IN SHORT
AAHA publishes fluid therapy guidelines for dogs, cats
Fluid therapy is a mainstay of veterinary practice, from prescribing subcutaneous fluids for the feline chronic kidney disease patient to treating the Addisonian dog in crisis.
The 2024 American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Fluid Therapy Guidelines, released June 7, have answers for which type of fluids to select, how much to administer, and for how long in various situations.
The association says the guidelines not only provide a detailed refresher on the basic principles of fluid therapy, but they also guide the busy practitioner through a variety of common scenarios where fluids are used—from anesthesia, to resuscitation, to treatment of the sick patient.
The guidelines offer an overview of the body’s fluid dynamics and provide practical recommendations for selecting fluids, calculating administration rates, and choosing administration routes in dogs and cats for the purposes of resuscitation, rehydration, and maintenance.
The document also covers fluid therapy recommendations for anesthetized patients, patients with common conditions, and those with disorders presenting special fluid therapy challenges. Additionally, the guidelines detail patient monitoring parameters, highlight methods to prevent fluid overload, describe fluid delivery options, and address controversies and misconceptions in fluid therapy.
Additional resources are a video, poster, and graphic that summarize the guidelines at a glance. These documents and the guidelines are available at jav.ma/AAHAfluidtherapy.
Stanton Foundation, AVMF to offer $150,000 grant
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) announced a partnership with the Stanton Foundation to offer the Stanton Foundation Canine Spectrum of Care Clinical Trials Grant, aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of dogs and expanding the evidence base for a broader spectrum of affordable care options.
Announced in September, the Stanton Foundation Canine Spectrum of Care Clinical Trials Grant will offer up to $150,000 to fund a clinical trial addressing cost-effective approaches to common canine diseases and conditions. The grant will focus on research with immediate, broad applicability in primary care settings, according to the AVMF, the charitable arm of the AVMA.
Applicants must first submit a three- to four-page proposal outlining their research idea, including a rough estimate of costs to both client and vet to implement the protocol to be tested, by December 1. The Stanton Foundation will review these submissions, and those selected for the next stage will be notified by January 15, 2025. More information on eligibility and application guidelines can be found at jav.ma/AVMFStanton.
AVMA releases updated, expanded humane slaughter guidelines
The newest version of the AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals published September 13 with notable additions and updates to many sections of the document.
The 2024 edition provides additional information on ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, and ratites, and adds new sections on mink and other fur-bearing animals, frogs, decapods, and cephalopods. The document is presented in a user-friendly format in which chapters are arranged according to species.
The document was developed over a three-year period that began in 2021. An expert panel of 13 veterinarians and animal scientists oversaw the process, which involved a comprehensive literature review, species-focused working groups, and an AVMA member comment period. AVMA member feedback and multiple new publications addressing humane slaughter of nontraditional species killed for food and fiber in the United States prompted many of the changes seen in this edition.
The guidelines provide recommendations for veterinarians who must apply them to the various settings where animals are destined for slaughter for use as food or fiber. They do not address methods and techniques involved in the killing of animals hunted for food.
Q&A: Colorado legislator sees veterinary technicians as solution to workforce issues
Colorado Rep. Karen McCormick, who is a veterinarian, talks about the downsides of efforts to create a practitioner position in her state for a nonveterinarian who would diagnose and recommend treatments, including doing surgery
Interview by Malinda Larkin
While the veterinary labor market remains tight in some sectors of the veterinary profession (e.g., rural practice, academia, and some veterinary specialties), on a national scale, an ongoing general shortage of veterinary practitioners seems highly unlikely. In fact, some data suggest that the growth in supply of veterinarians is likely to outpace growth in the pet population, and potentially veterinary services spending, through 2035.
Yet, proponents of a ballot measure in Colorado who seek to create a new midlevel practitioner (MLP) of veterinary medicine claim that doing so is necessary to alleviate a generalized shortage of veterinarians.
Colorado Rep. Karen McCormick
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 11; 10.2460/javma.262.11.1451
Colorado Proposition 129 will ask voters whether the state should establish the position of veterinary professional associate (VPA). The VPA’s duties would overlap those of a veterinarian and veterinary technician. Working under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, they would be able to diagnose, prognose, and recommend treatment plans, including performing surgery.
Colorado voters will have their say on November 5. In the meantime, efforts are underway to educate the public on the potential implications of the ballot measure.
Colorado Rep. Karen McCormick, who is a veterinarian from Longmont, spoke with AVMA News about her thoughts on the ballot measure and why she believes leveraging credentialed veterinary technicians (CrVTs) and veterinary technician specialists (VTSs) is a much better way to support the effectiveness and sustainability of the veterinary workforce.
The following responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Q. Is someone with a master’s degree qualified to diagnose, prescribe, and do surgery?
A. The master’s degree program being proposed has not gone through accreditation, nor is there any national exam or credentialing of it graduates. Therefore, I have to assume no. Doing surgery without a veterinary license or extensive training—and with most (of the master’s degree) training being online—they’re going to be woefully undertrained and unprepared to do any kind of surgery.
Also, we know there is a huge barrier to prescriptive authority with federal law. The Food and Drug Administration unequivocally says that only a licensed veterinarian can prescribe anything; it doesn’t matter if it’s onlabel or extralabel.
There’s a good reason for the FDA to have these rules and regulations. The biggest reason is the protection of public health.
Q. Some people have suggested that MLPs could operate under protocols created by veterinarians. What’s wrong with that?
A. When you picture what’s happening in practice, you can imagine that the desire to follow the protocol may overcome or overwhelm what you’re seeing and thinking about the animal that’s in front of you. You might need a different course of action or additional thinking. Following a protocol sounds good, perhaps as a talking point, but in practice—when you think about how often a protocol can actually be followed without any changes to meet the needs of a particular patient—it’s going to be a rare event.
In order for someone to be able to follow a protocol, they would need to be tethered to a veterinarian. In a way, to me it doubles the work for the veterinarian because you’re having to trust that the person has enough knowledge and training to come to you with enough information, and if they want to deviate from the protocol, you have to ask questions. Who is cheated? The animal and the person.
Q. Some of the top complaints veterinary medical boards receive regarding veterinarians have to do with surgeries, so why have surgery done by less qualified people?
A. Surgeries and communication are among the top drivers for board complaints. We’ve all seen the proposed curriculum: a person would graduate with three semesters of online training, one semester in person, and an internship somewhere, which are not all standardized or equivalent.
There’s no attempt to go through an accreditation process for the curriculum, so there’s no collaborative conversation on what the courses will be, the training level—none of that has happened. This basically, to me, is a position that is being formed in a vacuum without important voices needed to know whether it’s been done right or not. That’s a big disservice to the public but even bigger to the animals, which is why we took the oath we took.
Q. Do you have concerns about the potential negative impacts an MLP program might have on existing educational programs awarding doctoral degrees in veterinary medicine?
A. Quite a few, actually. Number one, this is an incredible disservice and slap in the face to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. They are critical members of the veterinarian-led team. They are the folks with training, experience, and leadership skills who do and can fill the role of what this proposed VPA is being suggested to do.
We need more VTSs. In our state, there are only 60 to 70. If we work together to build up this profession that already exists, that will go a long way to alleviating the challenges we’re facing. Creating a new profession that doesn’t have the input of all that are in the profession right now is a big negative.
Plus, veterinary programs are already struggling to find faculty. I do hear from (Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences) that they don’t have all the faculty they truly need right now, but they want to start a new program?
Q. What about the argument that creating this new position would help alleviate a veterinary shortage?
A. The veterinary shortage is a talking point behind this push. I think what really is behind the push is big corporate money trying to find innovative ways to grow the bottom line. The only group the VPA would benefit are large corporations trying to find ways to see more patients, get customers, and somehow lower their cost of doing business.
I don’t see it as a benefit to anybody else. I don’t see it helping a veterinary shortage at all. It’s a barrier between the veterinarian and patients because one veterinarian supervising two to four people puts the veterinarian farther from the patients and dilutes the accuracy of the treatment. It doesn’t cause clients to spend any less money, and they might not get an accurate diagnosis and medication right off the bat.
Q. What would help the veterinary profession in Colorado right now then?
A. Legislation we passed earlier this year was completely focused on increasing access to care while protecting the health and welfare of animals and making sure client and consumer protection issues were addressed.
One law is about defining, expanding, and promoting the use of veterinary telehealth in a way that is legal, helpful, and really allows veterinary clinics and practices to use teletechnologies in a way that benefits everyone involved and can save time and money when appropriate.
The other law is about expanding the veterinary technician’s scope of practice with input from food animal producers, our animal shelters, our small animal veterinarians, and our RVTs and VTSs to do things that we know RVTs and VTSs are trained and competent to do.
This will help veterinary teams to use their full scope of expertise and to stretch the veterinary practice act in ways that makes sense where RVTs and VTSs are able to do more in the field of dentistry, wound care, and surgical assistance.
We need to do everything we can to hang on to this workforce we have and develop them and compensate them for what they contribute to the veterinary team and the patients they treat. That way they can have higher job satisfaction and advance in their careers.
As someone mentioned back when we were having discussions two years ago, if veterinary teams are truly not composed of each and every person working to the full scope of training and competency, having another position in an inefficient model does not help at all and would potentially increase inefficiencies. That is not the answer. We have the answer and that is what we’re all working toward: Increasing the number and skills of veterinary technicians in the profession and leveraging everybody so we’re all humming along at the full speed.
New network helps trafficked animals receive care, find safety
Wildlife Confiscations Network gives point of contact for wildlife law enforcement officers in Southern California
By Coco Lederhouse
With nearly 60 reptiles hidden under his clothes, a man attempted to cross the U.S.-Mexico border in February 2022 near San Ysidro, California. He was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Two of the reptiles did not survive the journey and many exhibited signs of dehydration.
These incidents aren’t uncommon, as the FWS confiscated more than 50,000 illegally trafficked animals from 2015-19. Wildlife law enforcement agents are not only responsible for investigating the crime of trafficking but also need to find solutions for the trafficked animals.
To help with the latter, the FWS and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) officially launched the Wildlife Confiscations Network (WCN) in October 2023 in southern California. It’s a pilot project of the AZA’s Wildlife Trafficking Alliance that helps these animals get triaged after being rescued and placed in zoos, aquariums, and conservancies.
It is nearly impossible to ensure that trafficked animals are returned to the exact location they were taken from, and often they are not healthy enough to make a trip back to their natural habitats. With limited resources and limited veterinary knowledge, law enforcement is not equipped to get these animals back into the wild. For this reason, the WCN focuses on rehabilitation efforts and finding appropriate homes for the animals.
Since April 2023, the network has relied on 30 partners to place more than 2,600 animals for FWS, says Sara Walker, senior advisor on wildlife trafficking at the AZA.
“From our perspective—and we believe the perspective from law enforcement—the pilot has been very successful,” she said.
A king cobra is found inside a chip can during Operation Jungle Book, a 2017 law enforcement initiative led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that targeted wildlife smuggling. Charges were filed against 16 defendants in connection with operation, which was given its name due to the volume and variety of animals that were seized in the Los Angeles area. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 11; 10.2460/javma.262.11.1451
As a result, the WCN is conducting a needs assessment in different regions near busy ports of entry and hopes to expand the program nationwide.
Pilot project
The AZA worked with a variety of partners for four years to plan and develop the “first-of-its-kind” network. The collaboration allowed the association to hire Amanda Fischer as its wildlife confiscations coordinator.
She coordinates communications between the network’s participating facilities and law enforcement. Her other primary role is to recommend placement for wildlife when they are seized.
“I then continue to track where the animals are placed, run reports for law enforcement, and provide general health status updates based on communications with animal care staff,” Fischer said. She also manages applications from facilities that wish to join the network and coordinates the vetting committee.
Prior to this position, Fischer was a professional zookeeper and curator for more than 20 years working with many of the species that are seen in the illegal trade. The ever-growing demand for wildlife and wildlife products is what fuels wildlife trafficking, and it is a major danger, particularly to threatened and endangered animal species.
“Trafficked animals pose a significant risk for invasive species to upset delicate ecosystems here,” said Dr. Theresa House, an assistant director in the animal welfare division at the AVMA. “The animal welfare concerns here are not just for those animals being trafficked. We also need to think of the unintended consequences of trafficking such as the potential for escape or release and these animals breeding in the wild and what that could mean for native wildlife.”
Species seen most often in the illegal trade are marine invertebrates, such as corals and giant clams; reptiles; terrestrial invertebrates, such as tarantulas; fish; birds; and occasionally mammals, such as spider monkeys, according to the AZA.
Animal health
“With all species, they generally will be dealing with parasites or pathogens—issues that can be exacerbated by inhumane care and transport,” Fischer said.
Without qualified facilities to take them, animals usually remain in the care of wildlife law enforcement until a decision is made on what to do with them. That could mean law enforcement officials find an animal care facility themselves, returning the animal or animals to the exporting country, or have them euthanized.
Fischer explained that even a few days in the care of law enforcement is not ideal.
“While they do the best they can with limited resources and no formal veterinary training, they are not animal care experts. Time spent caring for animals also distracts from their primary role: catching criminals,” Fischer said. “If the animals are to have a chance at survival, getting them into expert emergency care quickly is critical.”
The WCN encompasses professional animal care facilities at zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and universities. Each facility employs experienced wildlife veterinary specialists.
Prior to confiscation, many of these animals were housed in inhumane conditions resulting in injuries, compromised immune systems, disease, malnutrition, emaciation, and dehydration; and many also pose a health risk—to both animals and humans—due to potential zoonotic diseases, Walker explained.
“Caring for confiscated wildlife is made even more challenging because animals are living evidence for ongoing cases, which requires close communication with law enforcement,” Walker said. “Because veterinarians are so important to this work, the WCN has established a veterinary working group that is developing best practices and resources for our current—and future—participating facilities.”
Looking ahead
According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, illicit wildlife trafficking is estimated to be between $7.8 billion and $10 billion per year. The United Nations’ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is an international agreement that influences national laws on wildlife trade. The U.S. has the Lacey Act, which protects wildlife, fish, and plants that are illegally taken, transported, or sold.
However, the AZA and others involved in rescuing smuggled wildlife would like to see more done to prevent the practice. U.S. Reps. Andrew Garbarino from New York’s 2nd District and Mike Quigley from Illinois’s 5th District introduced The Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Reintroduction Act of 2024 (H.R. 7999) earlier this year. The legislation would codify all aspects of the Wildlife Confiscations Network. In addition, the bill calls for establishing a grant program to support rescue, rehabilitation, and confiscations-related work. The program would cover expenses related to veterinary care, direct animal care staff, reintroduction efforts, and more.
In February 2022, nearly 60 reptiles were trafficked from Mexico into California hidden under a man’s clothing. Many of the reptiles were dehydrated and two died. Thanks to the Wildlife Confiscations Network, the remaining lizards received the veterinary care they needed.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 11; 10.2460/javma.262.11.1451
“Zoos and aquariums play a pivotal role in the conservation of threatened and endangered species, especially as instances of wildlife trafficking continue to rise. The Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Reintroduction Act would ensure qualified facilities have the resources and tools they need to effectively perform this important work,” Rep. Garbarino said in a statement.
Congress considers bill helping with costs of veterinary care, pet insurance
New bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress would help Americans manage the costs of veterinary care and pet insurance by including expenses for pets and service animals under tax-advantaged health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
The People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act (H.R. 9508) amends Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations to allow pet owners to use their HSA or FSA accounts to cover up to $1,000 for veterinary care or a pet health insurance plan. These funds would be available for those with service animals as well within current HSA and FSA contribution limits.
The PAW Act aims to assist veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and individuals with disabilities by ensuring the IRS relies on an up-to-date federal definition of “service animal.” This includes animals trained to assist with both physical and mental disabilities.
With an annual inflation at or above 4% since 2021, surveys show pets owners are sensitive to the costs of veterinary care. As a consequence, they may put off a trip to the veterinary clinic to keep expenses down.
On September 9, Democratic Rep. Claudia Tenney, who represents New York’s 24th Congressional District, and Republican Rep. Deborah Ross, who represents North Carolina’s Second Congressional District, introduced the PAW Act, which has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.
“Our pets and service animals are cherished members of our families, and it’s essential that owners have the ability to pay for quality care,” Rep. Tenney said in a press release. “This legislation will help veterans, and all pet owners afford veterinary care for their beloved pets and service animals.”
“As a dog owner, I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PAW Act that would include veterinary care and pet insurance as eligible expenses under HSAs and FSAs to help ensure every animal lover can afford care for their pet. I’m grateful for the partnership of Congresswoman Tenney and will keep working to see this bill signed into law,” Rep. Ross said in a statement.
Proposed legislation would allow pet owners to use health savings and flexible spending accounts for the costs of veterinary care and pet insurance.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 11; 10.2460/javma.262.11.1451
The AVMA has endorsed the bill, along with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and insurer MetLife. “Ensuring veterinary care and pet health insurance are eligible expenses under health savings and flexible spending accounts means more affordable care for pets, greater access to care for service animals, and an enhanced ability to detect and prevent zoonotic diseases,” AVMA President Sandra Faeh said.
Brian Jorgensen, head of Pet Insurance for MetLife, said the company “strongly” supports the PAW Act as it helps pet owners address unexpected veterinary expenses resulting from a pet’s illness or accident.
“This bill is a critical step towards promoting the health and well-being of pets by helping pet parents access the care their pets need while protecting their financial wellness. We are proud to support a bill that aligns with MetLife’s purpose of helping people care for their loved ones, both human and animal,” Jorgensen said.
USDA tightening standards for meat, poultry labeling claims
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a new guideline for ensuring the truthfulness of meat and poultry products marketed as “raised without antibiotics,” “climate friendly,” and other animal husbandry- and environment-related claims.
A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study found antimicrobial residue in 20% of the meat and poultry products marketed as being free of antibiotics. The USDA’S Food Safety and Inspection Service called the findings “concerning” and says it will take enforcement action against any establishments found to be making false or misleading negative antibiotic claims.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 11; 10.2460/javma.262.11.1451
Announced in late August, the guidance updates a 2019 document from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) with recommendations to producers for enhancing the documentation supporting claims on meat and poultry labels. It is open for public comment until November 12.
“USDA continues to deliver on its commitment to fairness and choice for both farmers and consumers, and that means supporting transparency and high-quality standards,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a press release. “These updates will help to level the playing field for businesses who are truthfully using these claims and ensure people can trust the labels when they purchase meat and poultry products.”
Third-party certification
Claims about meat and poultry products are voluntary and highlight certain aspects of how the source animals are raised, how the producer maintains or improves the land, or how they otherwise implement environmentally sustainable practices. Documentation supporting these claims is reviewed by FSIS, which must approve the claim before it can be added to the product label.
In the updated guideline, FSIS “strongly encourages” the use of third-party certification to substantiate animal-raising or environment-related claims such as “pasture raised,” given the limits of FSIS jurisdiction. Third-party certification of animal-raising or environment-related claims helps ensure that such claims are truthful and not misleading by having an independent organization verify that their standards are being met on the farm for the raising of animals and for environmental stewardship, according to the guidelines background.
FSIS also made some significant changes to the guideline in response to petitions and public comments on the last version of the guideline, which are as follows:
Outlined recommended criteria for third-party organizations that certify animal-raising or environment-related claims.
Emphasized that, to substantiate a third-party certification claim, establishments should provide FSIS with a copy of their current certificate. Also, if a claim was certified by a third-party organization, the agency will approve the label bearing the claim only if it includes the certifying entity’s name, website address (where the relevant standards can be found, and logo.
Added language stating that establishments are strongly encouraged to provide FSIS with relevant data or studies (e.g., soil and land variation or air quality studies and results) to substantiate environment-related claims.
Added language strongly encouraging establishments to substantiate negative antibiotic use claims by instituting a routine sampling program to test for the use of antibiotics in animals prior to slaughter or by using a third-party certifier who performs
routine antibiotic sampling and testing as part of their certification standards.
Antibiotic-free claims
The USDA first announced in June 2023 it would be implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising and environment-related claims. The move came in response to an article published in April 2022 in Science magazine co-authored by the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Food In-Depth. The article reported on a study in which the urine of beef cattle designated for the raised without antibiotics market was tested for 17 antibiotics commonly administered in feed and water. According to the article, the study showed that 15% of the cattle feedlots sampled had one or more positive result.
The FSIS conducted a follow-up study in partnership with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to further assess the veracity of claims about antibiotic-free products. FSIS collected liver and kidney samples from 196 cattle at 84 slaughter facilities in 34 states, and ARS analyzed the samples using a method that targeted more than 180 veterinary drugs, including various major classes of antibiotics.
The study found antibiotic residues in approximately 20% of samples tested from the “raised without antibiotics” market.
“The study findings underscore the need for more rigorous substantiation of such claims. These sampling results may lead to additional testing by the agency. FSIS has the authority to collect samples any time it believes a product is mislabeled with any claim covered by the guidance,” the agency said.
Additionally, the FSIS informed the locations with positive results from study and advised them to determine how antibiotics were introduced into the animal and to take appropriate measures to ensure that future products are not misbranded.
FSIS and ARS plan to publish a peer-reviewed paper in the near future.
The FSIS also says it may consider future additional actions, including random sampling and rulemaking, to further strengthen the substantiation of animal-raising and environment-related claims.
AVMA supports truthful, nonmisleading labeling
The AVMA has a number of policies relevant to best practices for label claims on animal-derived food products. Above all, the Association believes a veterinarian should be involved in the processes and practices that underlie marketing claims for these products.
“The AVMA does not object to the general use of honest rhetorical technique as a method of developing markets for animal-derived food products, but when such marketing claims have a direct or implied basis in a process or processes within a veterinarian’s scope in animal care and husbandry, the AVMA holds that a veterinarian should be involved and have an oversight role,” according to the policy “Marketing Claims Regarding Agricultural Animal Food Products.”
Specifically, the policy “Organic Foods” says “Producers should be encouraged to provide medically necessary therapy, including antimicrobials, under the direction of a veterinarian, regardless of the impact on an animal’s organic status.”
The AVMA policy “Truthful and Nonmisleading Human Food Labeling” gives more detail on proposed criteria for these labels, such as “Labels that state or imply a claim (such as increased food safety, superior animal welfare, decreased carbon footprint, regenerative agricultural practices, or enhanced nutritional content) should be based on verifiable scientific evidence that is readily available and supports the claims.”
Radiology database provides thousands of nontraditional species’ images
By Coco Lederhouse
During a routine workday, a zoo veterinarian may need to perform diagnostic imaging on a species they’ve rarely imaged in the past.
To help address these diagnostic challenges, a group of zoological institutions created the Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database (ZARD) to provide a centralized online reference tool.
This collaborative effort among institutions contributed thousands of digital radiographs and CT scans preapproved by board-certified veterinary radiologists as “normal” for each species. So far, around 200 species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals have been included. They range from the African spurred tortoise to the violet turaco to the white-bellied pangolin.
ZARD is housed at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC) in Brookfield, Illinois. However, the database is available globally to clinical veterinarians working with zoological institutions along with any board-certified radiologist, zoo medicine faculty at veterinary colleges, veterinary and veterinary technician students, zoo and radiology interns and residents, and other veterinary specialists who consult for these institutions.
The cloud-based, open-access resource will allow veterinary professionals to compare their diagnostic images to a set of approximately 10 boarded radiologist-reviewed studies for that species.
The Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database, housed at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, includes thousands of radiographs of hundreds of species, including the giant anteater.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 11; 10.2460/javma.262.11.1451
Currently, clinical veterinarians or veterinary radiologists in the zoo community consult with colleagues or the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Listserv to find a reference study, explained Dr. Joanna Webb, veterinary imaging database manager at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The ZARD brings everything into one accessible location.
She notes, though, “Following the in-house evaluation, consultation with a board-certified radiologist is still recommended — similar to how we utilize textbooks and radiologists in companion animal practice.”
The ZARD steering committee comprises of seven institutions: Brookfield Zoo Chicago; Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance; Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment; Saint Louis Zoo; San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Each institution agreed to share its collection of diagnostic images, totaling approximately 60,000 radiograph and CT studies.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The ZARD plans on hosting 10,000 reference imaging studies across more than 500 species once fully completed. The committee is considering developing a second phase of the ZARD or second database that provides access to reference imaging representing common disease states, Dr. Webb said, who is a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine and helped launch the database.
“We hope to empower more radiologists to read diagnostic imaging studies from nontraditional species,” she said.
New listings in AVMA Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry
The AVMA’s Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry—formerly the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database—connects clinical scientists seeking animal participants for their studies with veterinarians and owners looking for studies for their patients and pets. Below are some of the most recent veterinary clinical studies listed in the registry. Information about participation in the studies is available at veterinaryclinicaltrials.org.
VCT24005841: “Exploring a new approach for treating oral cancer in cats,” North Carolina State University
VCT24005840: “Scout out canine hemangiosarcoma (SOCH) study,” University of Wisconsin-Madison
VCT24005837: “Dual energy CT to assess bone mineral density in dogs with osteosarcoma undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy,” Colorado State University
VCT24005838: “Cryotherapy for canine mast cell tumors,” Colorado State University
VCT24005836: “Preclinical comparison of two hypomethylating nucleosides in tumor-bearing dogs,” The Ohio State University
VCT24005835: “Investigating the effect of cannabidiol, trazodone, and rapamycin on naturally occurring canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome as a surrogate for Alzheimer’s disease,” Colorado State University
VCT24005839: “Riluzole for canine degenerative myelopathy,” The Ohio State University, North Carolina State University, Tufts University, and University of Missouri
VCT24005833: “Canine liver tumor study,” North Carolina State University
VCT24005831: “Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibition for dual targeting of lung fibroblasts and tumor cells in canine metastatic osteosarcoma,” Colorado State University
VCT24005830: “Treatment of severe hyperkalemia in cats with urethral obstruction (TSK-UO),” Timberline Veterinary Emergency and Specialty, Seattle
VCT24005834: “Testing a new treatment for metastatic osteosarcoma in the lungs,” Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, Roanoke, Virginia
FDA ends partnership with feed organization, will handle review process internally
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is changing its approach to its 17-year partnership with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). In the past, the FDA has provided scientific and technical support for reviews of new animal food ingredients to AAFCO. Now the FDA is implementing its own internal review processes.
The nonprofit animal food organization announced August 2 it had been notified by the FDA CVM that the agency would not be renewing its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AAFCO concerning new animal food ingredient definitions when the agreement expires October 1.
“AAFCO has been communicating openly with the FDA during this review time, and although we are disappointed that CVM leadership decided not to renew the longstanding MOU, we respect that this is the direction they feel is best as they continue to grow and evolve their programs,” AAFCO Executive Director Austin Therrell told AVMA News.
AAFCO does not approve, certify, or endorse any animal food products. Rather, it advises state, federal, and international feed regulators on animal feed and pet foods by developing ingredient definitions, label standards, and laboratory standards. This information is used to support state and federal laws regulating the manufacture, sale, and distribution of animal food and food ingredients.
Ultimate authority for regulating substances used in animal foods lies with the FDA, including food additives and substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended uses.
Since 1920, AAFCO has maintained the AAFCO Official Publication, containing a comprehensive list of animal food ingredients, including FDA-approved animal food additives, substances that are GRAS for their intended use, and animal food ingredient definitions established through the AAFCO Ingredient Definition Request Process.
The FDA CVM entered into an MOU with AAFCO in 2007 outlining how the agency would provide its scientific and technical expertise to the FDA in reviewing ingredient definitions requested by industry or AAFCO. The agreement was previously renewed several times.
Charlotte Conway, deputy director of the FDA CVM’s Office of Foods, explained the FDA had determined that with the upcoming expiration of the MOU, the time was right for the agency to step back as scientific and technical reviewers for AAFCO ingredients and to focus resources on FDA-driven programs.
“Although the MOU will expire, the FDA intends to continue participating in AAFCO committees and meetings and to work closely with AAFCO and states to help ensure the safety of the animal food supply,” Conway said.
Once the MOU ends, the FDA plans to review its processes for approving and recognizing new animal food ingredients to determine if improvements are needed.
As of October, the Food and Drug Administration is no longer providing scientific support of reviews of new animal food ingredients to the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 11; 10.2460/javma.262.11.1451
During this evaluation, the FDA will implement the Animal Food Ingredient Consultation (AFIC) process. This process is meant to keep the FDA informed about new ingredients entering the market, address safety concerns before they are marketed, and involve the public in discussions about these ingredients. The AFIC process will also establish a baseline of safety information, according to the FDA, making it easier to monitor these ingredients once they are on the market.
Additionally, the FDA CVM will outline its enforcement policies for ingredients assessed through the AFIC process.
The FDA is confident that the agency will move expeditiously to finalize its plans—draft guidances #293 and #294—before the MOU expires, Conway said, adding that there are many variables outside of the FDA’s control that could affect the timing.
“Whether or not the two draft guidances are finalized by October 1, the initial steps for consulting with the FDA on an animal food ingredient are similar,” she said. “Firms with questions or concerns about how the upcoming transition affects their animal food ingredients are encouraged to email animalfood-premarket@fda.hhs.gov and seek assistance.”
USDA adding HPAI to dairy beef–surveillance programs as virus persists
USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics allows field trials for H5N1 vaccine in cattle
By R. Scott Nolen and Malinda Larkin
The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, more specifically avian influenza type A H5N1), continues among U.S. dairy cattle after its initial discovery in that species this spring.
Since March, H5N1 outbreaks have been confirmed in dairy cattle in nearly 300 herds. This includes around 82 dairy cow operations confirmed just since late August in California, making it 14th state with dairy herds that have tested positive for the virus.
Testing culled dairy cattle beef
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been testing raw milk from cows to identify the virus in herds. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has separately tested commercial milk supplies and cites federal agency research showing that pasteurization kills the virus.
With outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cow herds in 14 states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies continue their efforts to ensure a safe food supply and the health of these animals and the farm workers.
Citation: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 262, 11; 10.2460/javma.262.11.1451
The disease is unpredictable, however, as it has shown up in the milk of asymptomatic dairy cattle, as well as those that show a high number of clinical signs over an extended period of time, according to Dr. Sarah Tomlinson, associate deputy administrator for strategy and policy at USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Veterinary Services.
Now, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that it will add H5N1 influenza to its national surveillance program monitoring beef for pathogens and chemical contaminants.
Starting September 16, FSIS began testing for avian influenza type A H5N1 in dairy cattle carcasses as part of its National Residue Program (NRP) to ensure the safety of beef for human consumption and to detect the virus’s presence in asymptomatic cows, according to an August 13 FSIS notice.
The H5N1 testing program follows three separate studies conducted by the USDA demonstrating the safety of U.S. beef. In August, the FDA released the results of a second retail sampling survey that tested 167 dairy products for H5N1. According to an analysis coordinated by the USDA, no viable H5N1 virus was detected in any of the products, which included pasteurized milk, products made from pasteurized milk, and aged raw milk cheese.
Over the next year, FSIS will use the NRP to test 800 skeletal muscle samples collected from dairy cow carcasses at slaughter. Samples will be analyzed by FSIS laboratory staff members using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, the notice states.
Carcasses will be held by slaughter facilities pending results. Testing will not require additional holding time for carcasses beyond current NRP protocols, according to the notice.
Carcasses that test positive for H5N1 will be purchased by the USDA for research purposes. APHIS may also conduct additional traceback activities to gather epidemiological data and prevent the spread of H5N1.
“AABP is supportive of any efforts that help us identify the scope of this disease outbreak,” said Dr. Fred Gingrich, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
“The other thing about that plan,” Dr. Gingrich continued, “is it will identify animals that are infected at the time of slaughter. That’s important because it helps our industry maintain consumer confidence, especially since any of those animals that are being sampled will not go into the commercial meat supply, even though FSIS has already determined cooking beef appropriately poses no risk to the consuming public.”
Cases growing and vaccine testing
Federal and state governments have already implemented various measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including import restrictions and a negative H5N1 test for out-of-state transport.
However, the virus continues to spread, most recently in California, which is the nation’s top milk-producing state with more than 1,100 dairy farms housing 1.72 million milk cows.
Cattle at three dairies located in the state’s Central Valley began showing clinical signs consistent with HPAI beginning August 23-25, according to a statement from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
Following an investigation by the CDFA and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed HPAI in these three dairies. Since then, a total of 82 affected dairies in California have had confirmed cases.
As of October 8, H5N1 outbreaks have previously been confirmed in dairy cattle in 13 other states: 64 herds in Colorado, 33 in Idaho, 29 in Michigan, 26 in Texas, 13 in Iowa, nine each in Minnesota and New Mexico, seven in South Dakota, four in Kansas, two in Oklahoma, and one each in North Carolina, Ohio, and Wyoming. Those figures likely don’t represent a fully accurate total, as public health and veterinarians have acknowledged that producers are reluctant to report cases for fear of disrupting operations. Three farmworkers have tested positive for H5N1 in California, according to the state’s health department.
In related news, the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) is beginning field trials to determine the safety and efficacy of the first ever vaccine for H5N1 in cattle.
Before the USDA notice, the only way companies could test a vaccine for H5N1 was in biosafety level-3 laboratories.
According to a June 12 report by Reuters, at least 24 companies were working to develop an avian flu vaccine for cattle—including Zoetis, which started developing a vaccine for dairy cattle in spring, and Merck Animal Health.
Assemblies
American board of veterinary toxicology
The American Board of Veterinary Toxicology (ABVT) held a hybrid in-person and virtual annual meeting on June 24 in Austin, Texas. The ABVT has been holding a “Toxicology Office Hours” event, open to veterinarians and veterinary technicians, on a quarterly basis, to increase visibility of the organization. Recent topics include grape toxicity and indoor air quality. Information on upcoming office hours is available on the ABVT website, abvt.org. The ABVT officials are Drs. Karyn Bischoff, Ithaca, New York, president; Jay Albretsen, Reno, Nevada, president-elect; Adrienne Bautista, Woodland, California, secretary; Sherry Ripple, Bloomington, Minnesota, treasurer; and Ahna Brutlag, Bloomington, Minnesota, immediate past president.
American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine
The American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM), recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties as an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization, welcomed 47 new diplomates following the board certification examination it held July 8 at Prometric test sites in Canada; St. Kitts, West Indies; Singapore; and the U.S.
American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology
The American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology (ACVCP), recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties as an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization, welcomed a new diplomate, Dr. Jonathan D. Foster of Bethesda, Maryland, following board certification examinations it held virtually in May and June 2024.
American Veterinary Dental College
The American Veterinary Dental College, recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties as an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization, recently welcomed new diplomates following the board certification examinations it held between June 7-13 in Las Vegas and Lexington, Kentucky.
American Veterinary Medical History Society
The American Veterinary Medical History Society (AVMHS) held its annual meeting virtually on July 26. Dr. John de Jong, immediate past president of the AVMHS, welcomed the virtual attendees. Dr. Margaret Brosnahan, president of the AVMHS, introduced Jane Desmond, PhD, a professor of anthropology and gender and women’s studies at the University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. She is also a professor at the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine and spoke on “(How) Does History Matter?: Thinking Pasts & Futures in Veterinary Medicine.”
Similar to previous years, members had been sent a postcard prior to the meeting. This year’s postcard, in conjunction with Desmond’s presentation, featured the headline, “She Pulls Lion’s Teeth,” with photographs from an August 1943 syndicated newspaper article showing Dr. Patricia O’Connor Halloran performing daily duties as the first woman zoo veterinarian at the Barrett Park Zoo on Staten Island, New York.
Reports were presented on ongoing AVMHS activities, including the publication of two issues of the bulletin Veterinary Heritage in December 2023 and in July 2024; the inclusion of seven veterinary hospitals and clinics as part of the society’s Registry of Heritage Veterinary Practices, which honors veterinary hospitals and clinics nationwide that are more than 50 years old; the addition of nine stories to AVMHS Time-Bites, a series of historical ministories, links to which are regularly published in the Veterinary Information Network’s email newsletters; and the 2024 J. Fred Smithcors Student Veterinary History Essay Contest. A book about an intelligent horse, “Beautiful Jim Key,” was distributed in appreciation to all students who participated in the 2023 essay contest. Four AVMHS Interim News & Comment newsletters were produced and sent to the membership in September and November 2023 and in March and May 2024. In the past year, the society added new resource information pages to its website for historical markers, memorials, reports posted in AVMA News, and women veterinarians.
Dr. Helen Wojcinski, chair of the Membership Committee, introduced new committee member, Dr. Justin Kastner. She said the committee’s primary focuses continue to be in the areas of recruitment, retention, and engagement of members.
The Museum Committee, chaired by Dr. Zbigniew Wojcinski, held five virtual meetings during the year. Committee members fielded several inquiries regarding the identification and donation of antique veterinary instruments and other memorabilia. A procedure for facilitating those inquiries is being pursued along with updating the society’s veterinary and related museums directory. The committee intends to utilize Constant Contact, an email marketing platform, to communicate with museums and sources. Members have begun investigating existing historical markers and supporting the creation of new ones related to aspects of veterinary medicine in communities across the country.
Dr. Susan Aiello, editor of the Guideposts book project, reported that copies of the book “Guideposts for Veterinary Professionals” that were given free to students for the past two years are no longer being shipped to veterinary colleges in the United States and Canada because of depleted inventory and the postponement of reprints due to the lack of funds. She also reported that the final manuscript of the book “Five Brothers, Five Irishmen, Five Veterinary Surgeons,” by Dr. John Going, has been sent to the page designer as fundraising and preparations continue toward publication this fall or early 2025. Dr. Aiello described the success of a display at the Student AVMA (SAVMA) symposium held March 14-17 in Knoxville, Tennessee, and noted the high level of interest in history among students she met. At the symposium, tasseled bookmarks were given to those who signed up for information about the society and how to become more involved in understanding history. Dr. Aiello recommended fostering further connection with SAVMA in the coming years.
Dr. Fred Born of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, described progress in conducting oral histories of past presidents of the Wisconsin VMA since 1951. Dr. de Jong suggested that that effort might serve as a model for similar initiatives by other state VMAs and the AVMA.
The AVMHS officials are Dr. Margaret M. Brosnahan, Scottsdale, Arizona, president; Dr. Arnold L. Goldman, Canton, Connecticut, program chair and president-elect; Susanne K. Whitaker, Ithaca, New York, secretary-treasurer; Dr. John H. de Jong, Newton, Massachusetts, immediate past president; and members at large—Diane A. Fagen, Rockford, Illinois; Dr. Shannon Greeley, Burbank, Illinois; Dr. Mary Beth Leininger, Lawrence, Kansas; and Dr. G. Sierra Schneider, Terrebonne, Oregon.
Colorado VMA
The Colorado VMA (CVMA) held its annual meeting from September 5-8 in Westminster. The CVMA officials are Drs. Michelle Larsen, Denver, president; Kayla Henderson, Monte Vista, president-elect; Austin Graham, Denver, secretary-treasurer; Kevin Lisenbee, Colorado Springs, secretary-treasurer-elect; Kelly Walsh, Colorado Springs, immediate past president; and AVMA delegate and alternative delegate—Drs. Peter Hellyer, Fort Collins, and Jackie Christakos, Littleton.
Visit avma.org/news/community to read the full reports, including awards and names of new diplomates.
In Memory
Edwin H. Blackburn
Dr. Blackburn (Georgia ’60), 87, Darien, Georgia, died March 20, 2024. He practiced small animal medicine in Darien prior to retirement in 2011. Earlier, Dr. Blackburn worked in central Florida. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and his family.
John R. Conley
Dr. Conley (Iowa State ’55), 92, Merrill, Iowa, died August 7, 2024. Following graduation, he served in the Army Veterinary Corps. Dr. Conley subsequently joined a practice in Coin, Iowa. In 1961, he moved to Le Mars, Iowa, where he established a practice, focusing on food animal medicine. Dr. Conley also volunteered his services as the veterinarian for the Plymouth County Fair for 52 years.
A member of the Iowa VMA (IVMA), he served on the IVMA executive board for several years. Dr. Conley’s wife, Barbara; five sons and a daughter; 17 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to Wet Nose Rescue, P.O. Box 454, 1331 Hawkeye Ave. SW, Le Mars, IA 51031, or Merrill Fire & Rescue, 500 Roosevelt St., Merrill, IA 51038.
Robert Scott Espey
Dr. Espey (Missouri ’97), 53, Lone Jack, Missouri, died June 29, 2024. He practiced at Crain Veterinary Center in Grain Valley, Missouri, with his father, Dr. Jerry R. Espey (Missouri ’71). Early in his career, Dr. Espey worked at Eagle Animal Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Kendra; a son and a daughter; his parents; and a sister. Memorials may be made to Cowboys for Cancer, 1311 Highway 54, Redfield, KS 66769, or Johnny Laughlin Memorial, c/o Missouri High School Rodeo Association, 10764 Marie’s Road 331, Vienna, MO 65582.
Robert Philip Gordon
Dr. Gordon, 75, Wayne, New Jersey, died July 14, 2024. A 1975 veterinary graduate of the University of Bologna in Italy, he owned Oakland Animal Hospital, a small animal practice in Oakland, New Jersey, for 45 years. A past chair of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and a past president of the New Jersey VMA, Dr. Gordon was New Jersey’s alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates from 2000-02 and was the state’s delegate from 2002-11. His wife, Susan; two sons and a daughter; and eight grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to Shomrei Torah Wayne Conservative Congregation, 30 Hinchman Ave., Wayne, NJ 07474, jav.ma/ShomreiTorah, or Paws in the Park Pet Trust, P.O. Box 3481, Wayne, NJ 07474.
Donald R. Howard
Dr. Howard (Michigan State ’65), 84, Wilmington, North Carolina, died May 7, 2024. Prior to retirement, he served as associate dean and director of academic affairs at North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, which he helped establish. Earlier in his career, Dr. Howard was an associate professor of surgery and associate dean at Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine.
A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, he served the college as president and chair of the board of regents. Dr. Howard is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn; two sons; two grandchildren; and a sister. Memorials may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513, jav.ma/VFoundation.
Samuel W. Jameson
Dr. Jameson (Missouri ’67), 82, McFall, Missouri, died August 3, 2024. Following graduation, he served as a captain in the Army during the Vietnam War, earning a Bronze Star. Dr. Jameson subsequently established a practice in Albany, Missouri, where he practiced primarily large animal medicine for almost 30 years. He then worked as a district veterinarian for the Missouri Department of Agriculture in Cameron until retirement in 2017. Dr. Jameson is survived by two sons, three grandchildren, and two sisters. Memorials may be made to the Mount Zion Cemetery, c/o Ann Hogue, 4159 570th Road, Albany, MO 64402.
Abdul R. Kazam
Dr. Kazam, 84, Vineland, New Jersey, died May 31, 2024. He was a 1962 graduate of the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences in Lahore, Pakistan. Dr. Kazam is survived by his family.
William R. Lance
Dr. Lance (Oklahoma State ’65), 82, Casper, Wyoming, died June 29, 2024. Known for his dedication to improving the health and care of wild and exotic animals, he was the founder of Wildlife Pharmaceuticals, a company focused exclusively on developing specialized pharmaceuticals for nondomestic species. Following graduation, Dr. Lance served as a veterinary medical officer in the Air Force Veterinary Corps, attaining the rank of captain. He went on to establish Wildlife Pharmaceuticals. A diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine, Dr. Lance was a past president of the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians and a member of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and Wildlife Disease Association. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; a son and a daughter; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Paul O. Leonard
Dr. Leonard (Iowa State ’57), 90, Barrington, Illinois, died June 7, 2024. He owned Bramer Animal Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, prior to retirement. Dr. Leonard was a past president of the Illinois State and Chicago VMAs and was a member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). In 1991, he received the AAHA Outstanding Practitioner Award. Dr. Leonard is survived by his wife, Nancy; a son; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister.
Lynn P. Martin
Dr. Martin (Purdue ’64), 86, Fort Wayne, Indiana, died March 8, 2024. He founded Fort Wayne Pet Hospital where he practiced small animal medicine for 49 years prior to retirement in 2018. Earlier in his career, Dr. Martin served as a captain in the Army Veterinary Corps during the Vietnam War and practiced in Indiana at South Bend and Elkhart. He was a past president of the Northeast Indiana VMA and a member of the Indiana VMA. Dr. Martin’s wife, DeMarise; a daughter and three sons; 15 grandchildren; and two brothers survive him. One son, Dr. Marcus Martin (Purdue ’01), is also a veterinarian. Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent Boy Scouts, 8965 Auburn Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.
Harold Glen Meiner
Dr. Meiner (Illinois ’59), 88, Pontiac, Illinois, died August 27, 2024. Following graduation, he joined Pontiac Veterinary Hospital. From 1962-64, Dr. Meiner served in the Army, attaining the rank of captain. He then returned to his veterinary practice. Dr. Meiner is survived by his wife, Dolores; two sons and a daughter; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Calvin Moon
Dr. Moon (Pennsylvania ’52), 100, North Hanover, New Jersey, died September 5, 2024. He began his career at Wood Veterinary Hospital in Trenton, New Jersey. Dr. Moon subsequently founded Hamilton Veterinary Hospital in Hamilton, New Jersey. He later helped establish Columbus Central Veterinary Hospital in Columbus, New Jersey, where he served 20 years as the medical director.
Dr. Moon was a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. His wife, June Ann; three daughters and a son; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister survive him. One daughter, Dr. Mary Moon-Kandebo (Pennsylvania ’83), is also a veterinarian. Memorials may be made to The Carter Center, One Copenhill, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, cartercenter.org, or the U.S. Naval Institute, Beach Hall, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402, usni.org.
Sheri J. Ross
Dr. Ross (Prince Edward ’96), 54, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, died August 16, 2024. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, she was an associate professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC). Dr. Ross began her career as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Minnesota. She later accepted a clinical faculty position with the University of California-Davis, serving as the coordinator of the nephrology and urology and extracorporeal therapies program in San Diego. In 2022, Dr. Ross joined the veterinary faculty of UPEI. She is survived by her husband, Graham Bateman; her mother; and a sister. Memorials may be made to Cat Action Team, P.O. Box 2193 Station Central, Charlottetown, PE, Canada C1A 8B9; Red Head Strays, 15 Stillview Court, Saint John, NB, Canada E2P 1A5; or Cat Rescue Maritimes, PO Box 22027, Saint John, NB, Canada, E2K 4T7.
Bronson K. Springstead
Dr. Springstead (Colorado State ’67), 88, Jarales, New Mexico, died June 14, 2024. An equine veterinarian, he owned Zia Equine Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for more than 30 years. Dr. Springstead was known for his contributions to equine medical care, including the development of surgical techniques and equipment for arthroscopic procedures. He was a veteran of the Navy. Dr. Springstead’s wife, Karen; a son and a daughter; four grandchildren; and a brother survive him.
Paul T. Wise
Dr. Wise (Colorado State ’50), 105, Magalia, California, died August 8, 2024. Following graduation, he served as an associate veterinarian at Santa Ana Veterinary Hospital in Santa Ana, California. In 1957, Dr. Wise founded Grand Avenue Pet Hospital in Santa Ana, practicing there until 1976. In semi-retirement, he went on to work part time at Evers Veterinary Clinic in Chico, California, where he ran the vaccination clinics. Dr. Wise retired at the age of 102.
Active in organized veterinary medicine, he served as secretary-treasurer of the North Valley VMA for more than 40 years. Dr. Wise is survived by his family.
