16th annual alabama conference...j.t. vaughn hospital 1500 wire road auburn university, al...

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1WintER Edition 2006

W I N T E R 2 0 0 6

16TH ANNUAL

ALABAMA

CONFERENCE

FOR FOOD ANIMAL

VETERINARIANS

JANUARY 26-28, 2007

ALABAMA 4-H CENTER

COLUMBIANA, ALABAMA

16TH ANNUAL

ALABAMA

CONFERENCE

FOR FOOD ANIMAL

VETERINARIANS

JANUARY 26-28, 2007

ALABAMA 4-H CENTER

COLUMBIANA, ALABAMA

Vol. 17, No. 4

A Note from the President ...................................................................................216TH Annual Alabama Conference for Food Animal Veterinarians ..................... 4-6 100 Year Update .................................................................................................7Upcoming Events ................................................................................................7Tuskegee University News ................................................................................ 8-9Auburn University News .............................................................................. 10-12Relief Vets .........................................................................................................12AVMA Delegates Report ....................................................................................13Foundation News ..............................................................................................14

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�� Alabama Veterinarian

I recently read the cover article of Veterinary Economics, which was about providing value

to clients. It occurred to me that “value” seems to be a trendy word in the veterinary lexicon

these days. I have attended some dentistry lectures that touted the “value” of high-end procedures and I sat through a power point presentation in Schaumburg at AVMA headquarters called “Perceptions in Veterinary Medicine”, which also addressed the definition

of “value”. We all understand the basic tenet of “value”, but how do you really create it in a practice setting?

How many times have you given a second opinion on a chronic ongoing case (say a dermatology case for example) that the conversation starts with how much money the client has spent so far on this problem when all they have paid for in the past are office calls, steroid injections and antibiotics (not all that much money) at the other practice? Ok, here is another case scenario (maybe not so typical): you have a very happy client who just paid YOU $700.00 for a dental cleaning and a few extractions (no fancy endodontics at your practice either)! How do you avoid the first situation in which you lose that client to your competitor down the road and have happy clients at the cash register? Give them value, because value has little to do with expense.

We all have clients that will complain about how much money they spend no matter what you do. They are a small group in your client base. I am talking about every one else. The keys are: one on one face time with you, a thorough explanation of treatment OPTIONS with an estimate of fees and, most importantly, be friendly and have a friendly staff. Being

DR. BARBARAMONAGHAN

A Note From the PresideNt

“Perception is Reality” or “Value has little to

do with Expense”By Barbara Monaghan, DVM - President

2006 - 2007 Executive BoardOfficers:

President:Barbara Monaghan(205) 833-9400

President Elect:Mark Russell(256) 882-0950

Vice President:Mike Newman(256) 350-7001

Treasurer:Aaron H. Groth, Jr.(334) 821-1725

Immediate Past President:James V. Corte(251) 928-8555

Sr. Board Member at Large:Larry Chasteen(205) 884-3412

Jr. Board Member at Large:Libby Coleman-Todd(205) 967-2511

cOnstituent AssOciAtiOnrepresentAtives:

Calhoun County VMA:William R. Simpkins(256) 831-5768

Central Alabama VMA:W. R. Sternenberg(334) 279-7456

Colbert-Lauderdale County VMAW. J. Connolly, III(256) 757-5376

East Alabama VMAPete Marine(334) 826-0360

Greater Dothan VMALaurie H. McCall(334) 712-9125

Gulf Coast VMABabette Dixon(251) 928-5630

Jefferson County VMABill Allen(205) 631-6210

Madison County VMAJim Chancellor(256) 883-2920

Mid State VMATim Brunner(205) 664-9633

Mobile VMAQuentin Meadows(251) 330-0607

North Alabama VMACharles Ashwander(256) 353-2435

Sand Mountain VMALee Trott(256) 638-7299

South Central VMAJohn R. Grider(251) 743-4061

Southeast Alabama VMAKirk Holland(334) 794-6333

Tuscaloosa County VMAScott E. White(205) 339-5535

Tuskegee VMAJ. A. Clinkscales(334) 727-1488

West Alabama VMAWilliam G. Bledsoe(334) 682-4243

ex OfficiO MeMbers:

Executive DirectorCharles F. Franz(334) 395-0086

Delegate to AVMAWilliam E. DeWitt(205) 798-2428

Alternate Delegate to AVMAJan Strother(256) 773-0844

State VeterinarianAnthony G. Frazier(334) 240-7253

President, Auxiliary to ALVMANancy McCurdy(246) 533-1770

Editor, Alabama VeterinarianBarbara Monaghan(205) 833-9400

Public Health VeterinarianOpen

Auburn Student Representative Kanika McAlpine

Tuskegee Student Representative Antwain Howard

2006-2007 ALVMA Committees:COMMITTEEAnimal Welfare/Human BondAwardsConstitution/By Laws/Practice ActConvention/ProgramFinanceGrievanceLarge Animal AffairsLegislativeCVM - LiaisonLong Range PlanningMembership/Member ServicesNCVEINominatingP.A.C.Public Health/RabiesPublic RelationsRadiologyResolutionsSmall Animal AffairsState Diagnostic LabVeterinary Emergency Management

Veterinary Student RelationsVet Tech AdvisoryVeterinary Wellness

CHAIRMANMike NewmanJames CorteJack GoodmanMark RussellMark RussellBill AllenSoren RodningCharles FranzJan StrotherJames CorteLarry ChasteenHomer Bruce Tom WilliamsonBill SternenbergGlenn MaloneLibby Coleman ToddDebra BeardBill BledsoeWilliam HollandBarry StewartLaurie McCall & Tony FrazierJames CorteGlenn SextonJerome Williams

TELEPHONE256/350-7001251/928-8555256/232-1344256/882-0950256/882-0950205/631-6210334/844-4490334/395-0086256/773-0844251/928-8555205/884-3412334/745-0060 256/255-3618334/279-7456334/727-8476205/967-2511334/844-5045334/682-4243334/794-6333256/773-1592334/712-9125 & 334/240-7253251/928-8555256/840-4149205/326-8080

Continued on page 15


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�Winter edition 2006

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44 Alabama Veterinarian

ABOUT THIS COURSE:As you are probably aware, this conference was started by Dr. Jim Floyd while he was Extension Veterinarian for Auburn University and has become one of the most popular continuing education meetings for food supply and mixed animal practicing veterinarians in the Southeast. The conference provides current technical, industry and regulatory information augmenting food animal practice. The host site provides a comfortable environment where there is free exchange of ideas between presenters and attendees. So, mark your calendars and make plans to join us in January for this outstanding conference.

CANCELLATIONS / REFUNDS:If you register and are unable to attend the conference, the Alabama VMA will refund the registration fee less $50.00 if you cancel by January 6, 2007. No refunds will be grated after January 6th. NOTE: All cancellations must be in writing, via fax (334) 270-3399 or e-mail to [email protected].

CONFIRMATION OF REGISTRATION:Registration will be confi rmed only after submission of the registration form and registration fee. If you register within two weeks of the conference, you will receive an e-mail confi rmation.

CE Hours: 20.5

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Jimmy Alexander1810 Glencrest RoadYazoo City, MS 39194601-946-1296

Dr. Ken AngelUSDA, APHIS, VSP.O. Box 70429Montgomery, AL 36107334-223-7141

Mr. Boyd BradyDepartment of Animal Sciences210 Upchurch HallAuburn, AL 36849-5415

Dr. George D’AndreaAlabama State Diagnostic Lab1001 Wire RoadAuburn, AL 36831334-844-4987

Dr. Tony FrazierAlabama State VeterinarianP.O. Box 3336Montgomery, AL 36109334-240-7253

Dr. Misty EdmondsonJ.T. Vaughn Hospital1500 Wire RoadAuburn University, AL 36849-5522

Dr. Diego GimenezDepartment of Animal Sciences210 Upchurch HallAuburn, AL 36849-5415

Dr. Dan Givens127 Sugg LaboratoryAuburn, AL 36849334-844-4952 Dr. Fred HoerrAlabama State Diagnostic Lab1001 Wire RoadAuburn, AL 36831334-844-4987

Dr. Jason JohnsonJ.T. Vaughn Hospital1500 Wire RoadAuburn, AL 36849-5522

16TH ANNUAL ALABAMA CONFERENCE FOR FOOD ANIMAL VETERINARIANSJANUARY 26-28, 2007ALABAMA 4-H CENTERCOLUMBIANA, ALABAMA

16TH ANNUAL ALABAMA CONFERENCE FOR FOOD ANIMAL VETERINARIANS

Dr. Herris MaxwellDepartment of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineAuburn University, AL 36849334-844-4490

Dr. Frank OwsleyDepartment of Animal Science210 Upchurch HallAuburn, AL 36849-5415334-844-1505

Dr. Thomas PasslerJ.T. Vaughn Hospital1500 Wire RoadAuburn, AL 36849-5522

Dr. David Pugh1154 Barnard AvenueWaverly, AL 36849

Dr. Darrell RankinsDepartment of Animal Sciences210 Upchurch HallAuburn, AL 36849-5415

Dr. Soren RodningDepartment of Animal Sciences210 Upchurch HallAuburn, AL 36849-5415334-844-4490

Dr. Debra Ruffi nJ.T. Vaughn Hospital1500 Wire RoadAuburn, AL 36849-5522

Dr. Terry SlatenAlabama Department of Agriculture & IndustriesP.O. Box 3336Montgomery, AL 36109334/240-7253

Dr. Paul WalzJ.T. Vaughn Hospital1500 Wire RoadAuburn, AL 36849-5522334-844-4490


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5WINTER EDITION 2006

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2007

10:00-5:30 pm REGISTRATION DESK OPEN Hotel Check-In (after 4:00 pm)

12:00 noon LUNCH Industry Technical Seminar

SPONSORED BY FORT DODGE ANIMAL HEALTH

1:15 pm Update on Equine Parasite Management Dr. Debra Ruffi n

2:15 pm Bovine Neosporosis Dr. Herris Maxwell

2:45 pm BREAK (visit w/Exhibitors)3:00 pm Alabama Department of Agriculture and

Industries Drs. Tony Frazier, Terry Slaten, Fred Hoerr, George D’Andrea and Ken Angel

4:00 pm Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Drs. Tony Frazier, Terry Slaten, Fred Hoerr, George D’Andrea and Ken Angel

5:00 pm HAPPY HOUR (visit w/Exhibitors)

6:00-8:00 pm DINNER PROGRAM Industry Technical Seminar

SPONSORED BY SCHERING-PLOUGH ANIMAL HEALTH

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2007

6:30 am BREAKFAST Industry Technical Seminar SPONSORED BY ELANCO

7:00 am REGISTRATION DESK OPEN 8:00 am Interpreting Bovine Bloodwork Drs. Paul Walz & Thomas Passler

9:00 am Persistent Testicular Infections Associated with BVDV

Dr. Dan Givens

9:45 am BREAK (visit w/Exhibitors)

10:15 am Alabama BVDV Control Program Dr. Soren Rodning

11:00 am Beef Cattle Nutrition Dr. Darrell Rankins

12:00 noon LUNCH Industry Technical Seminar SPONSORED BY AgriLabs

1:30 pm Practice Tips from Yazoo City, Mississippi Dr. Jimmy Alexander

3:00 pm BREAK (visit w/Exhibitors)

3:30 pm National Beef Quality Audit Dr. Frank Owsley

4:15 pm UPDATE: Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (Dr. Barbara Monaghan, President)

ALFA & Alabama Cattleman’s Association

5:00 pm HAPPY HOUR (visit w/Exhibitors)

6:00 pm DINNER (steak dinner provided)

7:30 pm Practice Tips and Downie Award Other Entertainment

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2007

6:30 am DEVOTIONAL7:00 am BREAKFAST Industry Technical Seminar

8:00 am The Rise of the Alabama Goat Industry Mitt Walker & Boyd Brady

8:30 am Reproductive Management of Goats Dr. Jason Johnson

9:15 am Artifi cial Insemination in Goats Dr. Misty Edmondson

10:00 am BREAK (visit w/Exhibitors)

10:15 am Alabama Meat Goat Safety and Quality Assurance Program

Dr. Diego Gimenez

11:00am Goat Parasites and Management Dr. David Pugh

12:00 noon LUNCH Industry Technical Seminar

CE Hours: 20.5

Adjourn Conference

5WINTER EDITION 2006

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REGISTRATION FORM

Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ (Please print name, as it should appear on nametag)

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________

City_____________________________________________State___________________ Zip_______________

Phone___________________________________________ E-mail____________________________________

A. REGISTRATION INFORMATION

*Main conference registration fee includes 20.5 hours of quality CE, Friday lunch & dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch & dinner, Sunday

breakfast & lunch and all breaks.Pre-Registration Late/On-Site

(After Jan. 6)

Member of ________ Veterinary Medical Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225.00 $300.00 $___________

(Must be a member of one of the 50 state VMA’s for member discount

Non-Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $325.00 $400.00 $___________

Veterinary Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175.00 $250.00 $___________

Meals & Breaks only (for Spouse or Guest) ……………………………. $91.00 $101.00 $___________

TOTAL $___________

B. ACCOMMODATIONS

Occupancy in the 4-H Center motel is two per room. If you have a preference of roommate, please indicate that person below. Ifpreference is NOT listed, rooms will be assigned as registrations are received (on first come, first serve basis).

Roommate Preference (if any):____________________________________________

*I prefer non-smoking room smoking room

No spouse activities have been planned. If your spouse / guest would like to have a name badge printed, please indicate his/her namebelow: Name:____________________________________________

ROOM AT 4-H CENTER FRIDAY

Double occupancy (registrant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00 $___________

Spouse occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00 $___________

Single occupancy (registrant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90.00 $___________

ROOM AT 4-H CENTER SATURDAY

Double occupancy (registrant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00 $___________

Spouse occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45.00 $___________

Single occupancy (registrant) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90.00 $___________

TOTAL $___________

C. PAYMENT METHOD GRAND TOTAL $_________

Enclosed is a check payable to the Alabama VMA

MasterCard OR Visa

Card#_______________________________________________________ Exp. Date ________/________

Name on Card__________________________________________________________________________

Signature______________________________________________________________________________

D. MEALS

I will attend the following meal functions: (please check all that apply)

Friday, January 26 – LUNCH Saturday, January 27 – DINNER

Friday, January 26 – DINNER Sunday, January 28 – BREAKFAST

Saturday, January 27 – BREAKFAST Sunday, January 28 – LUNCH

Saturday, January 27 – LUNCH

Make all checks or money orders payable to: ALABAMA VMA

MAIL TO: Alabama VMA, Attn: FA, P.O. Box 3514, Montgomery, AL 36109

For further information contact Tammy Wallace by calling (334) 395-0086 or

via e-mail at [email protected]

REGISTRATION FORM


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The word protection encompasses many definitions and emotions unique to each of us. No doubt images of family at young age and receiving

protection gives way to adulthood and being the protector to our own loved ones. As we struggled with a definition that would best describe our profession Protecting People,

Animals and Livestock Yesterday, Today, and Always was submitted and instantly approved for its merit.

Growing up we were recipients to the good care veterinarians provided: Protection through advice, the food supply, the trusted source when you needed help for your animals. Now we have become the ones to Protect. Our profession is filled with caring people

contributing to society through our roles as veterinarians. Bioterrorism, zoonotic disease, research, preventative medicine, emergency medicine, are but a few of the roles we live out daily.

Join with us as we educate the citizens of our state (your customers) during 2007. We will display through multimedia, regional prominent events, speeches, parties and even bumper stickers. As a member of the ALVMA, you will receive mementos when you renew your membership for 2007, which will help publicize our 100th Anniversary. They include a beautiful 100 year poster, a stainless steel tumbler for your hot or cold drinks and a decorative auto decal announcing our Centennial. Here are some ways you can participate in helping to educate the public;

Minimum level of participation:a. Apply the auto decal to your carb. Hang the poster in your office for all to appreciate our

history and service to the publicc. Work a few hours at a community event in your area

ex. Panoply, Jubilee Fest, Medical Fair, Mardi Grasd. Get your CE by attending the 100 Year Celebration

Party at our summer convention in Orange Beach

Moderate level of participatione. All above plus volunteer to present one of our prepared speeches to an organization or school in your community.

Full level of participationf. All of the above plus volunteer to serve on a committee

that deals with challenges that face each of us.

Call me or the Association office (334-395-0086) and find out how you can be a part of our 100 Year Centennial. We will be demonstrating to the public how we Protect: Yesterday, Today, and Always.

Respectfully submitted, Mark Russell DVM

100 Year Update

DR. MARK RUSSELL

UPCoMinG eVentSFood Animal Conference

Location:

Columbiana 4-H Center

Date:

January 26 – 28, 2007

•Annual Convention and

100 Year CelebrationLocation:

Perdido Beach Resort

Date:

June 28 – July 1, 2007

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tuskegee University newsCollege of Veterinary medicine, Nursing, and Allied health

Alabama VMA President Visits Tuskegee and Addresses Students

The Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA) was honored with the presence of Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA) President Dr. Barbara F. Monaghan at the October 16, 2006 general meeting.

Dr. Monaghan encouraged TUSVM students to really focus on what it takes to be a “good veterinarian.” She emphasized the importance of the human-animal bond. “It is important to create a bond with the client because they will trust you. In a clinical setting, we as veterinarians are all able to become desensitized to human-animal relationships, but this is a huge mistake. You must respect that human-animal bond if you truly want to be a good veterinarian,” said Dr. Monaghan.

Students were also encouraged to seek to be as competent as possible. Dr. Monaghan cited a study about the perception of veterinary medicine. The study emphasized how important both the human-animal bond is as well as clinical competency. “Clients expect and want their veterinarian to be both friendly and clinically competent. There is no substitute for providing good service,” concluded Dr. Monaghan.

After her presentation, lunch was served to all participants. Students also took this opportunity to have one-on-one conversation with Dr. Monaghan.

TUSVM Students Donate Saturdays to Clean Up and Fix Up for Accreditation Site Visit

The American Veterinary Medical Association - Council on Education (AVMA-COE) visited TUSVM on November 5-9, 2006. In preparation for the much anticipated visit by the veterinary medical professions’ accrediting body, Tuskegee veterinary medical students worked tirelessly for several weekends to help the school look its absolute best. Over a three-week period students representing every student veterinary organization came out and worked fiercely. Saturdays were spent cutting lawns, trimming shrubs, planting flowers, painting, laying tile, raking, cleaning out the horse barn and other animal areas, as well as cleaning within the clinic areas and classrooms.

Almost no job was too large or too small for the TUSVM student body. “I am truly proud to be a member of the Tuskegee University Student Chapter of

the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA). It is really good to know that we have the type of students here at Tuskegee that will pull together for a common good and work and sweat hard together to get the job done,” said SCAVMA President Antwain Howard, a member of the Class of 2007.

“I would also like to thank the Tuskegee community as well as our surrounding communities for their support. Contributors such as Lowe’s in Opelika and Tuskegee Hardware donated tools or sold materials to us at discounted prices. The support we received was just phenomenon. It is my hope that the momentum does not end here because accreditation is over, but that it continues to grow and lasts for years to come,” says Mr. Howard.

“Mr. Howard and the entire student body are to be commended for such dedication to Tuskegee. As SCAVMA President, Mr. Howard organized the cleanup efforts. The students’ spirit energized not only fellow students, but faculty, staff, and alumni. The commitment and dedicated engagement in every phase of the preparation as well as the actual participation of those who interviewed with the site team committee is not only memorable but admirable. I truly thank the entire Tuskegee veterinary medical family and the community,” said Dr. Tsegaye Habtemariam, Dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health.

The School of Veterinary Medicine is still awaiting notification of its accreditation status from the AVMA-COE; however, the accrediting body did make several positive comments about the School during its exit interview with the Dean on November 9.

“The site team gave me a summary of positive findings as well as recommendations. It was positive and highly encouraging. They were very impressed with the dedication and diversity of our alumni and student body as well as with the school’s dedicated faculty and staff,” concluded Dean Habtemariam.

TUSVM Annual Small Animal Health Fair – Open to Community

Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) hosted its 12th Annual Small Animal Health Fair on Saturday, October 7, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the School’s Small Animal Hospital. Prevention and early detection of diseases for pets was the message passed on not only to the residents of Macon County but to residents in the adjacent counties


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of Lee, Bullock, Elmore, Montgomery and Autauga. The student chapters of the American Veterinary

Medical Association (SCAVMA), the Omega Tau Sigma Veterinary Medical Fraternity (OTS), and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) supported the Small Animal Health Fair along with TUSVM.

Dr. Pamela Guy served as chairperson of the Small Animal Health Fair and is an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences.

TUSVM Small Animal clinicians encouraged everyone whose pet had not had a physical examination in the last 12 months to participate.

“We emphasized prevention because it is so much more cost effective than treatment which can be very expensive for pets such as dogs, cats, pocket pets like gerbils and hamsters, as well as other tiny critters. Also, we wanted pet owners to realize that many of the intestinal parasites are especially serious because they are contagious, not only from pet-to-pet, but from pet-to-people,” said Dr. Guy.

During the Health Fair, all pets received

TUSVM students show dedication during accreditation preparation efforts.

complimentary physical examinations, and heartworm tests. Fecal examinations were performed for dogs and cats if the owner brought fresh fecal samples to be tested for intestinal parasites. Participants were also able to meet Canine Obedience Trainer Jerry Barnes. Mr. Barnes did a free obedience demonstration and provided complimentary consultations during the Health Fair. Mr. Barnes provides personal protection and obedience training for all breeds, but specializes in Presa Canario, White Doberman, and Blue Pits.

For a modest fee, pet owners were also able to update their dogs’ and cats’ vaccinations for rabies, distemper, parvo virus, feline leukemia, and other serious but preventable diseases. Also, TUSVM stressed to all dog and cat owners to remember that the Alabama law requires annual rabies shots for all dogs and cats.

Through TUSVM’s comprehensive Small Animal Health Fair, everyone in the local community and adjacent communities were encouraged to adopt an effective preventive health care program.


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Auburn UniversityCollege of Veterinary Medicine News

AU professor develops first egg-injected poultry vaccination against avian influenza

An Auburn University veterinary professor in collaboration with researchers at Vaxin Inc. of Birmingham has developed the first “in ovo,” or egg-injected, vaccine to protect chickens against avian influenza, a virus threatening human health and global poultry populations.

Dr. Haroldo Toro, whose research is in press in the scientific journal, Vaccine, says it would provide 100 percent protection once an outbreak’s strain is determined.

“We have proven the principle, which is the major step in leading to commercially produced vaccine that could be vital to the poultry industry,” Dr. Toro said. “When an outbreak occurs, we would determine the strain and quickly create a vaccine within three months specifically for it.”

The researchers inserted a gene from a low pathogenic avian flu virus strain (H5N9) into a non-

replicating human virus, a Vaxin proprietary technology, which was then injected into developing chicken embryos still in the egg. When protection induced by the vaccine was tested against two highly pathogenic avian flu viruses, a Vietnam H5N1 strain and a Mexican H5N2 strain, the results showed 68 percent and 100 percent protection, respectively.

“These strains have slightly different genetic makeups which account for the different percentages in protection,” said Dr. Toro, who is also collaborating on this project with the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens, Ga. “Our results indicate that we can provide effective protection against any strain after incorporating the gene of the field strain into our vaccine construct.”

The disease has decimated poultry populations in Asia in recent years. Dr. Toro says United States health officials are continuously monitoring both chicken flocks and migratory birds that might bring new, highly pathogenic strains of the disease and infect poultry flocks, possibly killing between 90 percent to 100 percent in affected areas.

The current policy of health officials during an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu is mass euthanasia and disposal of infected birds, and strict biosecurity measures. Mass vaccination programs around the perimeter region would help to reduce the risk of further dissemination of the field virus to neighboring areas. Because this vaccine also allows easy differentiation between naturally infected birds and vaccinated birds, this new vaccine could also be used to prevent outbreaks of disease in case of

Dr. Haroldo Toro has developed the first egg-injected vaccine to protect

chickens against avian influenza.

immediate risk from a known strain affecting, for example, neighboring countries.

“We can vaccinate lots of birds in a quick, cost- and labor-saving manner which otherwise would not be possible,” Dr. Toro said. “Most poultry operations already have automated injection machines to vaccinate against Marek’s disease, injecting up to 40,000 eggs per minute. Our vaccine is produced through cell cultures, so we can easily make enough vaccine for thousands of birds.”

He says this procedure is much easier than producing inactivated, or killed, vaccines, which require replicating the live avian influenza virus in egg embryos and individual delivery by injection. In addition, naturally infected chickens cannot be differentiated from those vaccinated if the strain used for vaccination is the same as the one acting in the field. Currently available recombinant vaccines, using fowlpox vectors, are injected into the chicken and have been shown to be less effective in birds pre-exposed to the fowlpox vector. Pre-exposure to the vector used in this novel vaccine is extremely unlikely in chicken populations.

“Both of the current methods are

Dr. Haroldo Toro


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11Winter edition 2006

difficult and labor intensive, and are too time consuming, when time is critical,” he said. “The in-egg vaccine is easy to produce, easy to administer and very effective.”

He adds, “The vaccine would, in turn, reduce the risk for human exposure to avian influenza.” Even though the risk to people is low, there have been confirmed cases among humans reported since 1997, primarily in Asia as a result of contact with infected chicken, ducks and turkeys.

Dr. Toro’s research is funded through a USDA program set up in 2004 for universities to study avian influenza. The next step is gaining federal approval to commercially produce the vaccine.

“We are looking at two or three years for federal approval, but it might be much sooner if an outbreak occurs,” he said. “We have a very good tool against avian flu. No one has done this before.”

Macintire Wins 2006 Ira M. Zaslow Award

Dr. Dougie Macintire has been awarded the national 2006 Ira M. Zaslow Distinguished Service Award from the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, announced by the board of directors during the annual meeting in September in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Macintire, who joined the Auburn faculty in 1990, teaches emergency medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine and is co-director of the college’s Critical Care Service. She was president of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society from 1996 to 1998 and served eight years on the board of directors. Since 1996 she has been the small animal medicine editor of The Compendium for Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian.

Distinguished Service AwardShirley Gertsch Bartels of

Auburn recently received the

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AU retIreS golDen eAgle tIger

Auburn University officials retired the school’s famed 26-year-old golden eagle Tiger during the Nov. 11 football game against the University of Georgia. “Tiger has been, and will continue to be, a much-treasured part of Auburn University history,” said AU President Ed Richardson. “She will still make guest appearances at games and will remain a vital part of the educational programs of the Southeastern Raptor Center.”

Serving as War Eagle VI, Tiger has represented the university’s school spirit since 1986 and has been flying before home football games since 2000. In 2002 she flew during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, with her flight being seen by millions of television viewers around the world.

Earlier this year AU veterinarians diagnosed a recurring mass on Tiger’s right leg as skin cancer. The low-grade but delicately located tumor was surgically removed again in June and was additionally treated with local radiation therapy. “Tiger is doing very well and has been able to train for stadium flights,” said Dr. Timothy Boosinger, veterinary dean. “So far there is little evidence of recurrence and we are hoping for long-term success, however it is still too early to know the long-term prognosis.”

In 2005, Tiger was recognized for her contributions to Auburn and to the state of Alabama by being inducted into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame.

University officials at halftime presented six-year-old golden eagle Nova as the next official Auburn eagle, War Eagle VII. Nova and 11-year-old bald eagle Spirit have been making pre-game flights for three years and five years, respectively. Nova was born in captivity in the Montgomery, Ala., Zoo in 1999 and was transferred to Auburn when he was six months old.

All birds used in Auburn’s educational programs are non-releasable due to prior injuries or human imprinting. Any bird capable of surviving in the wild must be released, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which permits Auburn to house the birds.

Continued on page 12


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Auburn EventsCalendar

2006 and 2007December 8-10, 2006 ALVMA Winter Meeting Montgomery, Alabama

January 19-21, 2007 Sports Medicine Symposium

January 26-28, 2007

ALVMA Food Animal Conference Columbiana, Alabama

February 3, 2007 IAMS Nutritional Symposium

April 12-15, 2007 100th Annual Conference

April 21, 2007 Open House

May (TBA) Veterinary Technician Course

June 7-9, 2007 Thermology Conference

national 2006 Distinguished Service Award from Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Bartels, a native of Portland, Oregon, attended Oregon State University in the late 1950s when she met her future husband, Dr. Jan Bartels. In 1967 they moved to Auburn, marking the beginning of Shirley’s tenure with the auxiliaries of the Alabama and American Veterinary Medical Associations. She has twice received both the Outstanding Member Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the Alabama Auxiliary and served as its president in 1994-95. She also received the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association’s Layperson of the Year Award in 1995.

Dr. Thomas E. Dreher, AUB ‘88340 Turnberry Road Birmingham, AL 35244 Phone: 205/995-9351 Cell: 205/601-4922 Fax: 205/995-9351 Email: [email protected](s) where Licensed: AL Kind of Practice: SA Exclusive Region of Relief: Birmingham or within 100 miles

Dr. Corey Jones, LSU ‘03 132 R.B. Orr Road Hartselle, AL 35640 Phone: 256/684-3546 Cell: 256/684-3546 Email: [email protected](s) where Licensed: AL Kind of Practice: SA, LA, Mixed, Surgery, Relief Region of Relief: North Alabama Appropriate Information: Special interest in surge

Dr. H. Winston Pirtle, Sr., AUB ‘678560 U.S. Hwy 331 Montgomery, AL 36105 Phone: 334/399-2059Fax: 334/288-4083 Email: [email protected] State(s) where Licensed: AL Kind of Practice: Mixed Region of Re-lief: State of Alabama - prefer within 100 miles of Montgomery Appropriate Information: Will bring ve-hicle stocked and equipped for equine and cattle calls.

Dr. Ralph W. Womer, Jr., AUB ‘69 1813 Jacobs Lane Auburn, AL 36830 Phone: 334/821-2048 Fax: 334/821-2001 Email: [email protected](s) where Licensed: AL, GA, FL & TX Kind of Practice: SA only Region of Relief: States where licensed. Appropriate Information: Available for daily, weekly or monthly relief work.

Dr. Donald C. Wood, AUB ‘682106 Kirkland DriveAuburn, AL 36832Phone: 334/826-3692 (AL) 239/389-4877 (FL)Email: [email protected](s) where Licensed: AL & FLKind of Practice: SARegion of Relief: AL

Dr. Mary Battistella, AUB ‘8339 Alabama DriveAlexander City, AL 35010-3050Phone: 256/825-6202Cell: 256/496-3013Fax: 256/825-6202Email: [email protected] State(s) where Licensed: ALKind of Practice: SASpecialty Training: Acupuncture, Chiropractics and NutritionRegion of Relief: Central AlabamaAppropriate Information:

Dr. Jean Waguespack, LSU3325 Pembrooke LaneBirmingham, AL 35226Phone: 205/978-8355Cell: 205/790-3908Email: [email protected](s) where Licensed: ALKind of Practice: SARegion of Relief: Auburn and MontgomeryAppropriate Information: Not available until After Jan. 01, 2007

AUB = AUBURN UNIVERSITY LSU = LOUISIANA STATE UNIV.

Relief VetsAuburn University News Continued


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13


Your PAC WorkinG for Your Benefit

Why should you give to our PAC? We just went through an election. You may or may not have been pleased with the results. But again, why should you give to our PAC? Our lobbyist and the good name of veterinary medicine in Alabama are the only influence you have on legislation that affects veterinary medicine as a whole and you as an individual practitioner. The more funding in the PAC, the more influence we have. Thank you for your support.

Dr. Bill Sternenberg, PAC Chairman

As another holiday season approaches, and an old year passes to present a new year, I find that I am pausing to contemplate the many

blessings of family and friends, blessings of living in a country based on personal, political and religious freedoms, and the blessing of serving in the profession of Veterinary Medicine, which improves the lives and health of animals and people. Our profession assures plentiful and safe food sources and agricultural products, and assists in developing and implementing medical and technical breakthroughs in our One World Health initiative. This year’s blessings include the AVMA and the many, many, unselfish volunteers and staff members who labor long and hard to make this association truly inclusive and representative of its members. AVMA today is proactive and technicologically advanced. It is science based in its decisions and advice and compassionate in its actions and deeds towards both animals and people in the USA and globally.

This January as you make your New Year’s resolutions, please consider further contributing to your profession by involving yourself in volunteer positions (committees, councils, task forces) in both the ALVMA as well as the AVMA. Dr. Bill Dewitt and I will be happy to discuss or answer any questions you may have regarding the AVMA. We would truly value your input as well. Remember, the strength of our profession is ultimately the responsibility of each one of us.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan K. Strother, DVM, AVMA Alternate Delegate

AVMA delegates report

ALVMA CLASSIFIEDAdVertiSinG PoLiCY ALVMA Members Non-Members $2.50 per line $5.00 per line

Ads will run for one quarter and must be renewed in writing, by fax of email. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject or modify material as deemed necessary to accommodate the publication format. Authors will be notified if the submission is deemed inappropriate. Material submitted will not be returned.If you wish to place a classified ad, send a copy of the ad to ALVMA, P.O. Box 3514, Montgomery, AL 39109. You may e-mail ad to [email protected] or fax ad to 334/270-3399 attention: Tammy Wallace.

The ALVMA does not endorse any of the classified ads.

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The Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation was formed on December 16, 2003 to assist veterinary students and technicians by providing scholarships and endowments, to develop animal welfare programs and support programs that contribute to the wellbeing of animals and enhance the human-animal bond, and to provide peer assistance for colleagues in crisis. The Foundation has been actively seeking contributors to meet the needs of the requests under which it was established.

As we near the end of 2006 and move into 2007, there are several ways you can take advantage of tax incentives while assisting with the Foundation’s efforts.

GIFTS OF CASH AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES:

Obviously the Foundation is glad to accept cash and checks. But, did you know you can make gifts to the Foundation of appreciated stocks, bonds and mutual fund shares without incurring any capital gains taxes on such a gift, and the amount of the income tax charitable deduction is equal to the appreciated value of those assets.

GIFT OF REMAINDER INTEREST IN HOME OR FARM:

In appropriate circumstances, single or married couples may see the advantages of not burdening their children with the worries of selling a home after their deaths or possibly creating family conflict or disharmony. The gift of the family home to the Foundation while retaining the right to live there for life is a perfect solution to this family dilemma. The couple (or individual) obtains an immediate income tax charitable deduction; continues to live in their residence as they always have; and removes this valuable asset from their estate upon death. Of course, if the Foundation is so inclined (which it probably would be), any of the children can purchase the family home from the Foundation possibly utilizing other inherited monies.

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST: In appropriate circumstances, the use of a

charitable remainder trust and gifts of appreciated

The Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation How Can You Help?

publicly-traded stock or land has numerous benefits with few disadvantages. The deferral of a capital gains tax upon the sale of the stock or land by the charitable remainder trust, a current income tax charitable deduction by the donor upon his or her gift of appreciated publicly-traded stock or land to the charitable remainder trust, and the retention of an income stream for life by the donor (and by his/her spouse if so desired) are all excellent benefits obtained upon the use of charitable remainder trust. Upon the death of the donor, the assets in the charitable remainder trust would pass to the Foundation estate tax free!

GIFT OF LIFE INSURANCE: One of the more simple ways to benefit the

Foundation is to designate it as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Upon the insured’s death, the death proceeds are paid to the Foundation and qualify for an estate tax charitable deduction.

BEQUEST UNDER A WILL: The Foundation is glad to accept bequests

under a will (or revocable living trust). They are very common and take affect after an individual passes away. These bequests may be changed at any time prior to death as long as the donor is mentally competent to make the change. Bequests or devises to the Foundation may designate a specific asset, a fixed sum, or a portion of the donor’s estate, and are fully deductible for estate tax purposes.

Many of the above charitable planning techniques are simple and basic and will assist the Foundation in accomplishing its mission-all while saving the donor taxes. Please consider the Foundation not only in your year end charitable giving, but also during this upcoming year. You contributions are greatly appreciated!

(The preceding information was provided courtesy

of Louis B. Feld, esq. and James J. Coomes, Esq., of

Feld, Hyde, Wertheimer, Bryant and Stone, P.C.,

2000 SouthBridge Parkway, Suite 500-Birmingham,

Alabama 35209. (205)-802-7575)

23807 ALVMA.indd 14 12/1/06 12:04:04 PM

15


friendly is more important to providing value than I ever imagined. The AVMA commissioned a large study through a professional marketing firm this year called “Public Perceptions of Veterinary Medicine”. The PowerPoint presentation was over 2 hours, so in brevity I can only choose one or two things to pull from the study. The study also included people who were not pet owners and not clients of veterinarians to obtain a true cross section of the public and get an accurate analysis of how the population around veterinarians regards the profession of veterinary medicine. The study concluded that the profession of veterinary medicine continues to be held in high regard (although here are some problem areas). I was surprised to hear that clients demand a friendly vet and a friendly staff. Yes they want clinical competency, but that alone will not retain your clients. If you do not provide the friendly atmosphere, they will leave you and find the combination of friendly staff and competent vet after the first visit. I encourage you to look for the publication summary of this study in JAVMA. It will raise your eyebrows on a few points.

So how do you get people to spend the money on the higher end of diagnostic and treatment and

A Note From the PresideNtContinued from page 2

be happy to pay? Anthropomorphize the situation. We can all relate to intense skin itching or tooth aches. Our clients have had dental x-rays taken on their own mouths for years, and some have had allergy testing. They already know about these procedures and the value they provide. Most people just need you to offer it to them. They are in your office because they want you to make their pet feel better, now. We are our own worst enemy. Do not get squeamish about charging the higher price for the advanced procedure. If you know that the procedure is the best option for the pet, tell the client that and do not make excuses for the price. If your client believes in you and your ability, they will take your advice. Just ask any boarded surgeon how many TPLOs they are doing these days instead of the less expensive traditional ACL repairs. I rest my case.

Your client will think they have over-paid at your office when they have an $80.00 bill because they waited too long in your waiting room, your technician was grumpy with them and you were too busy to spend more than 5 minutes going over the diagnosis and treatment options. That is an expensive visit: it had very little value to the client. Create value and keep the client.

Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

From the ALVMA StaffCharles, Tammy, Rick, Linda and Nita


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1�1� Alabama Veterinarian

Alabama Veterinary Medical AssociationP.O. Box 3514Montgomery, AL 36109-0514

Address Service Required

Prest. Std.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 456

Montgomery, AL 36110

Happy

Holidays

23807 ALVMA.indd 16 12/1/06 11:49:12 AM

16th annual alabama conference...j.t. vaughn hospital 1500 wire road auburn university, al...

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