FDA Rescinds Monkeypox-based Trade RestrictionsApril 17, 2009The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday removed its regulation that established restrictions on the capture, transport, sale and distribution of African rodents, prairie dogs and certain other animals within the United States. The restrictions were lifted because the FDA believes they are no longer necessary to prevent the further introduction, transmission and spread on monkeypox, a zoonotic and potentially fatal disease, in the U.S. The restrictions originally went into effect in 2003, following the spread of monkeypox to humans through prairie dogs and Gambian giant pouched rats that were sold through the pet specialty channel. The FDA reports 72 human cases, none fatal, occurred in that outbreak. On June 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA jointly banned the sale, transportation and distribution of the suspect animals, which also included tree and rope squirrels, dormice, brush-tailed procupines and striped mice. The CDC also banned all importation of African rodents and other animals that can carry monkeypox into the U.S. That embargo remains in effect. <HOME>
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Winn Awards Grants For Feline Health StudiesApril 17, 2009 The Winn Feline Foundation has awarded $99,909 in grants for studies on feline herpesvirus, adverse effects of vaccinations, interstitial cystitis, a new form of retinal disease, feline calicivirus and chronic renal failure. A $15,000 grant was awarded to the continuing study “RNA interference of feline herpesvirus by synthetic siRNAs in corneal epithelial cells,” by Rebecca Wilkes, DVM, and Stephen Kania, Ph.D., of the University of Tennessee. The purpose of this study is to evaluate RNA interference for FHV-1 in cat corneal cells, cells which naturally are infected by the virus. It has already been shown that RNA interference can be used to reduce the production of FHV-1 in cat kidney cell cultures. “Association of vaccine administration with systemic disease in cats,” by Michael Lappin, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVIM, and Jacqueline Whittemore, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVIM, of Colorado State University, received a $25,000 grant. The researchers maintain that it is possible that kidney disease and other common feline disease syndromes may develop as a result of over vaccinating cats. The study will evaluate the adverse effects of vaccinations. “Adrenocortical function in cats with feline interstitial cystitis,” by C.A. Tony Buffington, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. …
Proposed Alabama Bill Requires Pet SterilizationApril 17, 2009 Privately owned dogs and cats within the state of Alabama would need to be spayed or neutered under a bill introduced by Senator Del Marsh. Senate Bill 554 relates to dogs and cats that are 6 months of age and older. It provides for civil fines as well as certain exceptions. If enacted, SB 554 will provide that an owner of an unsterilized dog 6 months of age or older who is the subject of a complaint may be cited and, in addition to any fine, pay civil penalties as follows: $50 on the first occurrence; . $100 on the second occurrence; . Require sterilization of the dog on the third occurrence; . For cat owners, sterilization will be required on second occurrence. The bill defines "complaint" as any oral or written complaint to a local animal control agency that “alleges that the dog, cat or owner of the dog or cat has violated this act, any other provision of state law that relates to dogs or cats, or a local animal control ordinance.” "Complaint" also means the observation by an employee or officer of a …
World Rabies Day Observance Sept 28April 17, 2009World Rabies Day will be observed Sept. 28 to mobilize awareness and resources in support of human rabies prevention and animal rabies control. Seventy-four countries participated in last year's inaugural World Rabies Day, educating more than 54.3 million people, according to the Alliance for Rabies Control, a United Kingdom charity that helped spearhead the effort with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rabies is still a killer—55,000 people around the world die from rabies in a year, and one person dies from rabies every 10 minutes, according to the Alliance for Rabies Control. In recognition of World Rabies Day, a variety of events are scheduled, including vaccination clinics, lectures and educational seminars, festivals and dog walks. Among them: In Atlanta on Sept. 28, World Rabies Day Run will take place 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the historic district at Inman Park. Click here for details. Sept. 28–Oct. 3: The 19th International Conference on Rabies in the Americas will be held at the CDC in Atlanta. Researchers, directors of national and municipal programs, laboratory workers and others get together to discuss successes and challenges with rabies prevention.
In ‘08, Change Is Brewing On Many FrontsApril 17, 2009 When a new year begins, we often think about change. At times, change challenges our comfort zone and goes beyond expectations. An accepted concept can get turned upside down when new information unveils the truth. Look at the old Food Triangle, for example. It had carbohydrates as the base and meats at the pinnacle. With epidemic obesity-associated diabetes, in people and pets, a new word has evolved, “diabesity.” Now, the Food Triangle is turned upside down. We should embrace that change for our pets, as well. We know not to eat doughnuts, pastries, soft drinks and pasta all day long as sustenance. We now know that a strict dry-food diet for cats may cause “diabesity” and other illness. Cats are obligate carnivores. Despite the convenience of dry food, cats need and thrive on meaty food. People are reading the book, Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life, by Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins, Esq. People want to feed their pets properly, even though they might not be feeding themselves properly. Try this change: For one month, ask your staff to eat fresh fruit and a protein, such as low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, or a veggie omelet …
North Carolina Vet College Seeks Pets For Clinical TrialsApril 17, 2009 The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for companion animals to take part in the following clinical trials: NOTE: Most of these studies offer medical treatments, diagnostics and other compensation for participation • Keppra (Levetiracetam) study in dogs with epilepsy: The college is recruiting dogs affected by idiopathic epilepsy for this double-blind, placebo controlled drug study. Dogs must be on therapeutic levels of anticonvulsants and still have four or more seizures per month. Recruitment ends March 1. For more information, e-mail animalepilepsy@ncsu.edu. • Multi-drug resistance in herding dogs: The college is recruiting collies, Australian shepherds and Shetland sheepdogs for this MDR-1 study. Dogs must have epilepsy and be on therapeutic levels of anticonvulsants. Recruitment ends May 1. For more information, e - mail animalepilepsy@ncsu.edu. • Cats with high grade gastrointestinal lymphoma: Cats diagnosed with high-grade lymphoma isolated to the gastrointestinal region are being recruited for a study to examine the effects of abdominal radiation therapy following induction chemotherapy. Recruitment ends March 1. For more information, e-mail julie_osborne@ncsu.edu. • Dogs with lymphoma for a study of cardiac function: The two-year study is being conducted to determine whether cardiac changes may be …
Digital World Has Big Impact On Vet Professionals, Survey FindsApril 17, 2009 A new survey indicates that veterinary professionals—veterinarians, practice managers, veterinary technicians, veterinary students and veterinary technician students—believe that they are more productive because of computing and communications devices. Eighty-eight percent of veterinarians said the Internet enhances their ability to access the latest science and research, according to a Digital Clinic Study conducted by public relations company Fleishman-Hillard in cooperation with the American Veterinary Medical Assn. and the American Animal Hospital Assn. In addition, 64 percent said the Internet makes their practice more efficient, and 61 percent said the Internet helps them provide better care for animals. However, only 43 percent said the Internet helps them communicate with their clients and just 32 percent said the Internet makes their practice more profitable, according to the survey. Over the past six months, 86 percent of respondents had visited a veterinary association or organization website; 76 percent had visited a veterinary school or research organization website; and 70 percent had visited a veterinary clinic or animal hospital website. Other veterinary topics included online continuing education (68 percent), animal nutrition (64 percent), toxicology and poisoning (59 percent), zoonoses (58 percent), veterinary diagnostic databases (54 percent), animal behavior and …
Washington VMA Seeks Animal Hall Of Fame NominationsApril 17, 2009 The Washington State Veterinary Medical Assn. is seeking nominations for its 2007 Animal Hall of Fame Awards. Animals must be nominated by veterinarians practicing in Washington. The award process is open to any animal, including those no longer living. The Animal Hall of Fame categories include: Hero – given to a non-professional animal that has saved a human life; Companion – given to a non-professional animal that has provided extraordinary benefit to humans and society; Professional – given to an animal professionally trained to assist humans, such as police dogs, military dogs, search and rescue or guide dogs for the blind; and, Therapy – given to an animal beneficial to a hospice, nursing home, prisons or other facilities. Deadline is Aug. 1. Awards will be presented on Sept. 29, at the association’s annual meeting in Yakima. For more information, call 425-454-8381, email bjones@wsvma.org or visit www.wsvma.org.
Vick Sentenced To 23 Months For Dog FightingApril 17, 2009 Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison today for his role in a dog fighting ring that was run on property he owned in Surry, Va. Vick admitted killing pit bulls that underperformed, as well as financing the operation - Bad Newz Kennels - and bankrolling gambling on the dog fights. He also faces trial on similar dog fighting charges in Virginia, which carry a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison according to the New York Times. More than 50 pit bulls were seized from Vick’s property in June. Of those, four died shortly after they were discovered and two have been euthanized. The remaining dogs have been recommended for placement and possible future adoption. Vick has agreed to pay more than $920,000 for the care of those dogs. <HOME>
Hill’s First Quarter Revenue Grows 16.5%April 17, 2009 Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. of Topeka, Kan., recently reported that revenue for its first quarter ended March 31 grew 16.5 percent. Revenue was $503.2 million, compared to $431.1 million in the year-ago period. The company's growth in the U.S. veterinary channel was driven by Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline, Lower Urinary Tract Disease, Prescription Diet j/d Canine and Prescription Diet d/d Canine. Market share gains in the U.S. specialty pet channel were driven by strong sales of Science Diet Canine Adult Large Breed and Science Diet Canine Adult Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe Small Bites. Internationally, volume growth was led by Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Belgium and Romania. New pet food products contributing to the international growth include Prescription Diet j/d Light Canine, Science Plan Chunks in Gravy Feline pouches and Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline. Overall, Hill’s parent company Colgate-Palmolive Co. reported net income of $466.5 million on revenue of $3.71 billion for its first quarter, compared to net income of $486.6 million on revenue of $3.21 billion in the year-ago period. <HOME>
