeth Rozanski, Grafton, Mass., treasurer; and Carol Reinero, Columbia, Mo., immediate past president

Community: Obituaries

Arthur A. Gilbert

Dr. Gilbert (MID ′44), 90, Norfolk, Va., died Sept. 5, 2012. He owned a small animal clinic in Portsmouth, Va., from 1948 until retirement in 1987. Dr. Gilbert was a past president of the Tidewater VMA and a life member of the Virginia VMA. From 1948–1987, he served on the board of directors of the Portsmouth Humane Society.

Dr. Gilbert's wife, Adele; two sons; and two daughters survive him.

James H. Nadler

Dr. Nadler (IL ′54), 86, Peotone, Ill., died Oct. 31, 2012. A mixed animal practitioner, he was the founder of Peotone Animal Hospital. Dr. Nadler served as a director and veterinarian for the Will County Fair Association from 1954–2010, also serving as veterinarian for the Kankakee County Fair for 10 years. He was a past president of the Illinois State VMA, receiving its Service Award in 1985.

Dr. Nadler served in the Marine Corps from 1946–1948 and was a member of the American Legion. Active in civic life, he was a founding trustee and a past president of the Peotone Fire Protection District.

Dr. Nadler is survived by his wife, Elaine; a son; and a daughter. His son, Dr. Jay Nadler (IL ′82), owns Peotone Animal Hospital, and his daughter-in-law, Dr. Yvonne Nadler (IL ′85), works for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dr. Nadler's daughter, Dr. Jill Dougherty (IL ′84), is a small animal practitioner in Quincy, Ill. Memorials may be made to the Immanuel United Church of Christ, 311 W. Corning Ave., Peotone, IL 60468; or Hospice of Kankakee Valley, 482 Main St. N.W., Bourbonnais, IL 60914.

Clyde L. Odom Sr.

Dr. Odom (TEX ′54), 84, Pachuta, Miss., died Oct. 4, 2012. A retired mixed and exotic animal practitioner, he owned Diamond Animal Clinic in Anchorage, Alaska, from 1979–2002. During that time, Dr. Odom also served as veterinarian at the Anchorage Zoo. Earlier in his career, he owned Odom Animal Clinic in Laurel, Miss., for 20 years.

Dr. Odom's two sons and two daughters survive him.

Michelle M. Radecky-Homer

Dr. Radecky-Homer (OSU ′78), 60, Mentor, Ohio, died June 26, 2012. She practiced small animal medicine at Tyler Animal Clinic in Mentor for the past nine years. Earlier in her career, Dr. Radecky-Homer worked in the Mentor area. She served as secretary of the Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine for 15 years. Dr. Radecky-Homer is survived by her husband, John Homer.

Lenwood S. Shirrell

Dr. Shirrell (ISU ′52), 87, Frankfort, Ky., died June 8, 2012. He practiced in Frankfort for more than 30 years. Dr. Shirrell was a past president of the Kentucky VMA and received its Distinguished Service Award in 1982. Active in civic life, he was a longtime member of the Rotary Club and served as a district governor. Dr. Shirrell was also a past member of the Frankfort City Commission.

He served in the Army during World War II, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Colmar, France. Dr. Shirrell was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts with Clusters and was made a veteran member of the American Society of the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his service. Dr. Shirrell was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and led the VFW Honor Guard for 10 years.

His two daughters and a son survive him. Memorials in his name may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, 316 Ann St., Frankfort, KY 40601; Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY 42101; or Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA 50011.

Obituaries: AVMA member AVMA honor roll member Nonmember

Malcolm H. Smith

Dr. Smith (MIN ′62), 79, Fargo, N.D., died Oct. 14, 2012. He retired in 1998 as chair of the Veterinary Sciences Department at North Dakota State University. During his tenure, Dr. Smith also served as director of the university's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, he helped isolate the bovine respiratory syncytial virus in 1970. Dr. Smith was a past president of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and North Dakota VMA. In 1996, he was named NDVMA Veterinarian of the Year. Dr. Smith is survived by his wife, Arlene, and six children. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Roger E. Meisner Veterinary Medicine Educational Scholarship Fund, 921 S. 9th St., Suite 120, Bismarck, ND 58504.

Everett W. Vreeland

Dr. Vreeland (COR ′52), 87, Lakeville, Conn., died Sept. 5, 2012. A mixed animal veterinarian, he owned a practice in Cornwall Bridge, Conn., prior to retirement in 1992. Earlier in his career, Dr. Vreeland worked in Middletown, Conn.; owned a practice in Kent, Conn.; and practiced in Washington, Conn. He also visited St. Croix every few months to take care of herds belonging to a dairy cooperative on the island. Dr. Vreeland served as veterinarian to the Governor's Horse Guard in Connecticut and was appointed to President Lyndon B. Johnson's Equine Council in Washington. During his time in Kent, he served on the Kent Board of Education and was the manager at Kent School Farm.

Dr. Vreeland was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II. His son, daughter, three stepdaughters, and two stepsons survive him.

Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN:
0003-1488
Publication Date:
15 Jan 2013

This image is from an online course about new guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation from the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation.

This image is from a team meeting guide designed to help veterinary practices implement guidelines on preventive care from the AVMA and American Animal Hospital Association.

Dr. Jean-Francois Chary appeals to the AVMA Executive Board for the Association to join the International Bourgelat Committee. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

House Advisory Committee Chair Karen Bradley makes a point during the Executive Board's deliberations. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Most attendees at last year's AAVMC Career Fair were high school students, and about 21 percent were African-American. (Courtesy of AAVMC)

Dr. Rebecca Stinson (GA ′02) speaks during a news conference announcing her selection as one of 10 members of the 2012–2013 Future Leaders Program. Dr. Stinson practices at the Carolina Equine Hospital in Gibonsville, N.C. (Photo by R. Scott Nolen)

Students make their case before a panel of judges. (Courtesy of Teresa Casey-Trott)

John Nocera

Dr. Chris Griffin

Dr. Henna P. Heikkila

Dr. Renaud Leguillette

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