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The following is the first of two articles highlighting some of the top news stories from 2019.

Editors Note: The following is the first of two articles highlighting some of the top news stories from 2019. This article highlights events from January to June. The second installment will appear in the Jan. 1 issue.

January

Selectmen wrote a letter expressing their concerns and wishes to the federal project manager of the proposed new international bridge that will replace the aging span currently connecting Madawaska to Edmundston, New Brunswick. The letter made a plea to the various agencies involved: Please know that the community, through its leaders, submit these comments recognizing the short and the long-term significance, the magnitude and the impact of this once every hundred-year project.

Supporters of the Maine chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation gathered with friends and relatives of 4-year-old Justine Chenard to tell the youngster born with a heart defect that she would be going to Disney World the following week with her family.

Justine was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a birth defect that affects blood flow to the heart. Justine is a huge fan of Disney princesses, particularly Elsa from the movie Frozen.

The state Board of Veterinary Medicine and attorney generals office fined a local veterinarian accused of diverting drugs and improperly handling animals in her care and placed her on probation for at least five years. Dr. Christiana Yule, who owns and operates Fort Kent Animal Hospital, conceded in a consent agreement filed with the veterinary licensing board on Jan. 16 that on two occasions dating back to 2011 she handled a canine patient in a rough manner and that in March 2017 she left the facility while a cat was under anesthesia. Yule did not admit to diverting diazepam or hydrocodone for her personal use, but acknowledged in the agreement that there would be sufficient evidence for the board to find by a preponderance of the evidence that she would be subject to discipline.

The Madawaska School Committee appointed Ben Sirois on Jan. 7 to become superintendent of Madawaska schools, and ultimately the Valley Unified Regional Service Center serving communities from Grand Isle to Allagash. Sirois, who is superintendent of MSAD 27 in the Fort Kent area, took over for the three school administrative units in the St. John Valley that have been working together for about three years to combine resources and save money in an effort to address declining enrollments and rising education costs.

February

Tricia Newbolds High School Photo. (Morgan Mitchell | SJVT)

Former Madawaska resident and current White House security staff member Tricia Newbold said she had faced discrimination due to a rare form of dwarfism, and was under temporary suspension for defying authority and for failing to supervise and follow instructions. Newbold, who has a rare form of congenital dwarfism, graduated from Madawaska High School in 1998. Out of the more than 18 years Newbold has held her current position, she said she had been free of discrimination, until February of this year. This past year and a half with the current supervisor is the first time Ive ever felt discriminated against, ever. Its the first time Ive ever been in a situation where I cannot do my job, which is really an adjustment, especially after having all of the lengthening operations, she said. Newbold returned to work Feb. 14.

A busload of residents from the St. John Valley visited the new Sanford High School on Feb. 8 for inspiration, tips and guidance as three school administrative units in northern Aroostook consider building their own regional high school and technical center.

In an effort to continue providing public services to area residents, the local volunteer board of trustees of the Fort Kent Public Library officially kicked off a capital fundraiser campaign. The yearlong goal of the trustees was to raise $20,000 locally, a goal they managed to reach by years end with the support of local businesses, charitable organizations and members of the community.

March

The Foreign Language Association of Maine recognized SAD 27 educator Robert Daigle, naming him the 2019 Maine Foreign Language Teacher of the Year. The annual award recognizes those who have achieved outstanding results in teaching modern or classical languages.

Allagash voters, through the successful passage of two articles at their annual town meeting, approved alcohol consumption in local establishments in the town. Prior to the vote, Allagash was one of Maines few remaining dry towns.

Following a round of interviews, the Valley Unified Board of Directors selected an engineering and architectural firm, WBRC, to assist in the site selection and design of a proposed new regional high school.The board also voted to amend an agreement among the three school administrative units involved with the Valley Unified Regional Service Center to establish guidelines and costs for regional school transportation.

April

Pelletier Island property owners withdrew their petition to secede from St. Agatha after voter approval of a compromise worked out with town officials. Pelletier Island residents and St. Agatha municipal leaders issued a press release announcing a plan that will have the community include funding in its budget to help pay to maintain the Island Road on Pelletier Island.

The local Ice Busters crew celebrated the anniversary of its world record ice carousel, and announced the crew will plan to go bigger in 2020. The Ice Busters team brought a world record to Sinclair last year with the creation of a 22 million pound ice carousel on Long Lake. The group of volunteers used shovels, chainsaws and augers to dig out a 427 foot diameter circle more than two and a half feet thick, and then made it spin, all while raising money for the local Meals on Wheels program.

Valley Unified food service director Melanie Lagasse at the Fort Kent Community High School cafeteria with shoes she obtained from New Balance for St. John Valley students in need. (Jessica Potila | SJVT)

Valley Unified food service director Melanie Lagasse went above and beyond when she wrote a grant and donation letter to New Balance shoe company officials, and as a result obtained 92 new pairs of sneakers to distribute to area students in need. Because of Lagasses efforts, New Balance donated $3,680 worth of sneakers for students of all ages.

May

A newly formed Valley Unified Drama Unit, which included students from three St. John Valley administrative units comprising the Valley Unified Educational Service Center, came together to present dinner theater performances of the popular 1980s movie The Breakfast Club. The cast and crew were composed of students who attend schools in Madawaska, St. Agatha and Fort Kent.

The 2019 Pride of the Fort Kent Lions Show opened with a faux disclaimer warning of the many side effects that can occur from intense and prolonged laughter. The biannual event raised about $17,000 to support projects in the area this year.

Students in Stacy Belangers second-grade class at Fort Kent Elementary School educated, inspired and entertained audiences at the 5th annual Trash to Treasure Fashion Show at the University of Maine at Fort Kent Fox Auditorium. Each year, the students design innovative costumes from disposable materials to honor Earth Day and demonstrate their creativity. They then wear the costumes as they walk the runway at Fox Auditorium during two shows consisting of an audience of their peers and another with family, friends and community members.

A representative from WBRC Architects/Engineers met with the Valley Unified Site Selection Committee May 14 to discuss the criteria they will be using when considering the potential location of a new high school. Ray Bolduc from WBRC Architects/Engineers reviewed the site selection criteria matrix that each member of the Site Selection Committee will use to rate potential sites.

A 2015 Fort Kent Community High School graduate, who also graduated from Yale University, embarked on a year-long music fellowship in Israel. Jared Michaud earned a bachelor of arts degree in theater studies as well as a certificate from the education studies scholars program from Yale in May.

June

Two brothers and a family pet survived a harrowing ordeal after their canoes toppled over in Umsaskis Lake on Monday, June 3. From left: Cooper the Dog and Michael Fiori. (Courtesy of Michael Fiori)

Two brothers who nearly drowned in Umsaskis Lake along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Monday evening credited a New Hampshire Scout Troop camping in the area with saving their lives. The men were on day two of a weeklong fishing trip along the Allagash chain of lakes when their canoe toppled. They began swimming for shore but soon became separated. One of the men was headed toward the shore of a remote area known as Sandy Beach, where Scouts Crew 345 Kingston, New Hampshire, happened to be camping. The Scouts brought him to their fire where they heated stones and wrapped them in towels to warm him. In the meantime, members of the Scout crew headed for a ranger station to seek further help. Both men survived the ordeal.

Nearly a dozen members of law enforcement turned out in Frenchville for the handoff of the Special Olympics torch for the Madawaska leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The annual event involving officers in the Valley from Fort Kent to Madawaska raised nearly $1,300 to benefit the Special Olympics.

After heated discussions over a motion to eliminate a majority of proposed sites on the basis of proximity to either Madawaska or Fort Kent, Valley Unified Site Selection Committee members voted down the motion, and instead reached a consensus that the engineering firm would narrow down the options to 11 proposed sites.

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A look back at the top news stories of 2019 - fiddleheadfocus.com

Itty Bitty the Kitty is more entertaining than TV.

Thats my sugar. Ooh, hes a show! said his owner, Diane, as the energetic tabby pounced on a new toy.

That toy, a colorful length of braided fleece, was delivered by Jay Wilcox, a volunteer for Ani-Meals on Wheels. Wilcox also brought a months worth of donated provisions a bag of dry chow, six cans of seafood-flavored cat food and the new amusement to the third-floor apartment, greeting Diane by name and asking, Hows your baby?

The 70-year-old retired secretary (who asked that only her first name be used) lives in a rent-assisted building for older adults. As a Meals on Wheels client, she regularly receives healthy meals. Now her in-house entertainment and adored companion, Itty Bitty, does, too.

When I heard about this, my first reaction was, Youre kidding me! We need to be feeding people, not pets, confessed Wilcox, a retired dentist.

After making a few Ani-Meals deliveries, he did an about-face.

Ive seen how these lovable little fuzzballs touch the heart and soul of a person, he said. In some cases, that animal is all theyve got in the world.

Every month, Ani-Meals volunteers pack 1,200 pounds of pet food and deliver it to 170 animals, mostly cats, that live with Meals on Wheels clients served by Community Emergency Service (CES) in south Minneapolis.

The program is part of an effort to recognize the role that companion animals play in the health and well-being of the people Meals on Wheels serves.

Pets are really important for our clients, said Melanie LaPointe, volunteer coordinator at CES. They may not have much family or get out much. Their cat or their dog is their family.

Meals on Wheels has long been credited with helping low-income seniors and people with disabilities retain their independence by providing them with nutritious food. The regular lunchtime drop-offs by friendly volunteers also offer a connection for homebound clients.

A few years ago, Meals on Wheels America (the national organization that supports the thousands of community-based programs) discovered that many of its clients shared their limited food with their pets.

If you dont have a lot of food, you need it yourself, said LaPointe. Sharing is not healthy for the people and not healthy for the pets.

In 2016, the national organization offered grants to local Meals on Wheels programs to establish Ani-Meals on Wheels. In Minneapolis, CES relies on grants and individual donations of pet food, kitty litter and cash. Volunteers sort, pack and deliver the pet supplies.

Kim Flatgard is a regular at the historic church where CES is located. For more than two years, the Bloomington woman and her husband have sorted and packed donations for Ani-Meals.

Theres a feeling of satisfaction coming here and knowing what were giving to other animal lovers, she said.

A cure for loneliness

Its not just seniors living on limited incomes who suffer the very real effects of loneliness: Its now considered an epidemic among older people.

A growing body of research has confirmed the health threats associated with social isolation. A 2017 national Health and Retirement Study by the National Institute on Aging identified loneliness as a factor that contributes to an elevated risk of heart attacks, strokes, depression and even early death.

A study by the AARP Public Policy Institute linked feeling alone to higher health care costs, calculating that it creates an estimated $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending every year.

Older adults can become lonely to the point that they seek medical visits when they are not necessary, said LaNita Knoke, a health care strategist with Home Instead Senior Care. Theyre looking for social interaction.

Pet ownership can curb that loneliness. Its been credited with helping people make essential connections and providing the companionship that contributes to physical and mental health.

Human-to-human relationships are complicated and humans can let us down, said Athena Diesch-Chham, veterinary social worker in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. An animal gives the unconditional love that feeds the soul.

Diesch-Chham salutes the Ani-Meals on Wheels program for recognizing that supporting pets is a way of supporting their owners.

Our older people have experienced major losses spouses, siblings, the loss of independence, she said. A bond with an animal gives purpose, a reason to get up and face the day. That pet needs them.

Thats true for Diane, who grew up on a farm, which she calls the best life ever. As a girl, she helped her father with pigs, cows, chickens, a dog and, of course, a barnful of cats.

Now, she keeps track of Itty Bitty as he roams her apartment, sometimes observing her from the top of her refrigerator.

He sleeps in bed with me under my chin, she said. He keeps me company. He keeps me from getting too lonesome.

Kevyn Burger is a Minneapolis-based freelance broadcaster and writer.

Continue reading here:
An offshoot of Meals on Wheels, Ani-Meals on Wheels helps feed the pets of disadvantaged older adults - Minneapolis Star Tribune

A female reindeer and her daughter each had cataracts corrected.

ITHACA, N.Y. -- A reindeer mother and daughter are ready for duty this holiday season following cataract surgery in late summer at the Cornell University Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospital.

The reindeer live at Locust Hill Farm in Caton, New York, near Corning, and travel with their owner, Michael Cary, DVM, to holiday events around the Northeast. But when cataracts threatened their vision, Cary brought them to Cornell for consultation. Eric Ledbetter, DVM, professor and section chief of ophthalmology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, performed the procedure that restored their sight.

Large animal ophthalmologist Nita Irby, DVM, dilated the reindeers eyes and examined them to ensure that they were clear of inflammation and healing as expected.

It went great. I dont think they could look better at this point after surgery, said Ledbetter, who has performed cataract surgery on dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, horses, cows, alpacas and llamas. But this is my first reindeer.

The mother, 6-year-old Donder, had a milky cataract in one eye that developed after she snagged her eyelid on a fence. Without vision in that eye, she was nervous when animals or people approached from that side not ideal for a reindeer that interacts with the public. Her daughter, Dondersven, developed cataracts in both eyes, which were apparent a few weeks after birth. The young reindeer was still running about but was cautious around fences and other obstacles.

The cause of the cataracts is unknown, but Cary suspects that steroid eye drops might be to blame. He used the drops to reduce inflammation after her eyelid injury while Donder was pregnant, which might also have exposed Dondersven to the steroids.

Ledbetter corrected the cataracts by removing the clouded lenses during surgery on Sept. 4. Little is known about cataracts in reindeer, so Ledbetter relied on information from more common large animals, such as cows and horses, where there is a 10 percent to 20 percent chance of serious complications after surgery.

According to Ledbetter, the biggest challenge was positioning the reindeer while anesthetized so he could access the eyes without impaling himself on an antler.

You cant lay them on their backs, and you cant lay them flat on their side, Ledbetter said. He estimates that he spent about 30-45 minutes performing the surgery on each eye, and as much time positioning the animals correctly.

Initially scheduled for August, the surgery was pushed back because of concerns about damaging the delicate velvet that covers the antlers. The velvet is attached to blood vessels, which helps cool the animals in the summer but causes bleeding when injured. In the fall, however, the antlers dry out and the reindeer rub off the velvet, revealing the bone underneath. Reindeer are the only members of the deer family in which females also grow antlers.

Outside of Alaska, reindeer are a rare sight in the U.S., and even longtime hospital staff were fascinated by the unusual patients. Wild and domestic reindeer herds roam the tundra of Europe and Asia, but some reindeer were imported into Alaska from Siberia more than 100 years ago. Reindeer have been domesticated for thousands of years, Michael Cary said. They have cave paintings of reindeer being hunted and herded from the Ice Age.

During the recent checkup, Ledbetter and Irby dilated the reindeers eyes and examined them to ensure they were clear of inflammation, healing as expected and that tiny clumps of lens tissue had not regrown inside the eye. They were pleased to see that both mother and daughter were healing nicely.

Cary also noticed a marked improvement in the reindeers behavior since the surgery. When Donder had the cataract, she would be less dominant, less sure of herself, he said. Now that shes had the surgery, she was pushing all the yearlings around, telling them where they could go.

All the reindeer were home for the holidays and ready to help out at community events this season.

I know she still had one visual eye and we didnt have to do the surgery, but it was worth it, said Cary. Now she can go on display and be happier.

See more here:
Reindeer return to holiday action after surgery - News - Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA - Waynesboro, PA - Waynesboro Record Herald

CryoLife Inc.(NYSE:CRY) announced that it had its investigational new drug application accepted by the FDA for a clinical trial to observe whether the On-X mechanical aortic valve can be maintained on apixaban instead of warfarin.

The On-X aortic valve is the first mechanical aortic heart valve to win FDA and CE Mark approval for labeling to permit use within a reduced warfarin dosage, according to a news release. Results of the original Proact trial showed a more than 60% reduction in bleeding events without increasing the risk of stroke.

Warfarin in patients with mechanical heart valves requires routine blood testing to manage the patients international normalized ratio within a certain range to minimize the likelihood of bleeding and stroke. The apixaban alternative CryoLife seeks to provide is intended to offer better durability, long-term survival and clinical outcomes.

The Proact Xa trial is slated to include 1,000 participants, randomizing 500 in each arm of the study at up to 60 sites in North America. Subjects are set to be 18 years of age or older and implanted with the On-X aortic valve and randomized to continue warfarin or switch to apixaban.

The trials co-primary efficacy endpoints are to determine if apixaban is non-inferior to warfarin and to determine if apixaban provides acceptable anticoagulation for patients with an On-X aortic valve for the primary outcome of valve thrombosis and valve-related thromboembolism. The primary safety endpoint is determining if apixaban is superior to warfarin in the safety outcome of major bleeding.

We are pleased that the FDA has authorized us to study the use of apixaban in patients with the On-X aortic valve, CryoLife chairman, president & CEO Pat Mackin said in a news release. If the PROACT Xa trial is successful in proving that On-X aortic valve recipients can be maintained safely on apixaban rather than warfarin, we believe that not only will we become the leader in the mechanical valve market, but also that the On-X aortic valve will take share from the existing bioprosthetic aortic valve market.

Apixaban has been shown to reduce stroke and cause less bleeding than warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, added Duke University professor of medicine in cardiology Dr. John Alexander. If it can be done safely, the possibility of managing patients with an On-X aortic valve with apixaban and eliminating their need for warfarin represents a potential benefit to patients and the physicians who manage them.

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CryoLife to begin investigational trial on using aortic valve without warfarin - Mass Device

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2018, Baylor University announced that Lady, one of the Universitys two American Black Bear mascots, is undergoing an innovative, noninvasive radiation treatment for a benign mass, or thymoma, in her chest. The asymptomatic tumor was found during a routine wellness examination with veterinarians at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Lady has received treatment at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a low-dose TomoTherapy System, a state-of-the-art treatment system that targets tumors while minimizing exposure of radiation to surrounding healthy tissues and causing fewer side effects compared to conventional forms of radiation therapy. Veterinarians continue to closely monitor the tumor, which has not grown since it was discovered. Lady is resting comfortably at her campus home the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat along with her older sister, Joy.

Additional Media Resources

Dec. 11, 2019 Letter to the Baylor Family from President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.

Dec. 11, 2019 News Release: Baylor Bear Mascot Lady Undergoing Treatment for Benign Thymoma

2019 Bear Mascot Program Fact Sheet about the program, daily and medical/health care, and Ladys diagnosis and treatment.

Photos, b-roll and video interview clips: https://baylor.box.com/v/BaylorBearsMascots

Thisfolder includes photos and b-roll of Lady and Joy in the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat on campus, at their off-campus enrichment facility and at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, where Lady is being treated. In addition, the folder includes interview clips with J. Jill Heatley, DVM, zoological medicine specialist at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Please credit the photos to Matthew Minard/Baylor University and the video courtesy of Baylor University.

Baylor Bear Program website: http://www.baylor.edu/bear

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2019 Baylor Bear Mascots | Media and Public Relations - Baylor University

Veterinary Medicine Market Overview:

The Veterinary Medicine Market is expected to grow at a significant pace, reports Verified Market Research. Its latest research report, titled [Veterinary Medicine Market Size and Forecast to 2026, Breakdown Data by Manufacturers, Key Regions, Types and Application], offers a unique point of view about the global market. Analysts believe that the changing consumption patterns are expected to have a great influence on the overall market. For a brief overview of the Veterinary Medicine Market, the research report provides an executive summary. It explains the various factors that form an important element of the market. It includes the definition and the scope of the market with a detailed explanation of the market drivers, opportunities, restraints, and threats.

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Segmental analysis is one of the key sections of this report. The authors of the report have segregated the Veterinary Medicine market into product type, application, end user, and region. All the segments are studied on the basis of their CAGR, market share, and growth potential. In the regional analysis, the report highlights the regional markets having high growth potential. This clear and thorough assessment of the segments would help the players to focus on revenue generating areas of the Veterinary Medicine market.

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For a deeper understanding, the research report includes geographical segmentation of the Veterinary Medicine Market. It provides an evaluation of the volatility of the political scenarios and amends likely to be made to the regulatory structures. This assessment gives an accurate analysis of the regional-wise growth of the Veterinary Medicine Market.

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Table of Content

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1.1 Overview of the Market 1.2 Scope of Report 1.3 Assumptions

2 Executive Summary

3 Research Methodology of Verified Market Research

3.1 Data Mining 3.2 Validation 3.3 Primary Interviews 3.4 List of Data Sources

4 Veterinary Medicine Market Outlook

4.1 Overview 4.2 Market Dynamics 4.2.1 Drivers 4.2.2 Restraints 4.2.3 Opportunities 4.3 Porters Five Force Model 4.4 Value Chain Analysis

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6 Veterinary Medicine Market, By Solution 6.1 Overview

7 Veterinary Medicine Market, By Vertical

7.1 Overview

8 Veterinary Medicine Market, By Geography 8.1 Overview 8.2 North America 8.2.1 U.S. 8.2.2 Canada 8.2.3 Mexico 8.3 Europe 8.3.1 Germany 8.3.2 U.K. 8.3.3 France 8.3.4 Rest of Europe 8.4 Asia Pacific 8.4.1 China 8.4.2 Japan 8.4.3 India 8.4.4 Rest of Asia Pacific 8.5 Rest of the World 8.5.1 Latin America 8.5.2 Middle East

9 Veterinary Medicine Market Competitive Landscape

9.1 Overview 9.2 Company Market Ranking 9.3 Key Development Strategies

10 Company Profiles

10.1.1 Overview 10.1.2 Financial Performance 10.1.3 Product Outlook 10.1.4 Key Developments

11 Appendix

11.1 Related Research

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Verified Market Research has been providing Research Reports, with up to date information, and in-depth analysis, for several years now, to individuals and companies alike that are looking for accurate Research Data. Our aim is to save your Time and Resources, providing you with the required Research Data, so you can only concentrate on Progress and Growth. Our Data includes research from various industries, along with all necessary statistics like Market Trends, or Forecasts from reliable sources.

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Veterinary Medicine Market Size 2019 Focuses on Top Companies, Research Methodology, Drivers and Forecast to 2026 - Drnewsindustry

The CSU Employee Appreciation Board had the privilege of recognizing the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Finance and Research Office for their exemplary service on Oct. 21.

Nominated by Dana Schwartz, the group continuously goes above and beyond by assisting with tasks and providing customer service beyond their normal scope of duties. When an accountant in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital suddenly left, an employee in the Finance and Research Office offered to take on PCard reallocation for the VTH during the stressful year-end time frame.

In another instance, when a complicated research training grant was awarded to a department outside of CVMBS, this group volunteered to take over the administration of it because of their expertise on these types of awards and the outside department was unfamiliar with it.

Schwartz also shared another example of how this group embodies the true spirit of customer service. The Dish Network office was previously located where the finance office is now, and they still get people coming in wanting help with Dish issues. Recently, a gentleman in his 80s who couldnt get his TV to work came in. One of the employees helped him call the number on the bill to help get it fixed.

This group deserved to be recognized for making CSU a great place to work, and ultimately giving individuals positive experiences with CSU, Schwaartz said. The CSUEAB agrees! Congratulations on a job well done!

To nominate a department or office, visit the EAB website.

More here:
CVMBS Finance and Research Office recognized by the Employee Appreciation Board - Source

PETA Will Call for End to School's Cruel Muscular Dystrophy Tests

For Immediate Release:December 12, 2019

Contact:Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

College Station, Texas As veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences students graduate and their families arrive for Texas A&M Universitys (TAMU) commencement on Friday, PETA supporters will be on the scene with signs proclaiming, TAMU Lied: Dogs Were Bred to Die. The protesters will call on TAMU to stop cruel muscular dystrophy (MD) experiments, for which dogs were deliberately bred to develop a crippling and painful form of canine MD that leaves them struggling to walk, swallow, and even breathe.

When: Friday, December 13, 6 p.m.

Where: North entrance of Reed Arena, 730 Olsen Blvd. (at the intersection with Recreation Center Drive), College Station

As Texas A&M students head out into the world, sick, suffering dogs are still locked up in the schools barren laboratory, says PETA Vice President of Laboratory Investigations Dr. Alka Chandna, Ph.D. PETA is calling for these experiments to end and for all surviving dogs to be released for adoption into loving homes.

PETA has released eyewitness video footage showing dogs inside TAMUs laboratory struggling to walk, swallow, and even breathe. The school has recently come under fire for claiming that it didnt breed dogs for experimentationdespite records showing that since PETA launched its campaign in December 2016, as many as 100 puppies had been born in the laboratory. Many of these puppies died shortly after birth, others were left to endure a lifetime with painful, debilitating symptoms, and other puppieswho carried the MD gene but did not exhibit symptomswere condemned to life in a barren cage devoid of the companionship and love that dogs desire.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Read more from the original source:
Texas A&M Graduation to Face Protest Over Dog Experiments - PETA

SNOQUALMIE, Wash., Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) held the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference in Tacoma, Wash., Sept. 27 Sept. 29. Veterinarians, veterinary staff, and citizens were honored at WSVMA's award ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 27.

Dr. Christine Wilford, veterinarian at Island Cats Veterinary Hospital in Mercer Island, Wash., received the 2019 Veterinarian of the Year Award. The award is presented in recognition of an outstanding career in veterinary medicine and contributions made to their practice, stakeholders, and other service directly benefiting their community. Dr. Wilford is a consummate, caring, and dedicated professional who created the national model to address the free-roaming cat reproduction and resulting kitten mortality through her founding of the Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project, based in Lynnwood, Wash. She also served the Western Washington veterinary community through service in the Puget Sound Veterinary Medical Association as president and chair of their long-time, high-quality continuing education program.

Dr. Bryan K. Slinker, interim Provost of Washington State University (WSU) and former Dean of WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, received the 2019 Distinguished Achievement award. The award was presented to recognize Dr. Slinker's dedication and outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession and Washington veterinarians through multiple accomplishments, including the work of the Paul G. Allen School to eliminate rabies by 2030, growing the College through new departments and capital projects, enhancing training for veterinary students by developing partnerships with humane societies, and establishing a One Health partnership with Univ. of Washington to provide side-by-side healthcare for people with pets who are experiencing homelessness.

The Clinical Simulation Center Team at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine was awarded the 2019 Faculty Member of the Year Award. The Center is led by Dr. Julie Cary and team members Dr. Robert Keegan and Lethea Russell, LVT. The Clinical Simulation Center includes experiential, simulation training in clinical communication, basic surgical skills, anesthesia and critical care activities, and ultrasound and endoscopy diagnostic skills.

Jess Hanson, licensed veterinary technician at Olympia Veterinary Specialists The Cancer Center, received the 2019 Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award. Mr. Hanson is recognized for his outstanding animal handling skills, exceptional technical skills, compassionate and educational interactions with animal families and staff, and his unparalleled high level of staff leadership.

Veterinarians, technicians and staff from the organization Feral Cats Spay/Neuter Project (FCS/NP), Lynnwood, Wash., were presented the 2019 WSVMA Humane Animal Welfare Award in recognition of their exemplary service to the organization and the community. FCS/NPwas the first free standing clinic that is dedicated to providing free spay/neuter surgery for free-roaming cats in a safe, high quality, humane environment.

Jay Jones, long-tenured professional at Hill's Pet Nutrition in Kent, Wash., received the 2019 Allied Industry Partner Award in recognition of his quiet, yet dedicated and faithful service to Washington veterinarians and their patients.

The WSVMA is a statewide, not-for-profit, professional organization for the benefit of veterinary medicine. The WSVMA has over 1,800 members, representing veterinarians, veterinary students and a broad spectrum of veterinary practice. The Association's mission is to "advance the cause of veterinary medicine to better the lives of those touched by it." Visit the WSVMA Web site, http://www.wsvma.org, to learn more about the association, veterinary medicine, and animal care.

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Washington State's Veterinary Association Announces Annual Award Winners - KHQ Right Now

Since the launch of Disney+ on Tuesday, there have been a lot of questions swirling around the internet about how to use the app, how to get your Verizon free trial, and what the heck MacClunkey means. But so far, I havent seen anyone asking the most pressing question of all: Can I feed my dog spaghetti to recreate the famous spaghetti dinner scene in The Lady and the Tramp?

Dont worry Even though you didnt ask, we here at Decider are ever vigilant, so we called up a vet to get the definitive answer. Karyn Bischoff, 50, is a licensed veterinarian and an associate professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she is also the diagnostic toxicologist at Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Basically, that means people from all over the world go to her to figure out if whatever food-substance their pet got into is going to be dangerous for them. The only person who gets weirder questions than me, I think, is probably the parasitologist, said Bischoff.

I was surprised to learn that Bischoff has never before been asked if its safe for pet-owners to feed their dog a candlelit spaghetti-and-meatball dinner, as Academy Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham did in the 2019 live-action remake of The Lady and the Tramp, which is now streaming on Disney+. Bischoff, who is clearly an excellent vet, generously offered to test some safe spaghetti on her own doggo, a five-year-old black rescue dog named Simon Puppychan. I eagerly accepted the offer and asked Bischoff to snap some pictures to document her findings.

So if you want to know how to safely recreate The Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene on your own dog, heres the best way to do that, in Bischoffs expert opinion.

In The Lady and the Tramp, the Italian restaurant owner Tony (Abraham) and his waiter (Arturo Castro) bring our fuzzy heroes a heaping plate of the spaghetti special. Bischoff advises pet owners to stick to small portions. I only give him about a half a cup of spaghetti. Hes got a regular diet, I dont want him to get overweight, and hes not used to eating people food, so I dont want him to upset his stomach. So I gave him a puppy-sized portion.

Its impossible to know what exactly is in the sauce of Tonys specialit appears to be standard marinarabut heres where Bischoff warns pet owners to proceed with caution. The biggest concern, Bischoff stressed, is to avoid onions and garlic.

[Onions and garlic] damage blood cells in dogs. Very small amounts are alright there was probably a little bit of garlic in the tomato sauce he got, but not very much so I would stay away from the scampi sauces and pesto sauces. Stick with a tomato-vegetable sauce that doesnt have very much onions or garlicor preferably no onions or garlic in it. The other thing I would avoid would be the hot sauces, the Arrabbiata sauces, and anything too much capsaicin in themred pepper and things like that. Most animals dont like spicy food at all, and too much spicy food in someones whos not used to it can cause inflammation. I just used a little bit of canned marinara. A little bit of parmesan cheese on top is OK.

Of course, Tony decides to go heavy on the meatballs for his furry friends, butBischoff decided to skip the meatballs, and suggests meat be used sparingly. I would use moderation with any kind of meatballs or sausage or anything that might be really fatty because dogs who are on a regular diet of dog food, she said. Theyre not going to be used to the high amount of fat in people food. And be cautious about using meatballs that have a lot of garlic, just like the sauce.

What about the complimentary Italian breadsticks that come with Lady and Tramps meal? Again, be cautious with garlic bread, but just a little bit of breadsticksif its not really greasy or really spicyshouldnt be a problem.

Lady and Tramp dig into their piping hot meal right away, accompanied by an accordion and mandolin serenade. But Biscoff says you should wait to serve your guests at home. Make it cold for them, said Bischoff. They dont need really hot food. I didnt want him to eat spaghetti that was way too hot, so he got to eat his spaghetti after I was done with mine.

Im not pointing fingers at any possibly insane Italian restaurant owners, but that sounds like a much more normal way to feed a dog spaghetti.

The dogs in the new Lady and the Tramp had CGI mouths to help them slurp spaghetti, but Bischoff said thats not biologically accurate. Adult dogs cant suck up noodles the way people do, they have to use other mechanical forces. Simon Puppychan used momentum and gravity: He would grab a noodle in his mouth and then jerk his head back to get the noodle airborne and catch the noodle in his open mouth. He seemed to like the sauce more than the noodles.

Though he didnt fall in love with any lady puppychans, Bischoff said Simon Puppychan thoroughly enjoyed his special meal with no negative side effects. He ate the whole thing, and he was fine this morning. He went up to doggy daycare and was his normal self today. He had no ill-effects from having his little cup of spaghetti last night.

There you have it, folks! Dogs can eat spaghetti, and it is very possible to safely recreate the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene, according to a licensed vet and diagnostic toxicologist. Just dont do it all the time, maybe skip the dessert, and definitely skip the wine.

Watch The Lady and the Tramp on Disney+

Read the rest here:
Can Dogs Eat Spaghetti Like in 'Lady and the Tramp'? We Asked a Vet - Decider

At CSU, the research will include a multidisciplinary team of at least 20 researchers, students and staff, including Assistant Professors Michael Lyons and Brooke Anderson, Research Scientists Carolina Mehaffy and Andres Obregon Henao, Associate Professor Diane Ordway, and Corey Broeckling, director of the Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility.

Henao-Tamayo, whose TB research has been focused on vaccines, said the project aims to combine expertise from all over the world. It will include experiments to better understand previous research she conducted in collaboration with the late Ian Orme, a CSU University Distinguished Professor, to study environmental mycobacteria, which live in water and soil, and how these organisms may interfere immunologically with the protection that the BCG vaccine provides against TB.

Podell, who earned doctorates in veterinary medicine and pathology from CSU, said the initiative will be perhaps the most comprehensive pathology assessment of vaccine and TB immunity ever done.

Podell and Henao-Tamayo said that the award reflects not only the outstanding reputation of CSUs Mycobacteria Research labs, but also provides a boost of recognition for the program.

Brendan and I were both trained in these labs, and were now leading the charge on this new research, said Henao-Tamayo.

Additional partners include Oxford University; Public Health England; Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard; Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center; National Jewish Health in Denver, and La Jolla Institute for Immunology.

NIAID recently awarded contracts totaling $30 million for the first year to provide up to seven years of support for three Immune Mechanisms of Protection Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (IMPAc-TB) Centers. The Centers aim to better explain the immune responses required for protection from TB-causing Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Seattle Childrens Hospital will lead research for the other two centers.

Read the rest here:
CSU lands $1.2 million in NIH funding to advance work on a new tuberculosis vaccine - Source

If you have newborn puppies either in your home or on the way, you're likely "nesting," getting ready for the tiny, squeaking balls of fur. Where will they sleep? How often will they eat? Will they need blankets? How will you know if they're healthy?

Yes, in an ideal world, spay and neuter programs would be everywhere, but sometimes puppies happen. Maybe you're fostering a pregnant dog or are taking care of orphaned puppies. In any case, the puppies are here, so this is how to care for your newborn canine babies.

Dogs are pregnant for about nine weeks, so that's how long puppies have to develop inside their mothers. When they're born, they still have a lot of work to do. In the sense of development, "a newborn puppy is not unlike a premature child," Dr. Margret Casal, associate professor of medical genetics at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, explains to PetMD.

Puppies are born blind and mostly deaf and without any teeth. But even though they can't see or hear very well, they can make noise. They make mewling, little sounds.

Newborn puppies will open their eyes usually between 10-14 days old. Their eyes are a bluish-gray, hazy color and they can't see very well at first, reports Spruce Pets. A puppy's vision will gradually improve and his eyes will turn their true color between 8-10 weeks of age.

Newborn puppies eat every couple of hours. (Photo: Nooper/Shutterstock)

A mother dog's milk gives puppies everything they need for the first four weeks of their lives. Although newborn puppies can't walk, they scoot around on their bellies and instinctively find their mother's milk.

Puppies usually nurse every couple of hours and sleep the rest of the time. To make sure puppies are getting enough milk, check them every few hours to make sure they are warm and nursing.

If any puppies are crying or seem cold, VCA Hospitals recommends putting them on the mother's back teats because they have the most milk. Also check often to make sure they aren't being pushed away by other puppies.

You also can weigh newborn puppies every few days to make sure they are gaining weight. Use a kitchen scale when they are tiny. It depends on the breed, but most puppies should double their birth weight in the first week, says PetMD. They should gain 10% to 15% of birth weight daily, according to WebMD.

Keep puppies on their stomachs when feeding them from a bottle. (Photo: Olga Mazina/Shutterstock)

If something has happened to the mother, raising orphaned puppies can be very heart-warming, but also difficult to do. The puppies must be fed every couple of hours. If you've never done it before, work with your veterinarian or a rescue group that specializes in puppies for advice.

You'll feed newborn puppies milk replacement formula that is made just for puppies. Prepare the formula as directed on the package and use the guidelines suggesting how much to give the puppy. Generally, it's 1 cc of formula for every ounce of body weight, according to Best Friends Animal Society.

Don't feed cow's milk to puppies. It doesn't have the same nutrients as dog's milk, points out the AKC, and doesn't have enough calories, calcium or phosphorus for growing puppies.

Feed the puppy with a bottle or syringe, slowly offering milk while the puppy is on his stomach. Don't feed him on his back or he could get milk in his lungs. Be careful not to feed him quickly, which could cause choking. Burp the puppy at the end of each feeding by putting him on your shoulder and slowly rubbing his back until he releases air.

For step-by-step tips, visit Best Friends for newborn puppy feeding and care instructions.

Puppies sleep in a pile to keep warm. (Photo: Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock)

It's very important that the puppies stay in a warm room. If they are with their mother, they will try to stay snuggled up with her and rely on her body heat and each other to stay warm. They can't regulate their own body temperature, so they depend on outside sources for warmth. Have you ever seeing a pile of puppies? They like to snuggle for the warmth and comfort.

When mom leaves to go outside or just get a break, it's important that they have another source for heat. You can either keep the room warm or put a heat lamp over the area where the puppies are being kept.

VCA suggests that the temperature be around 85 to 90 degrees F (29.5 to 32 degrees C) for the first few days. After that, it can be lowered to about 80 F (26.7 C) by the end of the first week or so to about 72 F (22.2 C) by the end of the fourth week.

A mother dog takes care of her puppies' bodily functions. (Photo: WilleeCole Photography/Shutterstock)

Newborn puppies need help to go to the bathroom. Their mother does this by licking them, which stimulates them to urinate and defecate. If the puppies are orphaned, you can help them by dipping a washcloth or cotton ball in warm water, then gently massaging their bottoms after feeding.

It's very important that you do this because puppies can't do this without help until they are about 3 or 4 weeks old.

You no doubt will be wondering when newborn puppies can go outside to the bathroom and play.

Puppies need a lot of upbeat interaction with other dogs especially during the key socialization period when they're between 9 and 14 weeks. But they are also susceptible to illnesses before they are fully vaccinated, which usually isn't until they are around 16 weeks old.

Your vet likely will say it's OK for your puppy to be outdoors in your own yard as long as you haven't had a lot of other dogs around. But you'll want to carry your puppy when going for walks or going in and out of the vet's office until he's had all his shots.

Mary Jo DiLonardo writes about everything from health to parenting and anything that helps explain why her dog does what he does.

How to take care of newborn puppies

Puppies are born blind and mostly deaf, so they rely on you to meet all of their needs. From feeding to warmth, here's how to care for a newborn puppy.

Read more from the original source:
How to take care of newborn puppies - Mother Nature Network

T.G. Nagaraja, distinguished professor of veterinary microbiology at Kansas State University, has been named the 2019 Distinguished Veterinary Microbiologist of the Year by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. This award was presented at the organizations annual meeting Nov. 4 in Chicago.

I am truly humbled by the award, Nagaraja said. It is special because this recognition is from my peers. I have had a lot of help in my research career some outstanding graduate students, very good laboratory help and excellent collaborators.

Nagaraja is a member of the diagnostic medicine and pathobiology department faculty in the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. His appointment is 70% research and 30% teaching. His research expertise is in gut microbiology, focused primarily on the role of rumen microbes in function and dysfunction of the rumen, and on foodborne pathogens, particularly Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and salmonella in cattle. His research is a blend of basic and applied studies and involves collaborative interactions with epidemiologists, molecular biologists, pathologists and ruminant nutritionists.

Included in Nagarajas teaching responsibilities are veterinary bacteriology, and mycology lecture and laboratory for sophomore Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students, ruminant digestive physiology for freshman Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students and two graduate courses, rumen metabolism and rumen microbiology. Additional responsibilities include serving as the College of Veterinary Medicines director of the graduate programs in pathobiology and veterinary biomedical science.

Nagaraja and his graduate students have been responsible for several seminal findings, including describing that the feeding of distillers grain was positively associated with prevalence of E. coli O157, a major foodborne human pathogen, in cattle. In addition, he and his associates were the first to identify and describe the role and importance of the toxin leukotoxin, produced by Fusobacteroum necrophorum that causes liver abscesses in cattle. Nagarajas group also developed an experimental model to study liver abscess in cattle by inoculating F. necrophorum via ultrasound-guided, percutaneous catheterization of the portal vein, which allowed for the demonstration that leukotoxinis can be used to protect the animal against liver abscesses. This led to the development of a U.S. Department of Agriculture-licensed leukotoxoid-based vaccine to prevent liver abscesses in feedlot cattle.

In addition, Nagaraja has developed experimental models to induce bloat and acidosis, two major digestive problems in cattle. The experimental models were instrumental for testing and identifying new compounds to control bloat and acidosis in feedlot cattle, describing the effects of antibiotics like lasalocid, monensin and virginiamycin on ruminal microbes and fermentation to better understand their modes of action.

Nagaraja and his associates have produced more than 216 peer-reviewed articles, 115 invited national and international presentations, 19 book chapters and 20 review papers and symposium proceedings on food safety research. As a mentor, he has supervised 19 doctoral students, 21 masters students and four Master of Public Health students. His work has resulted in eight U.S. patents.

Excerpt from:
Nagaraja named Distinguished Veterinary Microbiologist of the Year - Manhattan Mercury

SNOQUALMIE, Wash., Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) held the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference in Tacoma, Wash., Sept. 27 Sept. 29. Veterinarians, veterinary staff, and citizens were honored at WSVMA's award ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 27.

Dr. Christine Wilford, veterinarian at Island Cats Veterinary Hospital in Mercer Island, Wash., received the 2019 Veterinarian of the Year Award. The award is presented in recognition of an outstanding career in veterinary medicine and contributions made to their practice, stakeholders, and other service directly benefiting their community. Dr. Wilford is a consummate, caring, and dedicated professional who created the national model to address the free-roaming cat reproduction and resulting kitten mortality through her founding of the Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project, based in Lynnwood, Wash. She also served the Western Washington veterinary community through service in the Puget Sound Veterinary Medical Association as president and chair of their long-time, high-quality continuing education program.

Dr. Bryan K. Slinker, interim Provost of Washington State University (WSU) and former Dean of WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, received the 2019 Distinguished Achievement award. The award was presented to recognize Dr. Slinker's dedication and outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession and Washington veterinarians through multiple accomplishments, including the work of the Paul G. Allen School to eliminate rabies by 2030, growing the College through new departments and capital projects, enhancing training for veterinary students by developing partnerships with humane societies, and establishing a One Health partnership with Univ. of Washington to provide side-by-side healthcare for people with pets who are experiencing homelessness.

The Clinical Simulation Center Team at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine was awarded the 2019 Faculty Member of the Year Award. The Center is led by Dr. Julie Cary and team members Dr. Robert Keegan and Lethea Russell, LVT. The Clinical Simulation Center includes experiential, simulation training in clinical communication, basic surgical skills, anesthesia and critical care activities, and ultrasound and endoscopy diagnostic skills.

Jess Hanson, licensed veterinary technician at Olympia Veterinary Specialists The Cancer Center, received the 2019 Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award. Mr. Hanson is recognized for his outstanding animal handling skills, exceptional technical skills, compassionate and educational interactions with animal families and staff, and his unparalleled high level of staff leadership.

Veterinarians, technicians and staff from the organization Feral Cats Spay/Neuter Project (FCS/NP), Lynnwood, Wash., were presented the 2019 WSVMA Humane Animal Welfare Award in recognition of their exemplary service to the organization and the community. FCS/NPwas the first free standing clinic that is dedicated to providing free spay/neuter surgery for free-roaming cats in a safe, high quality, humane environment.

Jay Jones, long-tenured professional at Hill's Pet Nutrition in Kent, Wash., received the 2019 Allied Industry Partner Award in recognition of his quiet, yet dedicated and faithful service to Washington veterinarians and their patients.

The WSVMA is a statewide, not-for-profit, professional organization for the benefit of veterinary medicine. The WSVMA has over 1,800 members, representing veterinarians, veterinary students and a broad spectrum of veterinary practice. The Association's mission is to "advance the cause of veterinary medicine to better the lives of those touched by it." Visit the WSVMA Web site, http://www.wsvma.org, to learn more about the association, veterinary medicine, and animal care.

Link:
Washington State's Veterinary Association Announces Annual Award Winners - NBC Right Now

Tell a swine or poultry producer that their animals are sick and the first question they ask is, How?

Thanks to researchers at the University of Pennsylvanias School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet), producers can now get an answer to that pressing question fast or even stop disease from encroaching past their property lines altogether.

Run by Penn Vets Dr Meghann Pierdon, the programme relies on geospatial information systems (GIS) to pinpoint current and emerging disease hotspots, share information about outbreaks with producers, and strategise community approaches to control potentially devastating diseases. Pierdon uses the GIS data to update a secure website with a map that illustrates, in near-real time regions, where pigs or birds have tested for disease and identify areas that may be at risk. The database is updated quarterly to be sure everything is accurate and communication is open to producers.

In 2012, nearly a quarter of the swine monitored by Penn Vets swine disease mapping programme, called the Pennsylvania Regional Control Program (PRCP), were on farms testing positive for disease. Since participating in the PRCP, which is operated by Pierdon and funded by the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council, that number has declined to 15 percent; 17 percent if Ohio and Indiana are included.

As a result of its success, industry participation in the PRCP has doubled to include more than 100 farmer, hauler, feed and genetics companies and veterinarian members across the Commonwealth.

The idea is to provide usable data so farmers can take the information and make informed production decisions.

For example, we can set up protected zones where we only want negative pigs, says Pierdon. Producers can then make appropriate decisions based on that information, such as, being careful if buying feeders from infected areas or preventing a feed truck that was on a farm with active disease from going directly to their farm to help cut the disease spread."

Several years ago, the first swine disease Pierdon tracked was porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS). Today, an emerging pathogen, porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PED), has caught her attention.

Most of the GIS data is drawn from Pennsylvania farms but, since neither commerce nor disease heed state lines, she also gathers information from Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.

On the pig side, a vet or producer fills in a template with basic data like the farms address, where the pigs came from and where they will go next.

The PRCP has been instrumental in helping the industry understand the scope and impact of this new PED disease and in implementing the best biosecurity measures to stop the spread of the deadly virus, she said.

While it is endemic, PRRS is preventable, Pierdon says. The idea is to decrease the number of farms that are impacted by an outbreak. Then a producer can clean it up and not have to worry that it will come back, she adds.

Most recently, Pierdons GIS mapping has played an integral part in safeguarding Pennsylvania poultry farms from the recent outbreak of Coryza in the Commonwealth. Similar to a head cold in humans, coryza is a bacterial contagious disease of poultry that presents with secretion of mucus deposits in the mouth and throat. The implications for production on farms whose birds have contracted the disease, however, are serious.

It cropped up in December 2018 and progressed in number of cases until late Spring, says Pierdon. While it slowed this summer, she is noticing and mapping an uptick in the number of cases now.

In addition to providing on-farm outreach and support, Penn Vet also works with federal and state agencies. While government tracks foreign disease threats like foot-and-mouth, Pierdons focus is on monitoring diseases that loom as a threat to farmers but are not reportable to the government. It really is all about improving and implementing biosecurity, she says, adding that the data she gathers helps agencies understand how industry is structured.

There have also been what Pierdon calls nibbles of interest in applying her GIS programme to help safeguard other agricultural industries, mainly aquaculture and honeybees.

No matter where the system is deployed, the main objective is to decrease the amount of disease spread and give producers control over safeguarding their farms or operations.

Were not just looking to respond to the disease in the moment, but ultimately, provide biosecurity solutions that can protect our animals, our people, and our environment from the next big, bad bug.

Excerpt from:
How does geospatial mapping protect Pennsylvania's pigs from disease outbreaks? - The Pig Site

An educational webinar for veterinarians about CBD products and use of cannabidiol (CBD) products for pets with various medical conditions was presented by Dr. Zac Pilossoph, chief medical officer for Cansultants, Inc.

Sponsored by the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) on its YouTube channel, Dr. Pilossoph also discussed the status of medical cannabis recommendations for veterinarians in the U.S. The presentation was titled, The Cannabis Pet Industry: Whats to Know and Whats for Show.

The presentation started off with a primer on the endocannabinoid system, which Pilossoph said, should be thought of as a homeostatic regulator system found in humans and chordates, or animals with a spineincluding animals such as horses, birds, and reptiles that often are overlooked when CBD treatment for pets is considered.

Dr. Pilossoph commented that one of the reasons he took up education around cannabis-based medicines and their use in veterinary treatment was because he felt frustration from not having learned about the endocannabinoid system earlier, and the lack of instruction available to medical students and doctors.

I felt frustrated, how Id never learned this in school, he explained.

Going on to cite published studies about the effects of CBD (and cannabis-based medicines), Pilossoph said there have been several studies, going back to the 1980s, that show cannabis had beneficial effects for several conditions including glaucoma, inflammation, and nausea, as well as having proven anti-bacterial properties.

In veterinary medicine, studies of cannabis- or hemp-based treatments are hard to find, but a wealth of anecdotal evidence has presented, as pet owners attest to the results they have seen when self-treating pets with CBD.

Pilossoph noted that such a trend among pet owners, by itself, should encourage more clinical studies to be conducted to identify the beneficial components in CBD (and other plant compounds). He added that a there have been studies conducted on dogs that indicated CBD could provide anti-inflammatory benefits for osteoarthritis and seizures.

Other plant compounds that work in synergy with cannabinoids create the entourage effect, Pilossoph said further. Terpenes and flavonoids, he said, seem to enhance the effects of cannabinoids in cannabis- and hemp-based medications.

The entourage effect exists, he said, which would suggest that full-spectrum formulations might provide greater therapeutic benefits.

Pilossoph hoped that product manufacturers would harness the power of raw hemp, as a resource for full spectrum CBD extract that would also contain only trace amounts of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Hemp contains less than 0.3 percent levels of THC.

He made the point that while products might vary between human and veterinary, the endocannabinoid system functions similarly for all species. Products labeled pet CBD, he explained, contained the same CBD extract as what is used in human products. Variations in formulations, he said, typically had more to do with ingredients added to make treats and tinctures palatable to animals.

He specifically mentioned veterinary CBD tincture PetCBD as the only formulation that he knew of that had been developed by a veterinarian, Dr. Tim Shu. Dr. Shu, who is no longer actively practicing, is the founder and chief executive officer at PetCBD.

However, Pilossoph stressed that he could not recommend specific products and that his information should be considered strictly educational.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has issued a three-page statement outlining its position on veterinarians recommendations for CBD use with pets. Pilossoph summed it up by saying that the association suggested avoiding making recommendations for CBD use until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes product quality control regulations.

Pilossoph offered a basic, stepwise outline to help chose CBD products for pets:

Dr. Pilossoph also warned pet owners to avoid giving pets edible treats (with or without CBD) produced for humans mostly due to ingredients in human products that might be harmful for animals, like chocolate or artificial sweetener Xylitol. He singled out Xylitol as being potentially fatal for pets.

Continued here:
Veterinary Webinar Provides Education about CBD Products for Pets - CBD Today

The World Organization for Animal Healthrecently announcedthat 25% of the worlds pigs are expected to die from African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious disease that causes hemorrhages in pigs. ASF has not yet made its way to the United States.

Dr. John Deen, a professor in theCollege of Veterinary Medicineat the University of Minnesota reports, that African Swine Fever has caused a major realignment of animal agriculture. It has spread throughout China and neighboring countries, resulting in less pigs and pork. More than 60% of the worlds pigs were in these countries, with pork being the preferred meat for consumption. Estimates of a 50% reduction in pigs in Southeast Asia are due to pigs killed by the disease, as well as farmers liquidating their herds out of fear of infection.

According to Deen, rebuilding the swine herd will not only take time but a transformation in the ways that pigs are reared.

The University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine is helping the Chinese industry identify methods to protect and expand their herds.

Read the rest here:
Why we need to be prepared for African Swine Fever - Jill Lopez

Meiqing Shi motioned toward the window of his first floor office, pointing to the trees and plants outside of the University of Marylands veterinary medicine center. Fungi, he said, is all around out there.

In the dirt here, in the park, the veterinary medicine professor said. [Its] everywhere.

For many, fungus isnt dangerous the immune system can kill it or it might just sleep in the lungs. But for those with a compromised immune system, such as the elderly or people with HIV, fungus introduced to the body can cause an infection and potentially be fatal.

Shi is part of a team at this university that discovered a mechanism in the liver that can inhibit the spread of fungi in the bloodstream. They uncovered that cells in the liver, called Kupffer Cells, can engulf the fungal cells and filter it from the bloodstream.

The liver is already known to be an organ that supports digestion and metabolism, said Donglei Sun, the first author on the paper, which was published last month. But scientists in his field are also beginning to recognize the organs importance to the immune system.

Past research suggested the liver can filter bacteria and viruses, Sun said. But the teams recent discovery proves that the liver can also engulf fungi.

Whether its coming from the lung and disseminating into the blood or if its systemic and just already in the blood, the ability for the liver to kind of clear everything is just really important, said Ashley Strickland, a doctoral student and member of the research team.

[Read more: UMD researchers identify liver cells that could be key for fighting fungal infections]

Sun said that the use of intravital microscopy was key to identifying this liver capability. Rather than using a static slide, this tool allows scientists to see the cells in motion, using a window implanted in the live animal to image it in real time.

We are using a unique technique, and we are able to show exactly how the cells are moving, how the cells are interacting with the pathogen, Sun said.

The researchers were able to watch cell activity in a live mouse that they put to sleep. A supplementary video attached to the research paper showed that the Kupffer Cells captured most fungal cells.

Similar experiments might be conducted in-vitro in a culture dish or test tube which can be somewhat artificial, Strickland said. Intravital microscopy, though, offers something more realistic, she said.

You dont really get to see the dynamic and the kinetics and how it really is, Strickland said. You can theorize and you can interpret but you dont actually know.

[Read more: Takoma Park gas station becomes the first in the country to go all-electric]

Strickland observes the effects of fungal infections in mice. When theyre infected, their brains become dome-like because of all of the inflammation, she said

Cryptococcus neoformans, one of the fungi the team researched, targets the brain, she said. And once it makes its way there, it can spread quickly.

That inflammation is just not good for the brain as an organ, she said. If its not treated, its I think 100 percent fatal.

Now that the team has discovered the livers ability to fight fungal infections, Shi said the next step is figuring out how to harness that power to help protect people who are at risk and have weakened immune systems.

We know that theres a mechanism there, Shi said. How can we take advantage [and] use the mechanism for defense?

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UMD researchers identify liver cells that could be key for fighting fungal infections - The Diamondback

The $410 million global Veterinary Software Market is set to emerge rapidly, building synergies between IT, internal medicine and animal welfare, notes Ayesha Salma in the new report, research analyst at OGAnalysis.

Management suite of animal hospitals and veterinary clinics are increasingly seeking different Veterinary Software products to ease the task of maintaining electronic medical records, treatment procedures, appointments and other hospital administration protocols.

Huge research and development investments across veterinary software markets including development of innovative solutions and IT services will shape the medium term outlook of veterinary software market. For instance, IDEXX Laboratories, an American veterinary diagnostics company invests around $120 million on R&D activities.

Request Sample @ https://www.oganalysis.com/sample/216518

Growing incidence rates of diseases among livestock, growth in pet animal owners and welfare societies will be the key contributors to global Veterinary Software Market size over the forecast period to 2025.

On the other hand, high costs involved in deployment of veterinary software and shortage of skilled veterinary personnel act as veterinary software market restraints.

User-friendly veterinary software products witness huge attention from vendors and consumers

A significant volume of veterinary software consumers and vendors are depicting interest in user-friendly software products. Practice management software modules with cloud-based delivery mode hold major market value amid benefits of single platform to access medical information by researchers, practitioners and patients. Major companies involved in cloud based solutions are IDEXX Laboratories, VETport, ezyVet Limited and Carestream.

Further, marketing strategies practiced by cloud-based PMS vendors like VETport such as free trials & zero cost installation are penetrating markets with relative ease.

Browse Veterinary Software Market Research Report @ https://www.oganalysis.com/industry-reports/216518/veterinary-software-market

Ongoing Strategic partnerships and collaborations with research organizations and universities

Veterinary software companies are primarily focusing on developing joint ventures and collaborations with research universities for diversifying their product portfolio.

In July 2019, Simulations Plus, Inc. has entered into a new 5 years Research Collaboration Agreement with the USFDA Center for Veterinary Medicine.

In May 2018, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine signs partnership agreement with ezyVet to use the cloud-hosted veterinary PMS solution.

Top 10 companies contributing towards market growth include Animal Intelligence Software, Brittons Wise Computers, ClienTrax, Carestream, FirmCloud Corporation, Henry Schein, IDEXX Laboratories, Patterson Companies, Timeless Veterinary Systems, and Vetter Software.

Rapid adaptation of veterinary software digital equipment is observed across hospitals, clinics and laboratories

End-users holding the major market share including hospitals, clinics and laboratories are increasingly adapting diverse ranges of digital software equipments to enhance diagnosis and support animal health programmes. For instance, Idexx Laboratories provides Catalyst blood chemistry equipment, VetLyte Electrolyte Analyzer, ProCyte CBC, UA Analyzer, SNAPShot, and SNAPPro to hospitals in North Dakota and the US.

Request for Special Discount on Veterinary Software Market report @ https://www.oganalysis.com/discount/216518

Government animal welfare policymakers support veterinary software market growth

Government animal welfare authorities are supporting the veterinarians and companies through incentives and stringent guidelines for promotion of veterinary software globally, which is anticipated to contribute significantly to the market growth.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) works with the veterinary community to support animal health by providing funds for the development of high quality veterinary software equipments.

On regional scale, Americas and EU stand as market frontiers

The surging pet care market value and rising per capita animal healthcare expenditure across Americas and EU influences the veterinary software market growth. For instance, In US, the pet owners spend an average of about $140 per month on their pets with US pet insurance industry worth estimated to be nearly $2 billion by 2022.

As of 2018, an estimated 80 million European households owned a pet with anticipated market value for pet care products reaching 5.3 billion Euros, with United Kingdom as the peer market holders.

Further, presence of large number of trainers and practitioners across these regions contribute to long term market opportunity. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 113,394 veterinarians are present in North America.

Related Reports

Veterinary Vaccines Market: https://www.oganalysis.com/industry-reports/217757/veterinary-vaccines-market

Veterinary Surgical Instruments Market: https://www.oganalysis.com/industry-reports/216519/veterinary-surgical-instruments-market

Animal Health Market: https://www.oganalysis.com/industry-reports/217681/animal-health-market

Small Animal Imaging Market: https://www.oganalysis.com/industry-reports/216476/small-animal-imaging-market

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Veterinary Software Market Size is projected to reach $728 million by 2025 | OGAnalysis - The Denton Chronicle

I'm not really a gambler, but I would be willing to wager you would be hard pressed these days to attend a swine industry meeting and not hear the words African swine fever. It's definitely top of mind for the global pork industry as it rightly should be. Scientists are now estimating that a quarter of the world's pigs could be wiped out from the highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease.

However, when one of our industry's leading researchers on ASF transmission in feed took a break from discussing the virus at South Dakota State University's Swine Day to focus on another one that is concerning her, my ears perked up.

Pseudorabies is another virus Megan Niederwerder is allowed to work with at Kansas State University's biosafety level 3 facility and the assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, says it's a variant strain of Chinese pseudorabies, HeN1, that has her worried.

"Historically, China has had classic pseudorabies which is what previously circulated in the United States until it was eradicated from U.S. commercial swine in 2004. But since 2011, a variant strain of pseudorabies emerged in China which seems to have higher morbidity, higher mortality," Niederwerder says. "They also detected it in herds that were vaccinated with the Bartha-K61 strain, which had historically protected pigs against pseudorabies."

In 2013, one of the first publications came out documenting this new variant strain of Chinese pseudorabies and soon after it emerged in about nine provinces in China. A more-recent publication shows that the variant strains can now be found in more than 20 provinces.

"The variant strain of pseudorabies virus seems to be spreading throughout China and the Bartha vaccine strain does not seem to be as protective against this variant strain of Chinese pseudorabies," Niederwerder says.

Niederwerder says there are risks that this new pseudorabies may be introduced into other parts of the world where nave pigs would be highly susceptible to disease and that there are concerns that pseudorabies has the potential to be considered a zoonotic pathogen.

"Pseudorabies is a herpesvirus. It can affect dogs and cats, many different mammalian species, but historically humans have been considered resistant to infection with sporadic cases reported," Niederwerder says.

Niederwerder says the emerging infectious disease should be on the global swine industry's radar and that the risks for virus introduction should be investigated for prevention strategies.

In addition to ASFV, HeN1 and classical swine fever are two viruses Niederwerder is currently studying at K-State on their ability to survive in feed ingredients subjected to environmental conditions simulating transoceanic shipment. She hopes to have that research published before the end of the year.

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Have you heard of variant Chinese pseudorabies? - National Hog Farmer