News & Topics

Please note that some of the following articles will require a login and password available to OVMA members by contacting us at (800) 235-3502 or by email. News for pet owners and large animal/equine owners is posted in our public section.

OVMA Response to Multnomah County Animal Services Taskforce Report

We have been monitoring the progress of the Taskforce’s activities. A prohibition on veterinarians providing services to unlicensed animals is not one of the seven recommendations the Taskforce has submitted to the City Council and County Commissioners in its final report.

CDC & DHS: Submit Samples of Possible WNV Cases for Testing

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Oregon Department of Human Services are interested in obtaining serum samples from equine cases that may have an encephalitis-like-illness to test for West Nile virus. Serum samples should be collected and sent to Oregon State University for testing. There is no charge for this testing.

FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Feline Hyperthyroidism

The FDA announced the approval of Felimazole (methimazole), a new drug for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. Felimazole, a new molecular entity for animals, is the first drug approved for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats.

FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Cancer in Dogs

The FDA announced the approval of Palladia (toceranib phosphate), the first drug developed specifically for the treatment of cancer in dogs.

AAFP Releases Revised Senior Cat Care Guidelines

The Senior Care Guidelines address a broad range of issues including medical, behavioral, and lifestyle considerations. They will assist veterinarians in delivering consistent high quality care to older cats while ensuring optimal quality of life.

Three Oregon Cases of Tularemia in Humans Connected to Cats and Squirrel

State Public Health Veterinarian Emilio DeBess reports on three cases of Tularemia in humans after contact with cats and a squirrel.

ODA Disease Reporting Survey

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is looking to improve its livestock disease monitoring capabilities in the state of Oregon and would like your help. If you are a deputized large animal practitioner, please take a few moments to fill out and return their questionnaire so that they may have your input into this process.

H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

The outbreak of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus in Mexico, the US and other countries has led to questions about the virus and how it is spread.

Identity Theft Protection: FTC Enforcement of "Red Flags Rule" Delayed to Aug. 1

The "Red Flags" Rule, which the Federal Trade Commission will begin enforcing August 1, requires creditors, which has been defined to include health care providers and veterinarians, to develop programs to prevent, detect, and mitigate identity theft.

EPA Increases Scrutiny of Flea & Tick Control Products for Pets

Due to a recent sharp increase in the number of incidents being reported from the use of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for pets, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is intensifying its evaluation of whether further restrictions on the use of these products are necessary to better protect pets.

Pigeon Fever in Oregon DVM

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis lymphadenitis in humans is a rare entity that principally affects persons in contact with animals. An Oregon veterinarian contracted pigeon fever from working with infected horses.

Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF)

To help prevent MCF or other disease occurrences in livestock in Oregon, Dr. Don Hansen, State Veterinarian, has sent out the following information to Fair Managers and livestock exhibitors.

NCVEI Update

Ongoing impact of the recession, accounts receivable and more.

Incoming President Dr. Robert Shimek's Remarks

At ceremonies held during the recent Oregon Veterinary Conference in Corvallis, Dr. Robert Shimek of Salem became the newest OVMA president.

OVMA Awards of Excellence

At ceremonies held during the recent Oregon Veterinary Conference in Corvallis, the OVMA honored four individuals for their service to the veterinary profession.

Oregon Animal Hall of Fame™ Inducts Two Dogs

The Oregon Animal Hall of Fame™ is the second longest running awards program among veterinary organizations in the country.

Q Fever Study Shows Risk to Veterinarians

Reported cases of Q fever in the United States have increased from 26 cases in 2001 to 169 cases in 2006. Veterinarians have a high level of exposure to C. burnetii, the causative organism of Q fever, especially veterinarians who treat livestock.

NCVEI Issues Pet Insurance Guide for Veterinarians

The NCVEI paper provides a balanced overview of the pet health insurance industry, explains benefits pet health insurance can bring to a practice, and gives tips for proactively promoting the use of pet health insurance among clients.

NAIS Toolkit for Veterinarians

USDA APHIS offers a toolkit for veterinarians to encourage participation in the NAIS on the part of both veterinarians and clients. More information about NAIS for you and your clients can be found here.

American Heartworm Society's Canine Heartworm Incidence Survey

The AHS is conducting a comprehensive heartworm incidence survey to record canine heartworm disease cases in the United States. You are encouraged to fill out the online survey to record the number of dogs your clinic or hospital treated and diagnosed with heartworm disease in 2007. Or you can download the survey PDF and fax it to the toll-free number indicated. The OVMA receives frequent requests for heartworm incidence data for Oregon (from both members and the public) and we encourage you to participate in this survey.

Radiation Protection Services Adopts New Rules

The Radiation Protection Services Section (RPS) of the Oregon Public Health Division has adopted rules to both clarify and revise existing law regarding veterinary radiography.

Pesticide Use Reports (PURS) Due to ODA by January 31, 2009

Under the PURS system, veterinarians must report their pesticide use to the ODA for the calendar year 2008 by January 31, 2009.

National Pesticide Information Center Asks Veterinarians to Report Pesticide Incidents

The National Pesticide Information Center has developed a Web site for veterinarians to report pesticide incidents involving animals. The Web site is for veterinary use only and is currently accessible to AVMA members.

FDA CVM Asks Veterinarians to Report Pet Food Complaints

The Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is encouraging veterinarians to report complaints about pet food directly to the FDA, particularly in light of last year’s adverse events following contamination of ingredients with melamine.

Animal Care Forum: Links and Resources

In October 2008, the OVMA hosted a forum on animal abuse and shelter medicine for veterinarians, animal control and shelter executives and key staff.

Use of Volunteers in the Veterinary Practice

The opportunity for students and others to experience the veterinary profession as a volunteer, observer, or trainee is beneficial to the individual and the profession. However, labor laws require veterinary establishments closely follow the law when these positions are offered without pay.

Compensation & Benefits Survey Results

Members login to see the results of our survey on associate and practice team compensation and benefits.

CE Requirements for DVMs and CVTs

Certified technicians must report 15 hours of continuing education to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board by the end of 2009.

Stay in the Loop with OVMA e-News

Sign up to receive the OVMA news by e-mail as a supplement to the Viewpoint, the OVMA newsletter. e-News is an exclusive service for OVMA members.

Newsletter Archive

Looking for more news? The current issue of our member newsletter can be found in our Resources section, along with an archive of past issues. Member login and password required. Don't have a password? Contact us to set one up.

Recalls/Warnings

Home  |   Member Login    |  Join Now  |  Find a Vet  |  Site Map  |  Contact OVMA

© 2009 Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
(800) 235-3502 or (503) 399-0311   |   contact@oregonvma.org