United Kingdom Reports SVC OutbreakApril 24, 2009 The United Kingdom has reported an outbreak of spring viraemia of carp (SVC) in a shipment of ornamental goldfish imported from China. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) released an alert announcing the outbreak on April 24 after receiving notification of the incident from the United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs According to OIE, a total of 19 boxes containing 11,110 live red cap oranda goldfish were imported legally to the United Kingdom from China in March. The fish reportedly arrived with appropriate health certification. On clearing border inspection, 16 boxes were shipped to Northern Ireland while three stayed in England. A sample of fish was tested for SVC as part of a routine surveillance program for imports of SVC-susceptible fish. The sample fish tested positive for the infectious viral disease. As a result, all of the fish were destroyed and the sites holding the fish were disinfected. Chinese authorities have been informed of occurrence. <HOME>
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JAVMA Editor-In-Chief Emeritus DiesApril 23, 2009 Janis Audin, DVM, editor-in-chief emeritus of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, died April 22 following a three-year battle with a long-term illness. She was 58 years old. Dr. Audin was appointed with the emeritus status on March 22, not only to recognize her accomplishments, but also as a pathway that would enable her to continue contributing to the Publications Division and the AVMA scientific journals. AVMA said she was delighted over that prospect, but her health failed rapidly in the ensuing month. Dr. Audin continued to work from AVMA headquarters until mid-February and then went on medical leave where she continued to provide direction to the Publications Division and leadership input to the association from home. “Her contributions to the journals, to the AVMA and the profession were profound, and we will be forever grateful,” said Ron DeHaven, DVM, chief executive officer of the AVMA. “Even though we will all miss Janis tremendously, let’s celebrate and honor her life and realize how fortunate we were to have known her and worked with her. Between the professional journals, which she lived for, and the many lives she has …
Florida Compounder Reports Error In Medication For Dead Polo HorsesApril 23, 2009 Franck’s Pharmacy in Ocala, Fla., reported April 23 that it incorrectly prepared medication used to treat the 21 horses that died April 19 shortly before the U.S. Open Polo Championship in Palm Beach County, Fla. “As soon as we learned of the tragic incident, we conducted an internal investigation that was led by an outside lawyer and, upon its conclusion, we immediately alerted the state Department of Health and Board of Pharmacy,” Jennifer Beckett, chief operations officer of Franck’s Pharmacy, said in a statement released to the media. “The report, which we are furnishing to these agencies, concluded that the strength of an ingredient in the medication was incorrect.” The statement did not specify the ingredient. “We extend our most sincere condolences to the horses’ owners, the Lechuza Polo team and the members of the United States Polo Association,” Beckett said. In Caracas, Venezuela, meanwhile, Lechuza Polo issued a statement saying that the Merial Ltd. injectable Biodyl, reported by some newspapers as being the vitamin supplement used, “is not the issue in this instance.” “A Florida-licensed veterinarian wrote a prescription for a compounded substitute vitamin supplement containing vitamin B, potassium, …
VCA’s Same-Store Sales Down 2.7 PercentApril 22, 2009 VCA Antech Inc.’s same-store revenue declined by 2.7 percent in the first quarter ended March 31. The same-store gross profit margin increased to 18.8 percent from 18.5 percent. The Animal Hospital Division reported revenue of $238.4 million in the first quarter, compared to $226.1 million in the year-ago period. The 5.4 percent increase was driven by acquisitions made in the past 12 months. The Los Angeles company made nine acquisitions during the quarter, marking historical combined annual revenue of $20.9 million. VCA Antech’s Laboratory Division reported revenue of $77.5 million in the first quarter, compared to $76.7 million in the year-ago period. The Medical Technology Division saw first-quarter revenue of $9.2 million, down from $13.8 million. Overall, VCA Antech reported net income of $32.9 million on revenue of $315.9 million in the first quarter, compared to $32.2 million and $307.8 million, respectively, in the year-ago period. The company also affirmed its 2009 financial guidance: revenue of $1.36 billion to $1.39 billion and net income of $135.2 million to $141.1 million. <HOME>
Penford, Lonza Develop Functional Dog TreatsApril 22, 2009Penford, Lonza Develop Functional Dog TreatsPenford, Lonza Develop Functional Dog TreatsnewslinePosted: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 5:03 p.m., EDT Penford Food Ingredients Co., a Centennial, Colo.-based manufacturer of ingredients for the processed food industry, has partnered with chemical and biotechnology company Lonza Group Ltd. to expand its line of functional dog treats. Penford unveiled the dog treats, which contain Lonza's L-carnitine product, Carniking, on April 20 at the 2009 Petfood Forum in Chicago. Carniking plays a fundamental role in energy metabolism, according to Penford. The product also reportedly provides other benefits, such as managing weight and supporting healthy heart and liver function. "The addition of Carniking is a natural step to bring customers chew treats for dogs that not only deliver on providing oral care benefits, but can also be a convenient way for the consumer to supplement their pets with key functional ingredients," said Jeff Smith, vice president of business development for Penford. Penford plans to formulate and manufacture injection-molded dog treats containing Carniking for clients, who would take the dog treats to market, Smith said. Penford's production process ensures that the heat-sensitive L-carnitine is retained in the finished product. Basel, Switzerland-based Lonza …
Congress To Consider Ban On Exotic PetsApril 21, 2009 A hearing is set for April 23 on federal legislation that could halt the trade in thousands of nonnative animal species in the U.S., including most birds, reptiles, fish and several mammals — hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs and ferrets — commonly kept as pets. The bill, House Resolution 669, the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act, would exempt dogs, cats, horses and goldfish and a variety of farm animals. It will be considered before the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, a Washington, D.C.-based pet industry trade group, is urging pet industry members, including veterinarians, to contact the subcommittee with concerns about the proposal. Marshall Meyers of PIJAC has been invited to speak as the sole spokesman for the private sector, including pet owners and the pet industry. He will testify against the bill in its current form. PIJAC has posted a list of subcommittee members. Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Assn., also opposes the bill as written. “If passed, it could negatively impact the entire pet industry,” he wrote in a letter to members …
World Veterinary Day Celebrates Partnerships With Livestock FarmersApril 21, 2009 Veterinary professionals on April 25 will celebrate World Veterinary Day, instigated by the World Veterinary Assn. in 2000. This year’s theme is “Veterinarians and Livestock Farmers, A Winning Partnership.” “Veterinarians play a key role in all countries as guarantors of animal health and public health,” according to the association. “But the effectiveness of their action is strongly linked to and dependent on their relationship with farmers. Livestock farmers all around the world are the first sentinels of animal disease events and a rapid response in the fight against animal diseases cannot leave aside their crucial role.” The veterinary association that best publicizes the theme by involving livestock farmers in the organization of events as well as other stakeholders, such as the media and the public, will receive the 2009 World Veterinary Day Award. It will be presented at the 77th OIE General Assembly in Paris on May 24-29. The World Veterinary Assn. and the World Organization for Animal Health created the award in 2008 to reward the most successful celebration of the veterinary profession by national veterinary associations alone or in cooperation with another veterinary group. The Kenya Veterinary Assn. won the $1,000 award last …
AVMA And Hill’s Release Obesity PSAApril 21, 2009 As part of their The Alliance for Healthier Pets—Obesity and Awareness and Prevention Program, the American Veterinary Medical Association and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. have produced a video public service announcement designed to raise awareness of pet obesity among pet owners. The 30-second spot, titled “The Scale,” informs pet owners that even a few extra pounds on their pet could lead to diabetes, arthritis or heart disease and encourages them to visit a veterinarian. It also encourages viewers to visit the website that promotes Hill’s, pet fitness and the alliance. The Alliance distributed the PSA to about 800 broadcast and 500 cable stations, beginning in March. It expects the spot will run more than 100,000 times and generate more than 500 million audience impressions, thereby driving more pet owners to make veterinary appointments to discuss obesity prevention and eradication. <HOME>
UPDATE: Florida Spay/Neuter Bill AmendedApril 17, 2009UPDATE: Florida Spay/Neuter Bill AmendedUPDATE: Florida Spay/Neuter Bill AmendednewslinePosted: Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 8:07 p.m., EDT A mandatory spay/neuter bill under consideration in Florida has been revised so that it's no longer required for pet owners to get their dogs or cats sterilized. As of March 24, House Bill 451 was amended to remove all mandatory spay/neuter language. Instead, the new version of the bill gives the local government the option to use a $5 surcharge added to animal-control citations to help pay for low-cost spay/neuter programs. The "strike-all" amendment to the bill was adopted by the Florida House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee. As originally introduced, the bill called for most dogs and cats to be sterilized at 4 months of age. <HOME> Related Story: Florida Mandatory Spay/Neuter Bill Set for Hearing A mandatory spay/neuter bill under consideration in Florida has been revised so that it's no longer required for pet owners to get their dogs or cats sterilized.A mandatory spay/neuter bill under consideration in Florida has been revised so that it's no longer required for pet owners to get their dogs or cats sterilized.spay/neuter, Florida, House Bill 451, Florida House Agriculture and Natural Resources …
PawsPlus To Acquire Animal Health AssociatesApril 17, 2009PawsPlus to Acquire Animal Health AssociatesPawsPlus to Acquire Animal Health AssociatesPosted: Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 5:14 p.m., EDTnewsline PawsPlus Inc. has agreed to acquire Animal Health Associates Inc. Both companies are based in Sarasota, Fla. Animal Health's corporate philosophy, organizational structure and business model mirrors PawsPlus' operating subsidiary, Vetco Hospitals Inc., said K. Bryan Shobe, CEO of PawsPlus. "PawsPlus will consolidate its corporate headquarters by expanding the Florida headquarter office of Animal Health in Sarasota and relocating some staff from its offices around the country," Shobe said. "Animal Health and Vetco Hospitals will continue to operate as separate subsidiaries of PawsPlus, maintaining their brands in the markets where they currently operate." Vetco Hospitals was launched in the Southern California market in April 1996 with five full-service animal hospitals. In addition, it operates more than 350 temporary vaccination clinics in more than 175 retail locations a month in six Western states. Shobe reported that Vetco Hospital sales increased by 40.5 percent, to $11.7 million, in 2008 from $8.3 million in 2007. Animal Health Associates was launched in Sarasota in May 1997. It operates 180 temporary vaccination clinics in more than 130 retail locations a month in Florida and Georgia. "Animal Health …
