News
The FDA is asking veterinarians to assist in their investigation of the cause of reported pet illnesses associated with jerky pet treat products by submitting samples, educating clients, and reporting pet illnesses associated with jerky treats. As of September 24, 2013, FDA has received approximately 3000 reports of illness, involving more than 3600 dogs, 10 cats, and including more than 580 deaths.
Recently we sent a letter to all practice owners informing them of their duty to provide notice to all employees of the healthcare exchange that will be starting in 2014. We have received some calls about this issue in relation to the requirement to notify employees by a letter sent through US mail (using a stamp). We cannot recommend to you how to inform your employees; we are just passing along the notice of the requirement to inform. If you have any questions about this issue, please feel free to contact us.
The Oregon Animal Health Foundation's Human-Animal Bond Photo Contest was held during this year's Fair, and we received many wonderful and touching entries. We're so pleased to see the depth of the connection between you and your pets and equines. Congratulations to Jason Larsen, who submitted the winning photo (taken by Erin Coates) and was chosen as our Grand Prize winner!
An increasing number of pharmacies – mostly box-store outlets – have been asking veterinarians for an NPI number in order to fill prescriptions that are called in by the practitioner. However, the AVMA has recently learned from the Department of Human Services (DHHS) that veterinarians are definitively not eligible to procure National Provider Identifier numbers.
Congratulations to Kayla Greenwood, age 10, of Mount Angel! Her entry was selected as the winner of our Oregon State Fair coloring contest.
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (NPPC) is voluntarily recalling a limited number of 3.5-pound bags of its Purina ONE beyOnd Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food from a single production run and shipped to retail customers in the United States. This is being done because one bag of the product was found to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board has proposed revisions to current administrative rules, and now is your opportunity to review the suggested changes and share your thoughts. Public comment on the proposed changes will be accepted through August 30, 2013.
The OVMA supports Partners for Healthy Pets, a national coalition of veterinary associations and animal health companies under the umbrella of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. This alliance offers tools and resources to enhance the overall vitality of pets and veterinary practices, the delivery of preventive healthcare services, and communication with pet owners about the value of routine care.
Dogswell and Catswell jerky treats made with chicken or duck with a "Best Before” date of Jan. 28, 2015 or earlier are being recalled because they may contain trace amounts of an antibiotic residue not approved for use in the United States.
The Robert Abady Dog Food Company is recalling some frozen dog food because it may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling specific lots of dry pet food and treats because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Wardley Betta Fish Food 1.2 oz. size due to concerns that one or more containers within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella.
The Texas Supreme Court issued a long-awaited opinion in Medlen v. Strickland, refusing to allow noneconomic damages for loss of a pet in a case involving a local municipal shelter. The high court reversed the judgment of a state court of appeals. (If you would like a copy of the complete opinion, contact the OVMA office).
Bimeda Inc., on behalf of the manufacturer, Bimeda-MTC Animal Health Inc. is voluntarily recalling one lot of Calcium Gluconate, one lot of Dextrose 50%, and one lot of Hypertonic Saline, all of which are in the form of injectable fluids, to the user level. These injectable fluids are being recalled as a precautionary measure; because of departures from customary sterility procedures, sterility cannot be entirely assured.
Cargill’s animal nutrition business today announced a voluntary recall of Showmaster® S-Series Show Lamb Feed (BW) because it contained incorrect sodium molybdate levels. To date, there are 170, 50-pound bags of feed still out in the market. Cargill continues to take appropriate steps to pursue retrieval on those bags.
If your dog or cat is itching and scratching, fleas are a likely culprit. Flea season usually begins in spring and lasts through the summer, but fleas can survive year round in western Oregon's moderate climate. Fleas that live on your pet can easily spread to your house or yard and vice versa, so it's important to treat both your pet and your pet's environment.
Natura Pet Products has recalled dry pet food (EVO, Innova, California Natural and HealthWise) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This recall was expanded today to include Natura's dry dog, cat and ferret food products with expiration dates through March 24, 2014.
Merit Bird Company, LLC of Chatsworth, California has recalled various Vitae brand bird food shipped between May 2012 to February 2013, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
On February 5, 2010, the USDA announced it would be discontinuing the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), which had been designed to help producers and animal health officials respond to animal disease events in the United States. A replacement system for animal traceability will be developed.
Breeder’s Choice has recalled a single batch of Active Care Biscuits Healthy Dog Treats due to mold discovered in one of the lots of dog biscuits.
Virbac has issued a voluntary recall for six lots of their heartworm preventive, Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables, due to a failure to meet stability specifications during the life of the product.
BARF World has recalled bags of Lamb Diet and Combination Diet with the Best By Date of 7/27/2013 (07272013).
Bravo has recalled three raw diets for dogs and cats due to the possibility of Salmonella contamination.