News
USDA Veterinary Service Policy on Pets Arriving in US from Haiti
Due to the disastrous earthquake in Haiti, there may be an increased number of pets coming into the US. The following USDA-Veterinary Service (VS) policy should take effect immediately and remain in effect for the next 10 days for animals arriving at US ports from either Haiti or the Dominican Republic. During this period, the USDA-VS has waived the requirements for health certificates for dogs.
USDA Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program
The Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program will pay up to $25,000 each year towards qualified educational loans of eligible veterinarians who agree to serve in a NIFA designated veterinarian shortage situation for a period of three years.
Unretrieved Animals: Legislative Update
The Oregon House and Senate overwhelmingly approved House Bill 3111-A, which lessens the burden on veterinarians when dealing with unretrieved animals at the practice. Pending the governor’s signature, the bill will become effective January 1, 2012.
Survey of 3 Zoonotic Pathogens Carried by Rats in Multnomah County (Portland, Oregon)
Objectives of the study were to identify zoonotic agents: Hepatitis E, leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis carried by rats and assess the risk of rodent‐borne disease in commensal rodents in Multnomah County, Oregon, USA.
Open Wide! Oregon State Fair Dental Care Contest Winner Revealed
At the 2011 Fair, the OVMA booth focused on educating the public about the importance of regular veterinary dental care for pets, including exotics, and equines. The OVMA sponsored the Open Wide! dental care contest. Entrants answered 5 questions about dental care and the winner was drawn from all the correct entries.
Feline Distemper Case Reported at Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter
On October 5, the Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter in Hillsboro confirmed a case of Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper). A kitten that was adopted at the shelter died, and then tested positive for the disease.
OVMA Committee Creating Veterinary Hospice Guidelines
An OVMA ad hoc committee on veterinary hospice care, chaired by Dr. Bob Franklin, developed guidelines and presented its recommendations to the board at its June meeting. The BOD approved the guidelines.
Leptospirosis Found in Sea Lions on Oregon Coast: Humans and Pet Owners Exercise Caution
Some of the dead or dying sea lions being found on the Oregon Coast are infected with the bacteria that causes leptospirosis infection. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is transmissible to pets and people. People should stay at least 50 feet away from a beached sea mammal and keep their dogs on a leash to avoid contact with sea lions.
Three Oregon Tularemia Cases in Humans
Three human cases of tularemia in Oregon have been associated with bites and scratches with cats and squirrels.
