JAVMA News

IN SHORT

NATIONAL CHECK THE CHIP DAY IS AUG. 15

The AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association team up each year to co-sponsor national Check the Chip Day on Aug. 15, to remind pet owners about having their pets microchipped and keeping their registration information up to date.

To help veterinarians promote the event, the AVMA and AAHA developed resources with support from microchip manufacturer HomeAgain. The resources are accessible at avma.org/checkthechip.

One resource is a flyer that a veterinarian can print and fill in to provide a record of a pet's microchip information for the client. The flyer also lists the websites of microchip manufacturers that participate in the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool at petmicrochiplookup.org. The tool helps pet owners who do not know where a pet's microchip is registered.

Another resource is an infographic on microchipping, for embedding on blogs or other websites or for sharing via social media. According to the infographic, “Microchips don't replace a tag and collar, but they can make all the difference when it comes to getting your pet back.”

Members of the AVMA also have access to a toolkit for Check the Chip Day. The toolkit offers resources on stress-free ways to observe the event, posts and images for social media, a newsletter article, a sample proclamation for a mayor or governor, and a sample press release.

SCAMMERS TARGET DEA REGISTRANTS

The Drug Enforcement Administration issued an alert in June regarding registrants receiving telephone calls and emails from individuals posing as DEA agents or other law enforcement personnel.

To create the illusion that they are DEA employees, people have masked their telephone number on caller ID with a phone number for a legitimate DEA office, according to the agency. For example, they have used the phone numbers for the DEA Office of Congressional and Public Affairs and the DEA's 800 number, which is used to provide direct support to DEA registrants.

Impersonating a federal agent is a violation of federal law.

The DEA is reminding registrants that no DEA agent will contact members of the public by phone to demand money or any other form of payment or threaten to suspend a registrant's DEA registration.

Anyone contacted by a person purporting to work for the DEA and seeking money or making threats is encouraged to submit information about the call at jav.ma/DEAscam.

BANFIELD SELECTS NEW CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Banfield Pet Hospital's vice president of veterinary science has been promoted to chief medical officer for the network of more than 1,000 clinics.

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Dr. Molly McAllister

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

Dr. Molly McAllister replaces Dr. Daniel Aja, who will take on a newly created role of chief veterinary relations and transformation officer, focusing on “advancing the veterinary profession in partnership with industry organizations and academia,” according to the company.

Dr. McAllister has most recently led Banfield's veterinary science team and put into effect its use of medical records data to inform research and publications, on topics ranging from anesthesia safety to antimicrobial resistance to obesity.

She started at Banfield in 2012 as senior program manager for medical learning and later served as senior manager of research programs and then as director of research. Prior to then, she worked as a scientific services veterinarian at Royal Canin.

Dr. McAllister earned her veterinary degree from Oregon State University in 2004 and a master's degree in public health from the University of Minnesota in 2016.

She also served as the chair of the AVMA Convention Education Program Committee for two years.

Please send comments and story ideas to JAVMANews@avma.org.

An untapped pipeline for veterinary schools

An estimated 17 historically black colleges and universities have preveterinary or related programs, but relatively few students pursue veterinary college

By Kaitlyn Mattson

Alexis Roach knows what she wants in life: to pursue a career that involves animals and participate in black culture.

Roach, former secretary for the American Preveterinary Medical Association, graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in May. She chose that school not only because it has an animal science program, but also because it is one of the historically black colleges and universities in the United States, she said.

“At A&T, we have our research farm unit three minutes from our campus and a laboratory animal research facility within our department building. I wanted a hands-on university, a university that was going to give me the experience that I needed. I also wanted to go to an HBCU,” Roach said.

Roach received admissions offers from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She was also offered an interview at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine but decided to attend NC State because the veterinary college offered her a scholarship.

HBCU HISTORY

An HBCU is a college or university that was established prior to 1964 with the primary mission of educating black Americans. The institution must also be accredited by a nationally recognized agency or association, as stated in the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded federal funding for colleges and universities. There are currently 101 public and private HBCUs in the U.S., according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuskegee University is the only HBCU with a veterinary college.

Although HBCUs were originally founded to educate black students, the institutions serve students of all racial backgrounds. HBCUs have suffered from a lack of funding in the past few years, especially public institutions; however, academic leaders agree that the programs are still successful.

“I loved attending my university because I was surrounded by people of the same color, culture, and interests similar to myself,” Roach said. “I developed many close friends while at A&T, and we have all pushed each other beyond our limits. We stuck together like a family, and when one of us would fall, we kept encouraging each other to get back up and keep going. I wouldn't change my experience at an HBCU for the world. I learned a lot about myself and people. It is rewarding to see seven of my classmates and myself going to veterinary school this fall,” she said.

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Alexis Roach, former secretary of the American Preveterinary Medical Association, graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in May. It is the largest public historically black college or university in the U.S. (Courtesy of Alexis Roach)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

There are an estimated 17 HBCUs that offer preveterinary or related programs, said Dr. Chandra Williams, university veterinarian and vivarium director at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and a member of the advisory board of trustees for the APVMA. In 2018, 58 students listed an HBCU as their primary institution when they applied to a veterinary school. That is only 0.77% of the overall national applicant pool, according to data from Tony Wynne, director of admissions and recruitment at the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. Of those 58 applicants, only 25 matriculated, although another two deferred.

According to data from the AAVMC, the student population at U.S. colleges of veterinary medicine in 2019 was 71.1% white, 11.1% Latino or Hispanic, and 2.8% African American or black.

Roach will begin classes this fall at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She acknowledges that it will be a challenge going from a predominately black university to an intensive program at a university that is predominantly white.

“I am prepared for this challenge, though. Studying abroad helped me be culturally accepting and let people accept me,” said Roach, who studied in Cyprus during her third term.

But the challenge of changing environments isn't top of mind for all HBCU students.

For Dr. Glen Wright, an alumnus of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an HBCU, and current director of its veterinary technology program, how a student fares when going from an HBCU to a largely white university depends on the student. Dr. Wright said he didn't struggle with the transition when he went to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, but he was “very aware of the difference in environment and culture.”

“There is a lot of cultural difference or culture shock when students go from an HBCUsespecially a smaller school—to a predominantly white institution. Some are able to transition well, and some aren't,” he said. A student who is academically and culturally diverse is likely to fare better when making the transition, added Dr. Wright, who received his veterinary degree in 2006.

Dr. Wright guesses that about 5–10% of preveterinary students at Florida A&M go on to veterinary school. Most of those students attend the University of Florida or Tuskegee University.

Students who do not attend veterinary college go on to a range of places and careers including graduate school, research-related jobs, industry jobs such as at Sanderson Farms, federal jobs, or nonanimal careers, Dr. Wright said.

The lack of diversity within the student population may not be the biggest concern.

Instead, it can be a challenge for these students to identify with faculty and staff, Dr. Williams said.

“I hear that they don't recognize themselves (in staff, faculty, and mentors). Students may also have difficulty finding veterinarians that have time or are willing to mentor them. And there are so many career opportunities in veterinary medicine besides companion and large animal practice. I think that's where some students may be at a disadvantage.”

PIPELINE FOCUS

Many veterinary associations and institutions have focused on pipeline development over the years in an attempt to widen the pool of applicants to veterinary schools.

The AAVMC is working on a national recruitment strategic plan and creating initiatives to assist veterinary schools in pipeline development, specifically around the engagement of kindergarten through 12th-grade students, Wynne said.

However, despite these efforts, the veterinary profession is still considered to be one of the whitest in the nation.

“I'm still meeting people, and I've been out of school for 25 years, that have never met a black veterinarian before,” Dr. Williams said. “The (veterinary) schools have to let the (students at) HBCUs know that they are welcoming, supportive, and receptive. There are clearly other veterinary schools besides Tuskegee.”

But according to Dr. Williams, while a veterinary college may publicly campaign for a more diverse student population, some academic leaders aren't necessarily following through on that promise.

“I don't think they're trying to recruit,” Dr. Williams said. “They may say they are. But if they were, then we would see it in the demographics of the population. I don't think veterinarians are doing enough outreach, or the admission recruiters aren't going out of their way to recruit. But, when we think about it, they don't have to. There's always going to be a steady population of young people that want to be veterinarians—always—from the first time they see their first butterfly, horse, or cat. I think some schools have tried (to recruit), but I think they don't know what to do.”

Tuskegee University says it does focus on HBCU pipelines such as Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T University, Prairie View A&M University, and Delaware State University, in addition to building from its own ranks.

The 2017–18 admission cycle at Tuskegee's veterinary college included 17 students from the university's undergraduate programs; 15 of those applicants received acceptance offers, and 14 attended. For the admission cycle of 2018–19, there were 16 Tuskegee students who applied to the veterinary college, and eight of them received acceptance offers. The veterinary college accepts 65 students per year to the incoming class.

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Dr. E. Ricardo Bridges, a large animal clinician at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, does a demonstration for preveterinary students.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

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Participants in the college's summer Veterinary Science Training, Education, and Preparation Institute attend demonstrations.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

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Tuskegee University fourth-year veterinary students assist students in the preveterinary program with large animal demonstrations. (Photos courtesy of Tuskegee University CVM)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

“We are continuing the legacy of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine to lead in the training of African American veterinarians. We are proud to be the veterinary program that has educated 70% of the African American veterinarians in America,” said Dr. Ruby L. Perry, dean of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Perry attended Jackson State University, an HBCU, as a biology major before attending Tuskegee to earn her veterinary degree in 1977. “We are a mirror of the U.S. population. African Americans and other underserved populations have a place in the veterinary profession and it is our job to educate and train those populations because the profession should be more diverse.”

DIVERSITY DEFINED

While race is important in terms of diversity, it is not the only factor that veterinary schools should be looking at when considering what a diverse population is, according to Wynne. An issue with comparing diversity among academic institutions is there is no clear definition of what diversity actually means.

“On the national level, you see all the schools saying we want to help diversify the profession, and if you want to help diversify the profession, you need to diversify your pool, which means you need to diversify your outreach in terms of where you're getting your applicants from,” Wynne said.

“I think a lot of schools still feel that it is an ethnic thing, but diversity is not just that, it's deeper than that. There are just so many things that filter into what a diverse population looks like,” he added.

Roach said that despite her knowing that diversity on a college campus is important, she decided to attend NC State for many reasons, including the proximity to her home state of Delaware. Roach said that while it will be a challenge, she is excited for the future and prepared for the change.

“There are always going to be challenges,” she said.

SAVMA REVISES DUTY-HOUR GUIDELINES

By Kaitlyn Mattson

The Student AVMA released a revised version of its duty-hour guidelines in May.

The guidelines pertain specifically to clinical rotations for fourth-year students. The guidelines recommend that students not work more than 80 hours a week, not work more than 24 consecutive hours in continuous on-site duty, and be provided with breaks when they are on call.

The decision to rework the guidelines, originally published in 2011, came after students expressed some concerns about the relevance of the language in the original document.

“Veterinary students felt that some of these guidelines were not strict enough,” said Stéphie-Anne Dulièpre, former SAVMA cultural outreach officer and fourth-year student at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

In addition, veterinary colleges have different ways of handling their clinical curriculum, and it can be difficult to apply broad guidelines to all the schools, which students brought up after the first guidelines were approved by the SAVMA House of Delegates. With that challenge in mind, one of the main goals of the new guidelines was to find a way to make sure they were applicable to all schools and easy for students to discuss with supervisors, Dulièpre said.

Some of the additions and changes made to the guidelines include the following:

  • Using the word “must” rather than words such as “required” in the general language of the document.

  • Defining “on-call” and “in-house.”

  • Emphasizing the need for 30-minute breaks.

  • Adding a specific guideline that gives students permission to take time for a doctor, dentist, or mental health appointment.

  • Detailing the meaning of a one-day break period for students every seven days.

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A meeting of the Student AVMA House of Delegates (Courtesy of Stéphie-Anne Dulièpre)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

SAVMA gathered feedback with surveys and in-person interviews involving students, faculty, and staff at 19 veterinary colleges with clinical programs.

Dulièpre and SAVMA hope these guidelines are well received.

“There are a lot of good people that worked on this with us and helped this become a reality,” Dulièpre said. “We don't want to rub any schools and colleges the wrong way, and at the end of the day, if everybody feels that this process was done well and that everybody was respected, the students benefit the most because then they have a partnership with their superiors in order to improve.”

SAVMA does not have the authority to enforce these guidelines but has stated that the organization is encouraging all AVMA Council on Education-accredited institutions to consider following them. SAVMA has instructed its representatives from each veterinary college to talk to their superiors and discuss how the college's program can improve on the basis of these guidelines.

While a lot of different issues were brought up in feedback from students, one of the main messages was finding a middle ground so that students don't get burnt out during their clinical rotations but still receive a comprehensive education.

“Having healthy students, faculty, and staff, of course, helps with better patient care,” Dulièpre said.

The guidelines were published in the January-June issue of the journal Education in the Health Professions from North Carolina State University.

NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF PRACTICE ADVANCES INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE

By Katie Burns

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Members of the National Academies of Practice visit Capitol Hill in March to share information with policymakers about interprofessional health care. (Courtesy of Michelle Troseth)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

From Medicare reform to managed care to the opioid epidemic, the National Academies of Practice has taken on top issues in interprofessional health care since its founding in 1981 as an organization to advise governmental bodies. Veterinary medicine is one of the 14 academies that comprise the NAP.

Nicholas A. Cummings, PhD, came up with the idea for the NAP in 1976 while testifying on behalf of the American Psychological Association regarding Medicare reform before the Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Health.

“During the proceedings, he became disturbed at the complete lack of cooperation among the health care professional societies,” according to a brief history of the NAP. “During dinner that same evening, Dr. Cummings suggested to his colleagues that what the Congress needed was an interdisciplinary body of health care practitioners that would set aside turf battles and advise Congress as to what was best for the American people.”

The mission of the NAP calls for distinguished professionals to advance interprofessional health care both “by fostering collaboration and advocating policies in the best interest of individuals and communities.”

“Interprofessional practice and interprofessional education are both a reality and a necessity for American health care professionals working in hospitals, medical groups, and community practice,” said Dr. Stephanie R. Ostrowski, chair of the Veterinary Medicine Academy and an associate professor of public health at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Ostrowski said veterinary medicine informs human health care and vice versa in areas such as working animals and animal-assisted therapy, research on topics ranging from genetic diseases to cellular signaling to cancer, toxicology, diagnostic imaging, end-of-life care, ecosystems, and infectious disease.

She continued, “As veterinary medicine moves more and more into large group and corporate practice, we can learn from some of the experiences of what human medicine and the other academies have had to go through—and what truths they've learned, what paths they've discerned through all the challenges.”

Jody S. Frost, a doctor of physical therapy and president of the NAP, said governmental advocacy by the group includes policy papers and visits by members to Capitol Hill. The NAP currently is collaborating with other organizations on issues including health information technology and the opioid epidemic.

The NAP holds an annual meeting and forum on topics in interprofessional health care. In May, the organization launched a series of webinars on collaborative practice models. Starting in 2015, the NAP began publishing the quarterly Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, in affiliation with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, focusing on topics including education, practice, policy, and research.

The group has about 1,000 members. The membership categories are associate members, professional members, and distinguished fellows. Health care professionals interested in interprofessional care may self-nominate for associate membership and either self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague for professional membership if they have five or more years of experience making contributions to their field and interprofessional practice, scholarship, or public policy. Distinguished fellows must have been in practice for at least 10 years, have a record of distinguished contributions professionally and interprofessionally, and be nominated by a colleague.

Dr. Frost said the NAP is a warm, inviting, friendly group. She said, “If you're somebody who really believes in interprofessional practice or interprofessional education or scholarship, you're going to find that this is a great place to be.”

KANSAS STATE ANNOUNCES NEW DEAN

Kansas State University has appointed Dr. Bonnie Rush (Ohio State ‘89) as the new dean of its College of Veterinary Medicine in June.

Dr. Rush has been serving as interim dean since 2017.

“Dr. Rush emerged as the clear leader following a competitive national search process. With her strong history of leadership for the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Rush is the right choice to lead this college and its vital teaching, research, service, and outreach programs into the future,” said Charles Taber, PhD, provost and executive vice president of Kansas State, in a press release.

Dr. Rush started her career at Kansas State in 1993 as a faculty member after completing her internship training at North Carolina State University in 1990 and equine internal medicine residency training at The Ohio State University in 1993. She was awarded diplomate status from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine the same year.

In 1998, Dr. Rush was promoted to associate professor and then, in 2002, to professor of equine internal medicine. Dr. Rush served as head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences from 2006–17. She has also been the head of equine medicine and surgery as well as associate dean of career development. Her research interests include techniques to improve large-classroom learning, equine respiratory disease, communication training, and student wellness.

Dr. Rush has pioneered several initiatives that have enriched the academic program at KSU and benefited veterinary student career development. These include a novel recruiting program to address the rural shortage of veterinarians, an early admissions program, a student career counseling program, and a career opportunities website. She was responsible for the development and implementation of KSU's clinical competency skills assessment for fourth-year students. She has trained numerous equine medicine residents.

Dr. Rush also has served on the American Association of Equine Practitioners board of directors.

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Dr. Bonnie Rush, the newly appointed dean of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Courtesy of KSU)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

OIE to aid against disease, uncertainty

By Greg Cima

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National delegates attend a plenary session of the 87th World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) General Session, May 26–31 in Paris. (Photos courtesy of OIE/Maurine Tric)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

Global animal health leaders urged improved readiness for disasters and harmful trends, updated rabies standards, and pledged to organize against African swine fever.

Delegates to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) 87th General Session, held May 26–31 in Paris, received a report that encourages countries to examine possible sources of change for their national veterinary services, monitor for threats, use forecasts when making plans, pay more attention to climate change and other changes important to the public, and find ways to improve veterinary services. They also updated guidance on controlling dog-mediated rabies to let countries apply for OIE endorsement of control programs, helping those countries gain freedom from the disease, as well as agreed to update standards on dog ownership and preventing rabies in humans.

The delegates pledged to improve international coordination against African swine fever, a disease of pigs that is spreading through herds in China and nearby countries following years of spread in Europe. OIE officials passed a resolution to work with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to identify essential steps in controlling ASF and aiding development of expert networks and research alliances.

CURRICULUM STANDARDS

Earlier this year, the OIE published curriculum guidelines for veterinary paraprofessionals, which complement existing OIE competency guidelines for veterinary paraprofessionals. A country's national veterinary services agency can use both sets of guidelines to develop job descriptions and help training institutions create curricula. Paraprofessionals can use the guidelines to guide assessments, education, and careers. The recent standards describe curricula designed for animal health, veterinary public health, and laboratory diagnostics tracks and the competencies needed for those jobs.

Countries with too few veterinarians can supplement their workforce with veterinary paraprofessionals, who help control diseases such as peste des petits ruminants, an OIE announcement states. Paraprofessionals administer vaccines, conduct disease surveillance, and investigate illnesses.

“On a broader scale, these VPPs may also be expected to take part in a wide range of activities, under the direction and responsibility of veterinarians, from disease prevention and control activities to meat inspections or laboratory diagnostic testing, depending on qualifications and training, as well as other country's needs,” the announcement states. “Yet, oftentimes, countries lack qualified VPPs, because their competencies differ from those which are needed in their particular context or because appropriate training options are not available locally.”

In a survey of OIE member countries in Africa, 98% of responding countries indicated training is the best way for veterinary paraprofessionals to improve animal health and welfare.

RESPONDING TO CHANGE

The report on external sources of change is part of an OIE effort to help countries prepare for climate change and other external factors, according to an announcement.

“Although most OIE Member Countries are concerned about several external factors, less than two thirds assess them,” the announcement states. “As highlighted in the presentation, the vulnerability of Veterinary Services can be reduced through adaptation and mitigation strategies based on planning and reactive adjustments to change. Countries were encouraged to increase their level of awareness and get prepared for external factors effects through the development of a risk register, foresight exercises and institutional risk assessments.”

In the report, authors from the OIE and International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, describe responses to questionnaires on the factors that could affect veterinary services over the next decade and abilities to adapt.

Out of 182 OIE member countries, 134 responded and 125 answered all questions. Another 106 stakeholders—which include representatives of reference laboratories, OIE collaborating centers, and experts—responded to another survey.

“The top three priorities for OIE Member Countries are emerging disease, antimicrobial resistance and animal pandemics, while the top three for Stakeholders are antimicrobial resistance, emerging disease and zoonoses,” the report states. “The main differences are that Stakeholders think biodiversity, antimicrobial resistance and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions should be higher priority and rate livestock pandemics, animal welfare and foodborne disease as a lower priority.”

OIE countries tend to focus on managing emergencies rather than fostering improvement, the report states. Planning becomes more important in times of uncertainty, yet less than half of countries try to forecast external sources of change that could affect their veterinary services, it states.

“Many OIE Member Countries did not appear familiar with planning and management language or thinking,” according to the report. “Among the strategy and development documents reported, climate change is neglected.

“However, OIE Member Countries consider planning, disease risk assessment, institutional risk assessment and Foresight to be important tools for preparing the Veterinary Services for an uncertain future.”

Many countries want help to improve their preparation, the report states.

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Dr. Monique Eloit, director general of the OIE; Dr. Mark Schipp, president; and Dr. Matthew Stone, deputy director general for international standards and science, participate in a panel at the 87th OIE General Session in May.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

NEW YORK IS FIRST STATE TO OUTLAW CAT DECLAWING

Over the objections of many in the veterinary community, New York lawmakers in June banned the declawing of cats, making New York the first state to outlaw the procedure.

New York state now joins a short list of cities that prohibit what critics claim is an unnecessary and inhumane surgery. Veterinary organizations, including the AVMA and New York State Veterinary Medical Society, say the procedure should remain an option when the alternative is abandonment or euthanasia.

Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal realized the culmination of her years working to ban declawing when, on June 4, the state assembly and senate passed legislation she introduced in January.

“Cat declawing is a horrific, yet often-practiced surgery that leads to a lifetime of pain and discomfort for thousands of cats,” Rosenthal said in a statement following the votes. “Today though, every cat and kitten in New York State lands on its feet as we prepare to make New York the best state for cats to live in the United States.”

When Gov. Andrew Cuomo declined to sign or veto the legislation within the 10-day period required by state law, the declaw ban was enacted, effective immediately.

Now anyone in New York performing an onychectomy, partial or complete phalangectomy, or tendonectomy on a cat, except when medically necessary, faces a fine of up to $1,000. The law specifies that cosmetic or aesthetic reasons and convenience do not qualify as therapeutic purposes.

Alley Cat Allies and The Paw Project were two leading organizations lobbying for the ban. Allies' supporters sent more than a thousand messages to legislators to vote for the bill, which was passed on the annual state Animal Advocacy Day, when pet owners and their animal companions converge on Albany.

Many veterinarians regard declawing as a last-ditch solution to eliminating destructive clawing behaviors that would otherwise result in relinquishment. The New York VMS says some cats are declawed by owners who suffer from diseases such as hemophilia, diabetes, or immune disorders.

“Cats that would lose their home if not declawed face a higher risk of euthanasia than if their owner were able to care for them,” the society said in a statement released in late May. “They also exchange a life of comfort and care to potentially spend years in conditions that may be far from ideal for long-term living.”

CDC REMINDER: BATS ARE THE LEADING RABIES VECTOR IN THE US

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Most human rabies deaths in the U.S. are attributable to bats, more than raccoons, foxes, and skunks. (Photo by Ann Froschauer/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

Bats are responsible for roughly seven in 10 rabies deaths among people who are infected with the rabies virus in the United States. The reason may be because people may not know the risk bats pose, according to a Vital Signs report released June 12 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report is available at jav.ma/Vitalsigns.

The large percentage of deaths tied to bats is notable, the agency says, as bats account for just a third of the 5,000 rabid animals reported each year in America. Rabid dogs that people encounter while traveling overseas are the second-leading cause of rabies cases in Americans.

The U.S. averages one to three human cases of rabies a year now, down from 30–50 cases a year in the 1940s. This decrease is largely because of routine pet vaccination and the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis. Each year, about 55,000 people in the U.S. seek PEP after a potential rabies exposure.

The U.S. rabies landscape has shifted dramatically during the past 81 years. Before 1960, bites from rabid dogs caused most human rabies cases in the U.S. Mass pet-vaccination programs and leash laws enacted in the 1950s significantly reduced rabies in dogs.

As rabies in dogs declined, rabies in bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks became more apparent.

Avoiding wildlife, especially bats, is key to preventing rabies in people, according to the CDC. Bats carry the rabies virus in every U.S. state except Hawaii and can spread the virus year-round. However, anecdotal case reports suggest that people may not be fully aware that bats pose a rabies risk, and so they may not seek life-saving rabies PEP if they are bitten or scratched by a bat.

“Bats play a critical role in our ecosystem and it is important people know that most of the bats in the U.S. are not rabid,” said Dr. Emily Pieracci, a CDC veterinarian and lead author of the Vital Signs report. “The problem comes when people try to handle bats they think are healthy because you really can't tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it.

“The best advice is to avoid contact with bats—and other wildlife—to protect yourself from rabies.”

Advocacy program brings lawmakers, veterinarians together

AVMA Ambassador Program puts members on the front line

By Malinda Larkin

Dr. Garry Cowan does not shy away from politics—or politicians, for that matter. A few years ago, when Mike Pompeo, a Republican, represented the 4th District of Kansas in the U.S. House of Representatives, he also happened to be a client of Dr. Cowan's. Dr. Cowan developed a rapport with Pompeo and kept in touch even after Pompeo moved away when he became director of the CIA and later secretary of state.

Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican, won Pompeo's seat in 2017, and later the AVMA invited Estes to meet with veterinarians in his district. It was a no-brainer for Dr. Cowan to meet with Estes. The two spoke for an hour and a half and have visited a few times since then.

“I know many colleagues, they don't like to have to deal with politics; they see it as dirty business,” Dr. Cowan said. “These people represent us. They are a part of the system of democracy. Unless they get information from reputable sources, they will make decisions off of information they get from someone else's agenda.”

MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD

Dr. Cowan is part of the newly created AVMA Ambassador Program.

The ambassador program expands on the AVMA's advocacy efforts, such as the fly-in for AVMA members to visit Capitol Hill, in a way that makes it easier for members to get involved beyond Washington, D.C.

Gina Luke, assistant director in the AVMA State Advocacy Division, said the thought was, “Not everyone can jump on a plane and leave their practice for a few days to go to D.C.” So how could the AVMA be more effective?

The intent is to have veterinarians visit with their lawmakers in their state or congressional district to build relationships and ensure lawmakers hear directly from constituent veterinarians about the issues of importance to the profession.

Launched at the beginning of 2018, the program had 77 ambassadors attend 46 district- or state-based events that year. They met with 26 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and two candidates who ran for office in the House—one successful and the other not—and 14 members of the U.S. Senate spread across 22 states. This year as of the end of June, the program has had 36 ambassadors attend 24 events in 14 states with 16 representatives and three senators. This represents over one ambassador meeting per week during the times members of Congress were in their districts.

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Dr. Ron Nord (left) and his grandson, Chet McClure (right), a fourth-year veterinary student at the University of Illinois, meet with Rep. Rodney Davis, a Republican who represents Illinois' 13th Congressional District, which includes U of I's veterinary college. McClure is the first student to participate in the AVMA Ambassador Program.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

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Dr. George Bishop (right), District X representative on the AVMA Board of Directors, meets with Rep. Jimmy Panetta, a Democrat who represents California's 20th Congressional District, at Dr. Bishop's practice, The Animal Hospital at the Crossroads in Carmel, California.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

Through June 2019, nine members of Congress have toured veterinary clinics, including Rep. Jimmy Panetta, a Democrat who represents California's 20th Congressional District, and Rep. Mike Simpson, a Republican who represents Idaho's 2nd Congressional District.

The AVMA hopes to continue to expand the program, Luke said, targeting legislators assigned to committees with jurisdiction over issues central to the veterinary profession.

CAN WE HAVE A CHAT?

Ambassadors are invited to participate in the program on the basis of a number of criteria, including that they must be AVMA members, and priority is given for those involved with their state VMA or another veterinary organization represented in the AVMA House of Delegates. They also may be involved with an AVMA council or committee, which demonstrates they are interested in policy, Luke said.

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Drs. Jim McCutchan (far left), Paul DeMaris (second from left), Anna Norling (second from right), and Mike Bellinghausen (far right) visit with Rep. Suzan DelBene (center), a Democrat who represents Washington state's 1st Congressional District.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

The AVMA secures the meeting with the lawmaker, arguably the most difficult part, Luke said. Those meetings can take many forms, ranging from receptions to simply going out for coffee, but increasingly, the AVMA has focused on getting lawmakers to tour veterinary hospitals.

“I think this really elevates what veterinarians are doing in the mind of the lawmaker,” Luke said. She said lawmakers see the role veterinarians play as employers and health care providers and get a chance to appreciate the complexity of what veterinarians do.

Ambassadors get briefed on the lawmaker's background, the population of veterinarians in the state or congressional district, their responsibilities as ambassadors, and what messages the AVMA would like them to deliver. Afterward, ambassadors report back to the AVMA about what they discussed, such as any information they received relevant to those messages. Ambassadors also are encouraged to develop relationships with the lawmaker and with the lawmaker's legislative staff if such relationships don't already exist.

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Drs. Don Klingborg (left) and Michael Lairmore (right) visit with Rep. John Garamendi (center), a Democrat who represents California's 3rd Congressional District.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

“The key is to get that personal connection between the veterinarian and the elected official. They are the best ones to deliver the message. They live and work in those states (and districts), and they (as voters) have the ability to pull the lever for their member,” Luke said.

Ambassadors and federal lawmakers discuss topics that impact veterinary practices in several ways. Issues discussed during these meetings have included association health plans, antimicrobials and opioids, mandatory prescription writing, appropriations, priorities in the farm bill, educational debt, legislation on animal welfare, and taxes, as well as commercial hauling of live animals and air transportation of research animals.

“Veterinarians are the experts on animal health and welfare,” Luke said. “They should be consulted and conferred with.”

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Drs. Christen Skaer (far left), Garry Cowan (second from left), and Chris Hesse (far right) speak with Rep. Ron Estes (second from right), a Republican who represents the 4th Congressional District of Kansas, during an ambassador event at Dr. Cowan's clinic this spring.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

MAKING AN IMPRESSION

The AVMA's current top federal legislative priority is the Fairness to Pet Owners Act (HR 1607), which has been reintroduced in the current Congress. This legislation would require a veterinarian to provide a client with a written prescription for a companion animal's medication, whether the client requests it or not.

Dr. Cowan, who is the delegate for Kansas in the AVMA House of Delegates and a member of the AVMA Legislative Advisory Committee, discussed the Fairness to Pet Owners Act with Rep. Estes when the lawmaker took a tour of Dr. Cowan's clinic this past April. The practitioner pointed out that the success of online pharmacies makes it clear that clients can already easily get prescriptions from their veterinarians.

Dr. Cowan and two other veterinarians spent an hour showing Estes around the clinic, answering questions, and talking about other issues impacting the profession, clients, and the delivery of veterinary care such as the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act and the availability and expansion of group health insurance programs. Speaking of the impact of the meeting, Cowan remarked that establishing these types of relationships makes it easier for legislators to receive information from the veterinary profession that they can weigh when deciding what their position should be.

“That's the intent of the ambassador program,” Dr. Cowan said. “People willing to get involved—make those kind of connections—so later on down the road they think of us when they need input on issues and pick up the phone.”

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Dr. Rick Wall (right) gives a clinic tour to Rep. Kevin Brady (second from left), a Republican who represents the 8th Congressional District in Texas. This year as of the end of June, the AVMA's ambassador program has had 36 ambassadors attend 24 events in 14 states.

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Gina Luke, an assistant director in the AVMA Division of State Advocacy, encourages all AVMA members to join the Congressional Advocacy Network at avmacan.avma.org, which keeps members informed of issues that are before Congress and calls them to contact their lawmaker when needed.

She also suggests members fill out an advocacy survey so the AVMA can better understand members' network of relationships with elected officials, how interested they are in certain public policy issues, and whether they want to take a more active role in advocating for veterinary medicine in the public policy arena. The survey is available at avma.org/advocacysurvey.

By the numbers

The AVMA Political Action Committee

The AVMA Political Action Committee engages members of Congress on behalf of the veterinary profession. It can only accept contributions from AVMA members, Student AVMA members, and certain AVMA personnel, all of whom must be U.S. citizens. Federal law limits both the amount of money any contributor can provide and the amount the PAC can contribute to any member of Congress. AVMA member volunteers and a SAVMA representative oversee the PAC. Board members are appointed by the AVMA Board of Directors, AVMA House Advisory Committee, and SAVMA.

AMOUNTS DISBURSED BY THE AVMA PAC, BY PARTY

Each year, the AVMA Political Action Committee raises and spends about $200,000 on congressional campaign contributions. Money spent in the five most recent election cycles, 2009–18, was split 52%–48% between the two major parties, with a slight edge to Republican candidates and committees, according to data from the Federal Election Commission. The party distribution of contributions varies depending on which party is in power in the House and Senate, which affects which members of Congress are assigned to committees of relevance to the veterinary profession. Democrats controlled both chambers in 2009–10; Republicans took the House in 2011, holding it until 2018, and have held the Senate since 2015.

TOP RECIPIENTS OF AVMA PAC MONEY, 2009–18

During 2009–18, the PAC spent more supporting representatives than senators, and almost all contributions—about 96%, or $1.8 million—went to incumbents or, in a few cases, House members who ran for new seats because of redistricting. About $84,000 went to challengers and candidates for open seats. The top total during this period went to Rep. Kurt Schrader of Oregon, the longest serving of the three veterinarians currently in Congress. The other veterinarians currently serving in Congress are Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida and Rep. Ralph Abraham of Louisiana. In the 2017–18 cycle, the PAC contributed $10,000 to Dr. Schrader, $10,000 to Dr. Yoho, and $6,500 to Dr. Abraham.

SIZE OF AVMA PAC CONTRIBUTIONS

Most of the PAC money comes from small contributors. For example, in 2018, the AVMA PAC collected $196,718 from 1,763 eligible contributors, representing increases from the previous year. The average contribution that year was $112. Under FEC rules, contributor information must be reported for aggregate contributions over $200 per year and itemized on the FEC report. Aggregate contributions of less than $200 per year are not itemized on the FEC report.

WHERE THE AVMA PAC SPENDS

From 2009–18, the PAC contributed $2.2 million to incumbents, candidates, and other political entities. The bulk of those contributions—$1.4 million—went to about 300 House members and candidates. At the same time, the PAC contributed $490,000 to 91 senators or Senate candidates.

People

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE

EVENT

Annual meeting, April 5–7, Portland, Oregon

AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Linda Boggie (Colorado State ‘87), Deventer, Netherlands, for her service to the academy and to the veterinary acupuncture and holistic communities. Dr. Boggie co-owns a small animal practice in Deventer, focusing on integrative medicine. Earlier in her career, she practiced in Phoenix and served as a partner at a small animal practice in Stockton, California, incorporating acupuncture and alternative medicine into her work. Dr. Boggie is a past president of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and a fellow of the AAVA.

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Dr. Linda Boggie

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

OFFICIALS

Drs. Carol Gifford, Columbus, Ohio, president; Linda Rydgig, Camarillo, California, vice-elect; Matthew Fricke, Springfield, Oregon, secretary-treasurer; Lynelle Graham, Raleigh, North Carolina, immediate past president; and directors—Drs. Peggy Fleming, Dade City, Florida; Lori Bidwell, Georgetown, Kentucky; and Jennifer Kareklas, Rensselaer, New York

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Dr. Carol Gifford

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

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Dr. Linda Rydgig

Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 255, 3; 10.2460/javma.255.3.253

Obituaries AVMA MEMBER | AVMA HONOR ROLL MEMBER | NONMEMBER

R. KENNETH BRAUN

Dr. Braun (Cornell ‘65), 84, Gainesville, Florida, died May 17, 2019. He began his career as a member of the veterinary faculty at Cornell University. In 1978, Dr. Braun was appointed chief of what is now known as the Food Animal Reproduction and Medicine Service at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. He was named chair of the veterinary college's former Department of Preventive Medicine in 1984, and in 1988, he was appointed chair of the Department of Large Animal Sciences and chief of staff of the Large Animal Teaching Hospital.

In 1994, Dr. Braun returned to teaching and clinical service, continuing in this capacity until retirement in 2001 as professor emeritus. During his tenure at the university, he developed a field service clinical rotation to educate veterinary students on health care delivery for cattle, swine, and ruminants and conducted research on the diseases of dairy calves and the applied use of dairy records systems. Dr. Braun was a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists and a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. In 2001, he received the AABP/Alpharma Award of Excellence.

Dr. Braun is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth; a daughter and four sons; and 10 grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 8830 Cameron St. #201, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 98018, Washington, DC 20090; or Visual Guides of Animal Reproduction, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 SW 16th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608, visgar.vetmed.ufl.edu.

CLYDE A. BRUNNER

Dr. Brunner (Colorado State ‘51), 93, Denver, died April 23, 2019. He was the founder of Broomfield Veterinary Hospital in Broomfield, Colorado, where he practiced small animal medicine for more than 55 years prior to retirement. Earlier in his career,

Dr. Brunner worked in Denver for a few years.

He served on the board of directors of the Colorado VMA in the 1960s and was a past president of the Denver Area VMS. Active in his community, Dr. Brunner was a two-time mayor of Broomfield and a past president of the Broomfield Chamber of Commerce. He served in the Navy during World War II.

Dr. Brunner's daughter and brother survive him. Memorials, earmarked for tree donations, may be made to City and County of Broomfield, c/o Tom Wells, 3001 W. 124th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80020, or Longmont Humane Society, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO 80501.

JIM CURTIS

Dr. Curtis (Washington State ‘67), 76, Madison, Wisconsin, died March 21, 2019. Following graduation, he served as a captain in the Army. Dr. Curtis subsequently moved to Malta, Montana, where he established Phillips County Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice.

He was a past president of the Montana VMA and active with the Freemasons. Dr. Curtis is survived by his wife, Gaelen; two sons and a daughter; eight grandchildren; and a sister. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, donate.lovetotherescue.org.

HUMMEL C. FAGER

Dr. Fager (Pennsylvania ‘53), 92, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, died April 16, 2019. He co-owned Camp Hill Animal Hospital with his brother, Dr. Charles B. Fager (Pennsylvania ‘55), in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, for 50 years. Dr. Fager provided spay and neuter services to Molly's Place Rescue for 15 years and volunteered in the 1970s at the Humane Society of Harrisburg.

He served in the Navy during World War II. Dr. Fager's two daughters, a son, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his brother survive him. Memorials may be made to Humane Society of Harrisburg, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, or Molly's Place Rescue, 5220 E. Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

RALPH J. HAEHN

Dr. Haehn (Ohio State ‘55), 97, Mentor, Ohio, died March 27, 2019. A mixed animal veterinarian, he began his career working in Chardon, Ohio. Dr. Haehn later became a partner at Lake Animal Hospital in Painesville, Ohio, practicing there until retirement. During his career, he also served as veterinarian at harness racing tracks for several years.

Dr. Haehn's wife, Phyllis; five sons; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister survive him. Memorials may be made to Western Reserve Land Conservancy, 3850 Chagrin River Road, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, wrlandconservancy.org, or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110, hospicewr.org.

MARTIN L. HOFFMAN

Dr. Hoffman (Kansas State ‘72), 71, New Braunfels, Texas, died Feb. 12, 2019. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, he retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Army Veterinary Corps. Dr. Hoffman is survived by his wife, Barbara; two children and four stepchildren; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

MAX E. JESTER

Dr. Jester (Ohio State ‘60), 87, Antioch, Illinois, died March 28, 2019. A mixed animal veterinarian, he owned Lakes Animal Clinic in Antioch for 50 years. Early in his career, Dr. Jester practiced in Peotone, Illinois. His wife, Carolyn; three daughters; and four grandchildren survive him.

LINDA K. LORD

Dr. Lord (Ohio State ‘99), 56, Worthington, Ohio, died May 23, 2019. She served as academic and allied industry liaison lead with Merck Animal Health's Veterinary and Consumer Affairs Team. Dr. Lord was responsible for developing strategies to promote Merck as a business partner to North American veterinary colleges and allied industry partners. She was an integral part of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study and played an important role in ensuring that all veterinarians had access to the AVMA Workplace Wellbeing Certificate Program.

Following graduation, Dr. Lord was in private small animal practice for five years. During that time, she conducted research on companion animal issues, focusing on animal overpopulation, homeless pets, and pet reunification, and developed an interest in health and wellness issues relating to veterinary students.

After earning her doctorate in veterinary preventive medicine and epidemiology from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, Dr. Lord joined the college's Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. She served as an assistant and associate professor and was service head for community practice, shelter, and outreach medicine, before being named associate dean of professional programs in 2011.

As associate dean, Dr. Lord oversaw the curriculum and student affairs and led the first two National Veterinary Health and Wellness Summits in 2013 and 2014 along with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. During her tenure, she also founded the student ambassador program, established the Office of Teaching and Learning and Office of Career Management, and co-established the college's veterinary medicine outreach program. Dr. Lord received the university's Career Services Committee Career Services Award in 2014, leaving to join Merck Animal Health in 2017.

Active in organized veterinary medicine, she was a past president of the Ohio VMA and served as the association's alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates. Dr. Lord was a past chair of the AAVMC's Veterinary Wellness Advancement Group and a past vice chair of the AVMA Judicial Council, served on the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee from 2007–10, and was a member of the board of trustees of the Capital Area Humane Society. In 2016, she was named Ohio Veterinarian of the Year.

Dr. Lord is survived by her mother and a sister. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269

Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, OH 43055, or Columbus Humane, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, OH 43026.

JAMES C. MOORE

Dr. Moore (Washington State ‘71), 72, Kingston, Washington, died March 5, 2019. A mixed animal veterinarian, he owned Apple Tree Cove Animal Hospital in Kingston from 1972–2007. Dr. Moore continued to practice at the hospital until 2017.

Active with the Kitsap Humane Society, he helped facilitate a reduction in euthanasia rates at the society and was instrumental in establishing expanded veterinary facilities on-site, in addition to volunteering his services. Dr. Moore was a member of the Rotary Club and a founding member of the Kingston Park District.

His wife, Sharon; a daughter; and two siblings survive him. Memorials may be made to the Village Green Metropolitan Park, P.O. Box 1792, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston, WA 98346, or Kitsap Humane Society, 9167 Dickey Road NW, Silverdale, WA 98383.

GERALD W. PETERSON

Dr. Peterson (Minnesota ‘53), 91, Hughson, California, died May 18, 2019. He began his career practicing mixed animal medicine in Minnesota at Kerkhoven and Willmar. From 1961–66, Dr. Peterson worked for the Eli Lilly Drug Co. He then moved to California, where he began working in the poultry industry, including employment at Williams Turkey Hatchery in Oakdale.

Dr. Peterson was the charter president of what is now known as the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni and Friends Society. He also served as president of the Sunrise Rotary Club. Dr. Peterson's two daughters, a son, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 93536, or Global Leadership Training, New Life Church of Woodbury, 6758 Bailey Road, Woodbury, MN 55129.

VICTOR L. PUCKETT

Dr. Puckett (Georgia ‘63), 86, Canton, Georgia, died Feb. 16, 2019. He founded Alpharetta Animal Clinic in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he initially practiced mixed animal medicine, switching eventually to solely large animal practice. Dr. Puckett served the community for more than 50 years.

A Navy veteran of the Korean War, he continued his service in the Navy Reserve, retiring as a commander. Dr. Puckett's wife, Dorothy; a daughter; and a brother survive him.

JULIE L. RAFFETY-BOONE

Dr. Raffety-Boone (Louisiana State ‘96), 48, Wynne, Arkansas, died Feb. 10, 2019. A small animal veterinarian, she practiced at Cross County Veterinary Clinic in Wynne. Dr. Boone co-founded 363 Feed the Need, a nonprofit organization in Wynne.

Her husband, Matt; three sons; her parents; and a brother survive her. Dr. Raffety-Boone's uncle, Dr. Harmon Smith (Oklahoma State ‘70), owns Cross County Veterinary Clinic. Memorials may be made to 363 Feed The Need, P.O. Box 1002, Wynne, AR 72396, or Wynne Presbyterian Church, 1735 Poplar Ave., Wynne, AR 72396.

JOSEPH F. ROEHL

Dr. Roehl (Michigan State ‘73), 68, Smiths Creek, Michigan, died Jan. 25, 2019. In 1974, he established Wadhams Road Animal Clinic in Smiths Creek, where he practiced with his wife, Dr. Kathryn E. Simons (Michigan State ‘73), prior to retirement in 1996. In retirement, Dr. Roehl served as the veterinarian for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours for five summers.

He was active with the Marysville Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus. Dr. Roehl is survived by his wife, a son, and three brothers.

RICHARD W. SIEBERT

Dr. Siebert (Ohio State ‘57), 87, Richmond, Indiana, died March 1, 2019. A small animal veterinarian, he owned Animal Hospital of Richmond for 42 years. Active in his community, Dr. Siebert served on the Wayne County Board of Health for 50 years and on the board of Richmond Community Schools, and he was a member of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Richmond. In 2009, the chamber awarded him the Art Vivian Distinguished Community Leader Award.

Dr. Siebert is survived by his wife, Mary; three daughters and a son; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers. Memorials may be made to Animal Care Alliance Co., 1353 Abington Pike, Richmond, IN 47374; First English Lutheran Church, 2727 East Main St., Richmond, IN 47374; or Reid Foundation, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374.

GUY R. SPENCER

Dr. Spencer (Kansas State ‘40), 102, Pullman, Washington, died April 27, 2019. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, he served as a professor of veterinary pathology at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine from 1950 until retirement in 1978. During that time, Dr. Spencer chaired the Department of Veterinary Pathology for 18 years, conducted research, and was instrumental in the development of a graduate training program for veterinary pathologists.

Following graduation, he worked for the Department of Agriculture in Denver. Dr. Spencer subsequently served as a research veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He went on to join the Navy Reserve during World War II, attaining the rank of lieutenant. After his military service, Dr. Spencer was in private practice in Wisconsin for a period of time. He then returned to UW, where he served as an associate professor of veterinary science and earned a doctorate in medical pathology and veterinary science in 1949 before joining WSU's veterinary college.

Dr. Spencer's seven children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren survive him.

EDWARD W. STEWART

Dr. Stewart (Cornell ‘54), 89, Manchester, Connecticut, died April 6, 2019. Following graduation, he worked in Manchester for three years. In 1957, Dr. Stewart moved to Glastonbury, Connecticut, where he established Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital, practicing there until retirement in 1993. In retirement, he worked part time for Beckett and Associates Veterinary Services in Glastonbury.

Dr. Stewart was a past president of the Connecticut VMA. He served on the Glastonbury Redevelopment Commission for several years. Dr. Stewart's wife, Patricia; two sons and a daughter; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111.

NORMAN D. STEWART

Dr. Stewart (Ohio State ‘83), 63, Crystal Lake, Illinois, died April 7, 2019. He was senior account manager of scientific sales affairs at Merck Animal Health, focusing on cow health, calf care, and reproduction. Dr. Stewart also oversaw the Merck Scholarship Fund for veterinary students. Prior to beginning his more than 30-year career in industrial veterinary medicine, he practiced mixed animal medicine in Ohio.

Dr. Stewart was a past treasurer of the American Association of Industry Veterinarians and a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and Academy of Veterinary Consultants. In 2000, he was named AAIV Veterinarian of the Year.

Dr. Stewart's two sons, five grandchildren, his mother, and a brother survive him.

CHRISTINE M. WELKER

Dr. Welker (Cornell ‘00), 47, Tyrone, Georgia, died March 2, 2019. A small animal veterinarian, she practiced in Fayetteville, Georgia, prior to retirement in 2016. Earlier, Dr. Welker worked in Warren, Pennsylvania.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Michael P. Wilson (Louisiana State ‘01), a small animal veterinarian in Georgia; her parents; and a sister.

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