David Haworth Named MAF President And CEOMay 12, 2011 Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) today announced the appointment of David Haworth, DVM, PhD, as its new president and CEO. Dr. Haworth will oversee the nonprofit’s efforts to advance health and welfare research that protects, treatments and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife worldwide. Haworth is currently the director of global alliances for Pfizer Animal Health, a position he has held since 2008. He will officially join the foundation June 13. “Dr. Haworth brings a diversity of experiences that include corporate partnership development, veterinary research, nonprofit oversight and clinical practice,” says Mark Carter, PhD, chair of MAF’s board of trustees. “MAF has experienced excellent growth over the past few years, and Dr. Haworth’s background and passion for animal health will help to move the organization into its next phase of growth and evolution.” As president and CEO, Haworth will oversee a staff of 31, implement Morris Animal Foundation’s strategic plan, provide leadership in developing organizational and financial plans, actively support fundraising efforts and ensure that the foundation identifies and funds strategic research that produces significant outcomes to advance the health of companion animals and wildlife. He replaces Patricia N. Olson, DVM, PhD, who led the foundation …
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BVA Teams With BSAVA For London CongressMay 12, 2011 The British Veterinary Association (BVA) announces this year’s annual Congress theme ‘Vets in a changing world,’ will be delivered in association with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA). The Congress will take place September 22-24 in London at the Royal College of Physicians. The Congress includes a scientific program covering feline medicine, gastroenterology medicine and surgery and cardiorespiratory medicine. Speakers include Ian Ramsay, Hattie Syme, Sue Murphy (feline), Penny Watson, Alex German and John Williams (gastro), Mike Martin, Adrian Boswood, Pete Mantis, Sophie Adamantos and Jackie Brearley (cardio). “We are delighted to announce the collaboration between BVA and BSAVA to deliver an outstanding Congress for the members of our two associations,” says Harvey Locke, president of the BVA. “BVA Congress has become the most important date in the veterinary political diary. This year’s contentious issues and overseas programs will highlight the role of vets in a changing world and discuss how we can adapt to new challenges as individuals and as a profession.” Highlights of the clinical program include: • The Wooldridge Memorial Lecture ‘Making a global impact’ by Peter Roeder, professor, who led the Global Rinderpest Eradication Program • ‘Teeth, feet and …
Donations Sought In Wake Of Miami Distemper OutbreakMay 12, 2011 Veterinary facilities and community members across the U.S. are caring for animals in need after a March distemper outbreak forced evacuation of Miami Dade Animal Services (MDAS). Almost 500 animals have been rescued by veterinarians, the community, No Kill Nation (NKN), the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL) and other local animal welfare groups, which have now initiated a supply and funding drive to support the affected pets. MCABSL is collecting and distributing funds for veterinary care of the rescued dogs online. NKN is collecting necessities for dog care such as food, bedding, blankets, leashes, collars, flea and tick applications and any other pet-related supplies. Donations for cats and kittens are also needed. Funds and the supplies will be distributed to qualifying rescues and parties at a soon-to-be announced date and location. For more information on the distribution effort and how to qualify, please contact info@unitedagainstbsl.org or info@thenokillnation.org. Those who would like to donate supplies may drop off at the following times and locations: • Broward County drop-off: 837 Southeast 8th Avenue, Suite 201 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 (954) 857-2850 …
AAFP And ISFM Release Feline Friendly Handling GuidelinesMay 11, 2011The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) today, released the Feline Friendly Handling Guidelines, which have been endorsed by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The guidelines were developed by a panel of experts in feline medicine and behavior with the goal of creating a less stressful experience for feline patients while meeting their medical needs, according to a statement issued by the groups. Pet population studies from the American Veterinary Medical Association indicate that pet cats outnumber pet dogs, yet dogs visit the veterinary practice more than twice as often, according to the groups. “These guidelines are a reminder of the unique responses that cats have to handling stress and how critical first impressions are to building lasting client relationships," says Donna Stephens Manley, DVM, guidelines committee chair. A recent Bayer-Brakke study indicates that 58 percent of cat owners surveyed say their cats hate to go to the veterinary hospital. Many owners state that they avoid veterinary visits for their cat because of the stress of the veterinary visit, which results in compromised care for the feline patient. The stated objective of these guidelines is to make veterinary visits more comfortable …
Continuing Coverage: Vets, Animal Groups Helping In Japan Relief EffortsMay 11, 2011 Editor's Note: For initial coverage of veterinary industry news pertaining to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, click here . May 11, 2011: A committee led by the International Fund for Animal Welfare has presented to the Japanese government a report detailing response procedures and protocols to monitor, evacuate and treat animals left inside the evacuation zone around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Japan has set up a 20-kilometer (12 miles) evacuation zone around the plant, which was damaged during the March 11 earthquake, according to media reports. The committee, which includes representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, contends that well-trained and equipped rescue teams should be allowed to continue to remove animals from the restricted zone as long as the safety protocols it provided are followed. April 22, 2011: Global Animal, an online magazine focusing on animal news and stories, has launched the Global Animal Foundation in an effort to raise money for animals impacted by Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. The nonprofit has already raised $27,000 for the Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support, a coalition of three animal rescue groups in Japan. The …
Antivenom Study: Success In Treating Dogs Bitten By North American Pit VipersMay 11, 2011 BioVeteria Life Sciences, LLC., a Prescott, Ariz. bioscience company, has developed a polyvalent F(ab’)2 antivenom that consists of antibody fragments previously shown to cross neutralize the venoms from all common North American pit vipers. This new antivenom represents an evolution in antivenom development according to Craig Woods, DVM, MS, MBA, manager, BioVeteria Life Sciences, LLC. On May 4, the private company announced the conclusion of a multi-center canine efficacy and safety study on the F(ab’)2 antivenom that Dr. Woods says is effective in counteracting venom from pit vipers. The crotalinae, or crotalines (pit vipers), are a subfamily of venomous vipers includes rattlesnakes, copperhead, cottonmouth snakes and 44 subspecies. “In areas where these species live, veterinary practices can see three to four snakebite cases a week for much of the year,” Woods says. “During the animal’s evaluation, the veterinarian will often find puncture wounds and treat the animal with antivenom. Because of the need for antivenoms, we are undergoing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval for this product.” The efficacy study evaluated 74 dogs envenomated by pit vipers in various geographical regions. Results showed that F(ab’)2 pit viper antivenom administration resulted in rapid and significant improvement …
Bacteria Contamination Prompts Recall Of Prep Pads In Pet First Aid KitsMay 11, 2011 Creative Pet Products of Spring Valley, Wis., is recalling the iodine and alcohol prep pads included in its first aid kits for dogs and horses because the pads may be contaminated with bacteria. The company is recalling alcohol pads in the following kits: 10140 Horse Aid Kit 10145 Sporting Dog Kit 10148 Sporting Dog II Kit 10151 K9 First Aid Police & Military Kit All lot numbers are involved and the alcohol pads are branded either Triad or Nova Plus. The company is recalling iodine pads in the following kits: 10140 Horse Aid Kit 10145 Sporting Dog Kit 10148 Sporting Dog II Kit Lot numbers starting with 8, 9, 0 and 1 are involved in the recall. The iodine pads are branded either Triad or H&P Industries. Creative Pet’s recall follows recalls issued earlier this year by the pads’ manufacturer, Triad Group of Hartland, Wis. Triad, which is also known as H&P Industries Inc., recalled the pads due to concerns that the alcohol pads were contaminated with Bacillus cereus and the iodine pads were contaminated with Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. The use of contaminated pads could lead to …
World Conference On Veterinary Education Marks Profession’s 250th AnniversaryMay 11, 2011 The World Conference on Veterinary Education (WCVE) will take place May 13-15, at VetAgro Sup Veterinary Campus in Marcy l’Etoile in Lyon, France. International industry leaders will meet to take part in roundtables on global veterinary education needs and strategies, the views on education and the work of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) on competencies of veterinary graduates. The conference is being held as part of Vet Year 2011, to promote knowledge and understanding of the profession and to mark its 250th anniversary. The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), considered the world’s largest alliance of animal welfare organizations, will be in attendance at the conference to promote the teaching of animal welfare, a concept which has not formed an intrinsic part of the curricula of a veterinary student, according to the group. WSPA says good animal welfare is an integral part of animal health and should form an integral part of the education of veterinarians. “We wish to congratulate the veterinary profession on its 250th anniversary and look forward to this conference and its debate on many of the important issues surrounding veterinary sciences’,” says Ruth DeVere, head of education at …
Report: California Leads Nation In Dog BitesMay 10, 2011 State Farm reported today that California filed the most dog bite claims in 2010, accounting for $11.3 million in payouts. The company released its list of the top 10 states that filed dog bite claims last year. Overall, the Bloomington, Ill.-based insurance company said it paid more than $90 million in 2010 as a result of nearly 3,500 dog bite claims. State Farm does not refuse insurance based on dog breed with the exception of the state of Ohio, which has determined that pit bulls meet the definition of a “vicious dog.” A dog’s tendency to bite depends on such factors as heredity, obedience training, socialization, health and the victim’s behavior, according to State Farm. “We believe there are good dogs and bad dogs within every breed, just as there can be responsible and irresponsible owners of each breed,” the company commented. However, under the right circumstances, any dog might bite, the company warned. Children account for more than 60 percent of all dog bite victims, State Farm reported. Of the 33 dog bites that resulted in death last year, 20 of the fatalities were young children, according to the company. The …
Ranchers Receive Aid For Cattle Affected In Texas WildfiresMay 10, 2011 Pfizer Animal Health is helping veterinarians in areas affected by Texas wildfires assess and treat cattle through a new voucher program. Assistance is available to livestock producers and veterinarians to ensure impacted livestock are evaluated and treated. Vouchers worth $100 are being offered to reimburse Texas veterinarians for consulting fees to assess their clients’ impacted livestock. To treat animals with respiratory problems created by the fires, Pfizer Animal Health is also making free antibiotics available. “Many local ranchers are losing their homes and their major or only source of income – their cattle,” says Roger Saltman, DVM, MBA, group director cattle veterinary operations with Pfizer Animal Health. “It is a devastating and emotional situation for everyone involved. We feel we can help most by ensuring that ranchers in affected areas are able to receive the expert services and products needed to save and care for their animals.” Since Monday, the Texas Forest Service is responding to seven major fires that span 586,624 acres and report 207 of the 254 Texas counties have burn bans in place. When cattle have been affected by smoke inhalation, the animals must be assessed within 48 hours to determine the …
