Vermont Mulls Animal Hoarding BillMarch 10, 2011 Vermont has introduced a bill that seeks to impose criminal penalties for animal hoarding. As written, House Bill 371 defines an “animal hoarder” as any person who: • Possesses five or more animals; • Fails to provide adequate food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, or necessary medical attention or transports an animal in overcrowded vehicles; • Keeps the animals in a severely overcrowded environment; and • Displays an inability to recognize or understand the nature of or has a reckless disregard for the conditions under which the animals are living and the deleterious impact they have on the animals’ health and well-being. The state’s animal cruelty laws define animals as “all living sentient creatures, not human beings.” This could mean a wide array of animals, including cats, dogs, small animals, birds and reptiles. Violators would be guilty of animal cruelty and could face up to one year’s jail time, a fine of up to $2,000 or both. Second and subsequent violators could face up to two years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both. Under state law, a “humane officer” may seize an animal without a search warrant if …
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Label Mix-Up Prompts Recall Of Human Drug Prescribed For Animals ExtralabelMarch 10, 2011 The. U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine today warned veterinarians about a recent human drug recall for Phenobarbital tablets. The drug is prescribed by veterinarians as an extralabel use for treating seizures in animals. The voluntary recall was first announced by Qualitest Pharmaceuticals in early February and involved several lots of Phenobarbital 32.4 mg and Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets 10 mg/500mg due to a label mix-up between the two drug products. As a result, pets may unintentionally be given Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen tablets instead of the intended drug, Phenobarbital, according to the Center for Veterinary Medicine. The recall includes the following products: • Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 10mg/500mg, NDC 0603-3888-20, 60 count, Lot Numbers T150G10B, T120J10E and T023M10A • Phenobarbital Tablets, USP 32.4 mg, NDC 0603-5166-32, 1,000 count, Lot Numbers T150G10B, T120J10E and T023M10A These lots were distributed between Sept. 21, 2010 and Dec. 29, 2010 to wholesale and retail pharmacies nationwide, including Puerto Rico. Lot numbers can be found on the side of the bottle. Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endo Pharmaceuticals, gave descriptions of each drug: Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets are …
University Of Florida To Hold Conference On Animal FightingMarch 10, 2011 A conference on animal fighting will be held at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine on March 12-13. “Combating Cruelty: Bloodsport Investigations” will focus on the role of veterinary forensics in animal fighting investigations. The conference, co-sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, is open to veterinarians, animal welfare professionals and law enforcement agents. On Saturday, March 12, a series of presentations will aim to teach veterinary professionals and investigators to better recognize the signs of animal fighting; use advancements in forensic veterinary science to better respond to animal fighting investigations; and collect and process physical evidence, including blood samples, fighting wounds and analyzing animal remains. A workshop will be held on Sunday, March 13, to address the behavior evaluation of former fighting dogs. The workshop will be led by Pamela Reid, Ph.D., vice president of the ASPCA’s Animal Behavior Center, who evaluated dogs from the Michael Vick case. Dr. Reid will focus on how to conduct safe, valid assessments and discuss how animal behavior is used to decide appropriate outcomes for former fighting dogs. Other speakers participating in the conference …
Report: U.S. Pet Food Sales Up In 2010, Growth SlowsMarch 9, 2011 The U.S. pet food market continued to grow in 2010, although at a much slower rate than in the past several years, according to a report released last week by market researcher Packaged Facts. The report, Pet Food in the U.S., 9th Edition, analyzes trends in dog food, cat food and other pet food (birds, small animals, fish and reptiles, collectively) in mass-market outlets, pet specialty stores and other channels, such as veterinary offices and the Internet. It found that U.S. retail sales of pet food reached $18.4 billion in 2010, up 2.8 percent over 2009 sales. Although pet food sales were up, Packaged Facts reported that the 2.8 percent growth rate was the slowest the market has seen since the turn of the millennium. Still, despite the sluggish growth, the pet food category saw a number of significant investment deals in 2010: Procter & Gamble acquired Natura Pet Products, Nestlé Purina bought Waggin’ Train, and Del Monte, the maker of Meow Mix, Kibbles ‘n Bits and a number of other pet food brands, received a buyout offer by an investor group lead by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. The Del Monte deal is expected …
Animal Behavior Webinar Series Begins March 31March 8, 2011ImproMed LLC, a subsidiary of Butler Schein Animal Health, will host a three-part webinar series on animal behavior as it pertains to the veterinary examination on Thursday, March 31, Thursday, April 7 and Thursday, April 14 at 1 p.m. CST. Sally Foote, DVM, a general practice veterinarian and veterinary behavioral consultant, will be the presenter. The first session, “Putting Your Patient First,” will include an overview of restraint techniques and physical restriction, newer non-force techniques, the importance of staff safety and client acceptance and step-by-step techniques for the front office staff, technicians and veterinarians. The second session, “Consistency Is Key Documentation and Score,” will focus on the importance of documenting the reinforcers or rewards for that particular patient. The benefits of documentation will also be discussed. “Polishing Up Positive Reinforcement Techniques for Veterinarians,” will be the final session. It will detail positive reinforcement during the veterinary exam, including different factors that affect the response of the animal to the handler and veterinarian. Emphasis during this webinar will be put on the development of observing more subtle body language cues from dogs and cats. Attendees can earn three continuing education credits. For webinar details, click here.
South Korea Gets 12 Million Vaccines To Combat FMD OutbreakMarch 7, 2011 Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health in early March delivered 12 million doses of its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine to South Korea in an effort to halt the country’s FMD outbreak. The South Korean government reported the FMD outbreak in November 2010. Since then, more than three million pigs, cattle, goats and deer have been culled. The South Korean Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has since started vaccinating all 13 million livestock in the country after initial measures were not effective in controlling the outbreak. It is anticipated that the ongoing vaccination campaign will soon show results in the control of the outbreak in concert with the other measures applied, according to Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co. Inc. of Whitehouse Station, N.J. The 12 million doses of Decivac FMD DOE, an inactivated oil-adjuvanted vaccine, were produced at the company’s production facility in Germany. <Home>
Ohio State Veterinarian Named Vet Of The YearMarch 4, 2011 The Ohio State Veterinarian received the award for his outstanding contributions, dedication and service to the veterinary profession, the community and animals. “He has served the animal kingdom, the general public and his colleagues by giving an active voice to the veterinarians of Ohio,” said OVMA President Jason Johnston, DVM, during the awards ceremony at the OVMA’s annual Midwest Veterinary Conference in late February. “Through his knowledge, compassion and dedication to the profession, he has strived to ensure that only the highest standards of veterinary medicine are practiced in Ohio.” Dr. George Kukor (right) receives the Distinguished Service Award, presented by Dr. Johnston. Among other accomplishments, Dr. Forshey took on the task of shepherding the work of the newly formed Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board in 2010. It is a role that has been critical in advancing fair, humane standards, Dr. Johnston said. The OVMA also recognized George Kukor, DVM, for his contributions to the profession with the Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes an individual for exemplary service, commitment and dedication to the veterinary community. “During his career, he has never stopped giving back to the profession he loves,” Johnston …
Aratana Gets Rights To Two Compounds For Animal UseMarch 4, 2011 Aratana Therapeutics Inc. of Kansas City, Kan., reported today that it has entered into a license agreement with RaQualia Pharma Inc. to develop two compounds from RaQualia’s human clinical development portfolio for companion animal use. As part of the agreement, Aratana will be granted global rights for development and commercialization of the licensed animal health products. In exchange, the Japanese company will receive upfront payment, development milestones and royalties on global sales. The first compound is a selective EP-4 antagonist. Aratana reported that the compound has achieved proof of efficacy in human studies and has demonstrated efficacy in animal models for several conditions including, pain, cancer and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. The second compound, a selective Ghrelin agonist, has achieved proof of efficacy in human studies and has demonstrated efficacy in animal models for treatment of cachexia and frailty, according to Aratana. Aratana announced its entry into the animal health industry in early January, which was jump-started by $20 million in Series A financing. Related story: Aratana Enters Animal Health Industry with $20 Million in Funding <Home>
Western Veterinary Conference Sees Record AttendanceMarch 3, 2011 More than 14,600 people attended the 83rd Annual Western Veterinary Conference last month in Las Vegas, an attendance record. Last year, the total was about 13,500. More than 14,600 people attended the 83rd Annual Western Veterinary Conference last month in Las Vegas, an attendance record. Last year, the total was about 13,500. newsline More than 14,600 people attended the 83rd Annual Western Veterinary Conference in February in Las Vegas, an attendance record. Last year, the total was about 13,500. This year’s attendance included 6,220 veterinarians; 1,513 veterinary technicians; 330 practice managers; 1,381 guests; 246 administrative staff; 145 DVM students; 387 veterinary technician students; 3,719 exhibitor representatives; 322 general attendee/press; and 354 vendor and support staff. The conference offered more than 875 hours of continuing education, about 30 hands-on laboratories and workshops, more than 30 focused symposia, 18 industry seminars and a “hugely expanded” exhibit hall. The exhibit hall, located upstairs this year on Level 2, was increased by 65 percent, according to Manolita Moore, annual conference director. WVC added nearly 100 more exhibitors in 2011 for a total of 550. “By introducing the Hall’s Grand Pavilion for easy access to exhibitor information plus our …
Georgia Considers Adding State Tax To Vet ServicesMarch 2, 2011 Georgia pet owners could see their veterinary bills increase by an overall 7 percent to 8 percent due to taxation if a proposed pet tax becomes law. House Bills 385-388 all include language that will tax “veterinarian expenses for pets,” among other services. Although medications and supplies are already taxed, veterinary services are not. The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association sent out a media alert today asking veterinarians and pet owners to contact their legislator and ask them to oppose any effort to impose a tax on veterinary services. Veterinarians are the only health care group targeted, the GVMA pointed out. “No other professionals are being targeted by this legislation,” GVMA said in its media alert. “Nor are any other health care professionals, who are also service providers, finding their practices threatened. Medical services have long been exempt from taxation at the state and federal level.” According to GVMA, adding a sales tax to veterinary services may force owners to: forego life-saving procedures and opt for economic euthanasia; have a substantial financial impact on responsible veterinary care of pets; and increase pet abandonment. This tax tactic has been attempted in other states—California, Maine, Michigan …
