Researcher Combines Computers, Biology To Track FluFebruary 25, 2010 An assistant professor in systems biology at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has combined computers and biology to track animal flu viruses. During graduate studies in China, Henry Wan, DVM, MS, Ph.D., became the first scientist to isolate the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, according to MSU. Shortly after, highly pathogenic H5N1 outbreaks occurred in poultry in Asia, Europe and Africa. More than 440 confirmed human cases across 15 countries were caused by the virus. About 60 percent of them were fatal. “My research centers on influenza A viruses," Dr. Wan said. "Where they come from, why they change and how they spread.” He developed computer programs that provide information on each one of the more than 20,000 viruses’ gene segments, according to MSU. The program displays each gene segment and a map showing the distances between the segments. The information is used to determine how the segments relate to each other and group to form different influenza viruses, which are always changing, Wan said. “The program aims to seek a better understanding of why they mutate and how they spread," he said. "Knowing this helps us more …
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Abaxis Reports Record RevenuesFebruary 25, 2010Abaxis Inc., manufacturer of point-of-care blood analysis systems to the medical and veterinarian markets, has reported record financial growth for the fiscal quarter ended Dec. 31, 2009. The company reported veterinary market sales of $23.9 million, a 33 percent gain over last year’s comparable quarter. The company also reported total medical and veterinary instrument sales of 1,212 units, up 37 percent over the same period last year. Quarterly highlights also include total medical and veterinary reagent disc sales of $16.3 million, up 5 percent over last year’s comparable quarter. Consumables revenue, which includes heartworm rapid tests, increased by an aggregate of $3.4 million, or 20 percent, over the same period last year. Clint Severson, chairman and CEO of Abaxis, said the company has posted another solid quarter of double-digit growth accompanied with strong operating margins. Revenues grew 15 percent to a record $31 million for the quarter, led by a 37 percent increase in instrument unit sales. “Our balance sheet remains healthy with $93.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments and no long-term debt,” Severson said. <HOME>
Veterinarians Invited To Horse Stem Cell Conference In CaliforniaFebruary 24, 2010 Researchers and veterinary practitioners from throughout the United States and abroad are invited to the inaugural North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference, a two-day event to include scientific presentations, demonstrations and discussion sessions. The meeting is coordinated by the UC Davis Center for Equine Health and the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in California’s Central Coast. The groundbreaking conference on the use of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine to treat horses and other animals will feature new research developments and techniques for harvesting, expanding and preserving stem cells, according to the university. In addition, the 200 expected participants will learn about clinical applications and methods for using stem cells in orthopedics, including treating tendon and ligament injuries. One roundtable session plans to feature a discussion on the use of regenerative medicine in equine veterinary practices. Live demonstrations at the equine medical center are set to highlight stem cell collection techniques from bone marrow and fat, and laboratory processing of bone marrow samples, organizers said. The UC Davis Center for Equine Health is coordinating a regenerative medicine research study, now in its fourth year. The study is led by a team of 20 university researchers, including …
Heska Reports Fourth Quarter ProfitsFebruary 22, 2010 Heska Corporation of Loveland, Colo., which sells advanced veterinary diagnostic and other specialty veterinary products, reported fourth-quarter net income of $460 thousand or $0.01 per share, compared with a net loss of $1.9 million or $0.04 per share in the year-ago period. The company reported fourth-quarter net revenue in core companion animal health products of $17.4 million, a 6 percent increase from the year-ago period. Heska cited its heartworm-related products as a reason for the increase. For the 12-month period ended Dec. 31, 2009, the company reported revenue for this category of $75.7 million, compared with net revenue of $81.7 million in the year-ago period. For the year, Heska reported more than $4 million in operating income - the second best result in company history, despite a challenging economic environment, said Robert Grieve, Heska’s chairman and CEO. “In the fourth quarter of 2009, we produced revenue growth in both of our operating segments, increased our gross margin and decreased our operating expenses compared to the fourth quarter of 2008,” Grieve said. “We also placed our first Dri-Chem 7000 Veterinary Chemistry Analyzers with our customers in the fourth quarter of 2009.” The company continues to be …
VCA Antech Reports Fourth Quarter EarningsFebruary 19, 2010 Animal healthcare company VCA Antech Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif. has reported that financial results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2009 show revenue increased 4 percent to $315.2 million, net income decreased 1.3 percent to $25.4 million and diluted earnings per common share was $0.29. Results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009 include the following: revenue increased 2.9 percent to a record $1.31 billion; gross profit increased slightly to $343.0 million; net income decreased 1.2 percent to $131.4 million; and diluted earnings per common share was at $1.53. Twelve-month results include a charge, net of the recovery in the fourth quarter, of $2 million or $0.02 per diluted share related to abandonment of an internally developed software project. Excluding this item, adjusted net income increased slightly to $133.5 million and adjusted diluted earnings per common share remained flat at $1.55. Bob Antin, chairman and CEO, said the company faced challenges in 2009. “As with most companies, the economy negatively impacted our revenue growth rates throughout the year. While the economy continues to put pressure on us, we have seen a relative improvement in the fourth quarter in comparison to the previous three quarters,” he said. …
Pfizer Animal Health Program Contributes $1.3 Million To FFA In 2009February 19, 2010 New York, N.Y.-based Pfizer Animal Health said it plans to continue a contribution program that raised more than $1.3 million in 2009 for Future Farmers of America programs and veterinary scholarships through a partnership with veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dealers. This gives customers a second opportunity to donate in 2010 and help fund the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Foundation/Pfizer Veterinary Student Scholarships and FFA programs, Pfizer said. This opportunity is available now through March 31. During this time, eligible accounts completing an enrollment form get a 1 percent rebate on Pfizer Animal Health Cattle Products, excluding MGA purchases, invoiced and shipped Jan. 1 through March 31 to be donated to either the local FFA chapter(s) of their choice or to the AABP Foundation/Pfizer Veterinary Student Scholarship Fund. Will Fett, National FFA Foundation regional director, said these contributions help strengthen local FFA chapters and expand offerings available to students. “Just as important, members are able to make connections with their local animal health professionals,” he said. In 2009, more than 1,160 Pfizer Animal Health suppliers contributed to FFA chapters. In addition, the program raised more than $212,400 for the AABP Foundation scholarships. …
Andis Pet Grooming Supplier Expands OperationsFebruary 17, 2010Andis Company, a manufacturer of handheld tools for animal groomers, plans to develop a 50,000 square foot expansion of its headquarters, at 1800 Renaissance Blvd., Sturtevant, Wis. The growth, the company said, adds space for manufacturing and warehousing, while generating job opportunities. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this summer. Matthew Andis, executive vice president, said the company has called Racine County home for 88 years. “Partnering with the village of Sturtevant, we look forward to fostering our mission to create value for our customers, community and families; fulfill our passion for growth; and fuel our dedication to legacy,” he said in a statement. Andis Company’s facilities house office space, plus manufacturing, assembly, and distribution operations in more than 107,000 square feet. The expansion takes place on the south side of the building to provide easy product flow, the company said. <HOME>
Animal Dermatology Clinic Opens Indianapolis PracticeFebruary 16, 2010Animal Dermatology Clinic has opened a new, full-time dermatology specialty practice in Indianapolis, Ind. The 2,800 square foot facility features four exam rooms, a treatment area and a procedure room for laser surgeries, allergy testing, biopsies, video otoscopy, diagnostic testing and on-site treatments in a quiet environment. Co-owner Joel Griffies, DVM, Dipl ACVD, said this clinic will efficiently address the needs of clients throughout Indianapolis as well as outlying areas throughout the state. “We have been fortunate in finding such a prime central location for the clinic at beautiful Clearwater Shoppes on the Northside of Indianapolis,” he said. In addition to the grand opening, the clinic adds Lori Thompson, DVM, DACVD to its team of doctors. Dr. Thompson, an Indianapolis native, is a Purdue graduate and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. An open house for referring veterinarians and clients to tour the clinic and meet Dr. Thompson and staff is planned from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 14 at the 3901 East 82nd Street location. As the Indianapolis clinic’s full-time doctor and co-owner, Dr. Thompson will treat small animals, horses, exotic animals, and consult with the Indianapolis Zoo. Founded in 1980 by Dr. Craig Griffin, Animal …
Banfield Releases Latest Pet Oral Health DataFebruary 12, 2010 When it comes to periodontal disease, veterinarians are in a position to play a stronger role in preventing the most common disorder affecting cats and dogs worldwide, according to Banfield’s Applied Research and Knowledge (BARK) team. New findings show that 68 percent of cats and 78 percent of dogs age 3 and older have oral disease. The BARK team conducts ongoing research in the field of veterinary medicine based on data from the more than 120,000 pet visits to Banfield hospitals each week. In conjunction with February’s National Pet Dental Health Month, the team has released the latest information to help veterinarians and pet owners maintain and improve the health of their pets’ teeth and gums. Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, DVM, MS, DACVIM, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Banfield, said more needs to be done to educate the public on the prevalence of the disease and how to take action to reduce the damage it causes, starting in veterinary practices. Veterinary professionals, he said, can do better at educating clients on the importance of yearly dental cleanings and at-home care. Such preventive measures are crucial, and it’s up to veterinarians to make a strong …
UC Davis Plans Veterinary Neurology SymposiumFebruary 12, 2010 The sixth annual veterinary neurology symposium kicks off March 13 at Gladys Valley Hall on the UC Davis campus. The two-day event for veterinarians and technicians features the latest diagnostic techniques, comprehensive information about common disorders, case discussions and interactive workshops with strategies for the application of leading neurological methods to the clinical environment. Organizers said it’s designed to meet the unique needs of small animal clinicians. Symposium speakers include Drs. Peter J. Dickinson, BVSc, Ph.D. (Neurology); Marguerite F. Knipe, DVM (Neurology); Richard A. LeCouteur, BVSc, Ph.D. (Neurology); Beverly K. Sturges, DVM, MS (Neurology); and Karen M. Vernau, DVM, MAS (Neurology). The two-day tuition is $495 and one-day tuition is $245. Symposium tuition includes renowned UC Davis speakers, up to 16 hours of continuing education credit, program syllabus and meals. <HOME>
