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WHATS NEWS WEST NILE INCIDENCE AND VACCINATION, 1999L2007
W
est Nile Virus (WNV), an arbovirus endemic in North America, is the causative agent of West Nile equine encephalomyelitis (WNEE) and an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of horses with signs of neurologic disease. WNV vaccination is important in the prevention of WNEE and is considered one of the core equine vaccinations by the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Core equine vaccinations are those indicated for use in all horses irrespective of use or geographic location in the United States (www.aaep.org/ vaccination_guidelines.htm). Since the initial detection of WNEE in 1999 in New York, the virus has spread throughout the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Data available from the United States Department of Agriculture indicate that from 1999 through 2006 a total of 24,841 WNEE equine cases have been laboratory confirmed. The peak of the equine cases occurred in 2002 (Fig. 1). Current as well as historical data regarding the number and location of WNEE is available at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/wnv and in the ‘‘Equine 2005 Part II: Changes in the U.S. Equine Industry,’’ 1998-2005 at http://nahms.aphis.usda.gov. Although still an endemic disease in the United States, a decline in WNEE is probably attributable to a combination of naturally acquired immunity, management, and frequent use of WNV vaccination. Management and control 0737-0806/$ - see front matter Ó 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2008.11.004
measures in the United States include pesticide use against larvae and adult mosquitoes, repellents (topical pyrethroids), and vector-resistant housing such as screened stalls or stalls with fans to reduce mosquito activity. It is important to acknowledge that the number of cases reported could be impacted by factors in addition to actual cases, including disease recognition on the part of equine owners, pursuit of a causative diagnosis by the examining veterinarian through laboratory testing, and reporting criteria and surveillance at the state level. The frequency of use of the WNV vaccines has been estimated in the National Animal Health Monitoring Systems ‘‘Equine 2005 Part I: Baseline Reference of Equine Health and Management.’’ For operations that gave any type of vaccine to equids in the previous year, 85% vaccinated some or all of their resident horses against WNV, making this the most commonly used vaccine in horses in the United States. These facts illustrate the rapid and widespread response of both pharmaceutical companies and the equine industry to the disease risk posed by WNV in the United States. Three different types of WNV vaccines are now licensed and commercially available for use in horses in the United States: WNV killed with adjuvant; WNV canarypox recombinant with adjuvant; and WNV chimera with yellow fever virus vaccine. With an estimated equine population in the United States of approximately six million, the vaccine manufacturers marketed approximately 4.1 million doses in 2006. Reprinted from Equine Disease Quarterly, July 2008, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Science.
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
EQUINE HERPES VIRUS ABORTIONS
T
he monitoring of abortions attributable to equine herpes virus type-1 (EHV-1) initiated in 1957 among the Thoroughbred mare population of Central Kentucky has continued annually for the past 51 years. The number of abortions per 1,000 pregnant mares (as illustrated in Figure 1), based on accessions to the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center and confirmed by laboratory diagnosis, is considered an accurate reflection of the field incidence. This accurate number is attributable to the diligence of farm managers and attending veterinarians ensuring that all fetuses and neonatal foal losses are submitted for examination. The figure for the number of pregnant mares is derived annually from the number of foals registered by the Jockey Club, taken as 70% of mares considered in foal. The most recent Jockey Club 2007 Fact Book reported 9,903 foals registered in Kentucky for 2005—29% of the US foal crop—which translates to 14,147 pregnant mares. This number represents a recovery from the decline in numbers recorded during 2001 and 2002 due to the effects of mare reproductive loss syndrome. The number of EHV-1 abortions per 1,000 pregnant mares has remained below five since 1977, despite a doubling in size of the mare population. Since 1977 the overall number of EHV-1 abortions has ranged from a low of 11 in 1993 to a high of 47 in 1997, with 18 recorded in 2006 and 22 in 2007. Most cases in recent years are single events on individual farms among a population of mares that is routinely vaccinated against the disease. However,
5
WHATS NEWS Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
6
Figure 1. Number of laboratory-confirmed human and equine West Nile Virus cases per year in the United States.
Figure 2. Prevalence of EHV-1 abortion and the population of Thoroughbred mares in Kentucky, 1957L2005. multiple abortions still may occur, as evidenced by one farm in 2007 that experienced six abortions. When multiple abortions occur, the initial or index case is usually the source of infection to subsequent losses. The aborted fetus and placenta are a potent source of virus that overwhelms the immunity of even a vaccinated mare that is a contact in the same barn or paddock. To prevent such an occurrence, the precautions outlined in Table 1 should be strictly followed. The accumulated data confirm that sound management practices (as illustrated in Table 2) combined with an annual vaccination program at 5, 7, and 9 months of pregnancy have
contributed to a low level of EHV-1 abortions over the past 30 years. Reprinted from Equine Disease Quarterly, July 2008, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Science.
MAMMARY GLAND TUMORS IN MARES
M
ammary neoplasia (tumors) in the mare is exceedingly rare. To date, published cases consist of reports of six single cases and one report each for two,
three, and four mares. Of published cases, all tumors were malignant except one report of a benign (noncancerous) adenoma. Previous abattoir studies report an incidence of 0.11% to 1.99% for equine mammary tumors. Published reports of mammary neoplasia in mares have several characteristics in common. Mares presented with unilaterally or bilaterally enlarged mammary glands that were firm, usually painful, and typically ulcerated or draining serosanguineous or purulent material. Clinical signs progressed over weeks to months. Pregnancy and lactational status varied; age ranged from 12 to 21 years. Initial diagnosis of mastitis and treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents initially resulted in some improvement of discharge and swelling, but clinical signs always recurred. At the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center from 1994 to March 2008, 11 cases of mammary neoplasia were diagnosed. Most cases were submitted for necropsy; a small number were biopsy samples. All 11 cases were malignant, and complications resulting from primary neoplasia or metastasis were the cause of death or euthanasia in most cases. Often there was a history of weight loss, depression, and laboratory results, indicating other organs were affected by neoplasia, such as the liver and kidneys. More than half of the cases had gross or microscopic evidence of metastasis such as lymph node enlargement or neoplastic nodules in other organs. Based on these results, it appears that equine mammary neoplasms are much more likely to be malignant than benign, and hence carry a poor prognosis for long-term survival. Definitive diagnosis of mammary neoplasia is made with microscopic examination of excised mammary tissue. Cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates or mammary discharge is usually unrewarding in terms of confirming or ruling out neoplasia. Most neoplastic lesions have an inflammatory
WHATS NEWS Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
Table 1. Prevention of EHV-1 abortion Divide pregnant mares into groups by stage of gestation and maintain isolation Isolate all new arrivals for 21 days Keep foaling mares away from older mares If mares are removed, do not reintroduce Maintain vaccination program Segregate pregnant mares from weanlings and other horses Keep foster mares away from pregnant mares
Table 2. Action to be taken if an abortion occurs Place aborted fetus and membranes in leak-proof container and dispatch to diagnostic laboratory Disinfect and clean contaminated area Place mare in isolation Do not move in-contact mares If positive for EHV-1, split incontact mares into small groups
component, especially with chronic or ulcerated masses. For that reason, observation of large numbers of inflammatory cells and bacteria does not help to differentiate between neoplasia with an inflammatory response and true inflammation of the mammary gland. A core or excisional biopsy taken from affected tissue some distance away from sites of ulceration and drainage is recommended. Samples taken from ulcerated tissue may show only inflammation and necrosis and not contain enough neoplastic tissue for definitive diagnosis. The treatment of choice for mammary neoplasia in the mare is total removal of mammary tissue and any accessible lymph nodes. Disease may initially appear unilaterally but subse-
7
quently become bilateral or show evidence of bilateral disease grossly or microscopically. Unfortunately, by the time a definitive diagnosis is made and surgery is performed, metastasis to regional and distant lymph nodes and tissues has most likely occurred. Most mares do well immediately after surgery then have recurrence of neoplasia at the excision site or evidence of metastasis such as lymph node enlargement, weight loss, and malaise. Mares are often euthanized because of poor prognosis or deterioration attributable to metastases. In a mare with enlarged mammary glands and poor response to antibiotic therapy, neoplasia should be considered a differential diagnosis. Reprinted from Equine Disease Quarterly, July 2008, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, 2Department of Veterinary Science.
KENTUCKY RACING PANEL REORGANIZED AGAIN by: Tom LaMarra Article #12212, July 4, 2008
D
emocratic Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed an executive order July 3 reorganizing and renaming the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA), which is now the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC). Several of the ‘‘new’’ members already had been appointed to fill expired terms. The only holdovers from the KHRA, established when Republican Ernie Fletcher became governor 4 years ago, are Tom Ludt and Thomas Gaines, who will serve on the new KHRC. Along with Ludt and Gaines, members of the KHRC are Robert M. Beck, chairman; Tracy Farmer, vice chairman; Edward S. Bonnie; Francis Thomas Conway; John T. Ward, Jr.; Frank L. Jones Jr.; Burr James Travis II; Michael Anthony Pitino; Jerry L. Yon; Elizabeth ‘‘Betsy’’ Stone Lavin;
Dr. Foster Harold Northrop; Alan J. Leavitt; and Wade Houston. Ward currently serves on the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council. Jones, active in the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, was a member of the Kentucky Racing Commission before it was abolished by Fletcher. ‘‘Kentucky’s signature industry is in crisis and immediate, aggressive action is necessary to preserve its integrity,’’ Beshear said in a statement. ‘‘The actions I have taken reflect my continued commitment to strengthening horse racing in the commonwealth.’’ The KHRC includes the 15 appointees and the secretaries of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, Public Protection Cabinet, and Economic Development Cabinet, who serve as ex-officio members. The announcement drew criticism from Republican Kentucky Senator Damon Thayer, who called the changes political. ‘‘It’s another example of this governor trying to thwart the will of the legislature,’’ Thayer said July 3. ‘‘This reorganization needs the approval of the General Assembly, and it cannot be codified until January 2009. It is an inappropriate time to reorganize something that did not need reorganizing. By all accounts, the horse racing authority was doing a wonderful job.’’ It was expected that Beshear, elected in November 2007, would reorganize the KHRA soon after he took office. That never occurred. Thayer said the KHRA did a good job establishing the breeders’ incentive programs in Kentucky and also was making progress on regulation of anabolic steroids. He also questioned the timing given the July 3 announcement that Ellis Park would not hold its summer meet. ‘‘It is an inopportune time reorganizing the racing authority, particularly when there is no compelling reason to do so,’’ Thayer said. ‘‘I hope the new horse racing commission will continue the good work of the racing
WHATS NEWS Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
8
authority on breed development and the banning of anabolic steroids by January 1, 2009.’’ Also on July 3, the KHRC issued a brief statement on the closure of Ellis Park, saying it was ‘‘disappointed to learn’’ the meet had been canceled, and it had hoped a ‘‘resolution could be reached’’ to allow for Thoroughbred racing this summer. This article was first published on www.BloodHorse.com. Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news.
AQHA DONATES $50,000 TO GENETIC RESEARCH FUND by: Press Release Article #12241, July 9, 2008
T
he American Quarter Horse Foundation recently donated $50,000 to the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) to advance equine
health through MAF’s Equine Consortium for Genetic Research (ECGR) project. The consortium includes 18 equine research institutes in nine countries. Funding will allow scientists around the world to study genetic mutations and processes that contribute to equine diseases such as laminitis, arthritis, painful muscle diseases, foal pneumonia, and a myriad of other diseases and disorders. Genetic issues are a major concern to the American Quarter Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Foundation. ‘‘We have spent more than $1.3 million on these issues in the past few years and feel that we can maximize our research dollars by working with MAF’s ECGR,’’ said Bill Brewer, executive vice president of the association. ‘‘MAF’s very high standards for equine research mirrors that of the American Quarter Horse Foundation and having MAF match our donation will make our research dollars go even further.’’
MAF has funded hundreds of equine studies since 1959, and the ECGR is MAF’s largest equine initiative effort to date. This project will benefit the entire horse industry and offer new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to help save animals by reducing suffering and promoting equine health and welfare. To learn more about the ECGR, call 800/243-2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/equine. Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news.
AVMA AND INDUSTRY BUSINESS PARTNER by: Press Release Article #12206, July 3, 2008
F
ort Dodge Animal Health, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Merial have together pledged a total of $4.5 million in support of American
WHATS NEWS Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) programs and services over the next four years. (AVMA is the membership group for all veterinarians.) The unprecedented commitments are part of the AVMA’s new Platinum Partner Program, or P3, to be unveiled July 19 during the 145th AVMA Annual Convention in New Orleans. The partnership is intended to provide members with new and improved initiatives and opportunities to enhance membership benefits. ‘‘We are delighted that our P3 associates recognize the value of partnering with the AVMA,’’ said Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA executive vice president and chief executive officer. ‘‘Because of their support, we are able to provide top-notch continuing education (CE), enhance our overall convention experience, and promote the goals of the association. We truly appreciate their ongoing investment in the future of our profession.’’ Each P3 participant has made a $380,000 annual commitment to the AVMA for 4 years for a total of $1.5 million. In return, each company receives a broad range of benefits from the association. Participants will have opportunities to interact with AVMA members, leaders, and staff; be recognized as ‘‘elite partners’’ with the AVMA through promotional efforts in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), on the AVMA website, and at the association’s annual convention; and receive space in JAVMA for advertising and for spotlight advertorials highlighting the companies’ contributions to veterinary medicine. ‘‘We are extremely excited about the launch of the AVMA Platinum Partner Program,’’ explained David Little, di-
9
rector of the AVMA Convention and Meeting Planning Division. ‘‘We wanted to build a platform to recognize companies within the veterinary industry willing to partner with the AVMA, across a broad spectrum of opportunities, to benefit our members. We believe P3 achieves that goal, for both the AVMA and our P3 partners.’’ Craig Wallace, vice president of U.S. sales for Fort Dodge Animal Health, said P3 is an opportunity for the Overland Park, Kansas based division of Wyeth to demonstrate its support for the AVMA as well as the veterinary profession. ‘‘We feel very strongly it is important to ‘live in the industry,’’’ Wallace explained, ‘‘meaning, as an organization, we must continue to be involved in the veterinary community as a way to give back. And we feel participating at a high sponsorship level in the AVMA helps us accomplish that objective.’’ One of the benefits of being a P3 member will be increased visibility within the veterinary profession for Fort Dodge, according to Wallace. The company wants to highlight key products and its support for National Pet Wellness Month and other educational campaigns. Dr. Mary Beth Leininger, director of professional affairs for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, described the company’s P3 commitment as a continued demonstration of its support for the veterinary community. ‘‘We are contributing at the P3 level because we believe underwriting programs and CE at the AVMA convention will help our practitioner partners provide the best care to their patients,’’ Leininger said. ‘‘Of course I have a particular love for our association,’’ added the former AVMA president.
Hill’s, located in Topeka, Kansas, wants to use the new partnership with AVMA to educate practitioners about the impact of nutrition on health and disease management. One example is the daylong symposium on Sunday at the convention that will focus on the new field of nutrigenomics—the study of how active nutrients can influence gene expression. In addition, Hill’s is launching a new national conference booth in the convention exhibit hall with a special learning focus. The focus will be on the problem of obesity in America’s pets and ways veterinarians can help resolve it, Leininger said. Dr. Howell Little, director of field veterinary services for Merial, described the company’s stepped-up support of AVMA programs and services as a long-term investment in veterinary medicine. ‘‘It is a very worthy and good investment that we know pays dividends in the future,’’ Little said. Based in Duluth, Georgia, Merial takes pride in its relationship with veterinarians because the company sells its products exclusively to veterinarians and depends on them to educate clients about their benefits, Little explained. ‘‘We know that if veterinarians are successful, then Merial as a company will be successful,’’ he added. ‘‘Merial hopes to channel our investment to programs and services that help recognize and reinforce the value of veterinarians to society,’’ Little continued. ‘‘We want to help promote the veterinarian and his or her paraprofessional team as THE animal health care experts.’’ Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news.
W
est Nile Virus (WNV), an arbovirus endemic in North America, is the causative agent of West Nile equine encephalomyelitis (WNEE) and an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of horses with signs of neurologic disease. WNV vaccination is important in the prevention of WNEE and is considered one of the core equine vaccinations by the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Core equine vaccinations are those indicated for use in all horses irrespective of use or geographic location in the United States (www.aaep.org/ vaccination_guidelines.htm). Since the initial detection of WNEE in 1999 in New York, the virus has spread throughout the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Data available from the United States Department of Agriculture indicate that from 1999 through 2006 a total of 24,841 WNEE equine cases have been laboratory confirmed. The peak of the equine cases occurred in 2002 (Fig. 1). Current as well as historical data regarding the number and location of WNEE is available at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/wnv and in the ‘‘Equine 2005 Part II: Changes in the U.S. Equine Industry,’’ 1998-2005 at http://nahms.aphis.usda.gov. Although still an endemic disease in the United States, a decline in WNEE is probably attributable to a combination of naturally acquired immunity, management, and frequent use of WNV vaccination. Management and control 0737-0806/$ - see front matter Ó 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2008.11.004
measures in the United States include pesticide use against larvae and adult mosquitoes, repellents (topical pyrethroids), and vector-resistant housing such as screened stalls or stalls with fans to reduce mosquito activity. It is important to acknowledge that the number of cases reported could be impacted by factors in addition to actual cases, including disease recognition on the part of equine owners, pursuit of a causative diagnosis by the examining veterinarian through laboratory testing, and reporting criteria and surveillance at the state level. The frequency of use of the WNV vaccines has been estimated in the National Animal Health Monitoring Systems ‘‘Equine 2005 Part I: Baseline Reference of Equine Health and Management.’’ For operations that gave any type of vaccine to equids in the previous year, 85% vaccinated some or all of their resident horses against WNV, making this the most commonly used vaccine in horses in the United States. These facts illustrate the rapid and widespread response of both pharmaceutical companies and the equine industry to the disease risk posed by WNV in the United States. Three different types of WNV vaccines are now licensed and commercially available for use in horses in the United States: WNV killed with adjuvant; WNV canarypox recombinant with adjuvant; and WNV chimera with yellow fever virus vaccine. With an estimated equine population in the United States of approximately six million, the vaccine manufacturers marketed approximately 4.1 million doses in 2006. Reprinted from Equine Disease Quarterly, July 2008, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Science.
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
EQUINE HERPES VIRUS ABORTIONS
T
he monitoring of abortions attributable to equine herpes virus type-1 (EHV-1) initiated in 1957 among the Thoroughbred mare population of Central Kentucky has continued annually for the past 51 years. The number of abortions per 1,000 pregnant mares (as illustrated in Figure 1), based on accessions to the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center and confirmed by laboratory diagnosis, is considered an accurate reflection of the field incidence. This accurate number is attributable to the diligence of farm managers and attending veterinarians ensuring that all fetuses and neonatal foal losses are submitted for examination. The figure for the number of pregnant mares is derived annually from the number of foals registered by the Jockey Club, taken as 70% of mares considered in foal. The most recent Jockey Club 2007 Fact Book reported 9,903 foals registered in Kentucky for 2005—29% of the US foal crop—which translates to 14,147 pregnant mares. This number represents a recovery from the decline in numbers recorded during 2001 and 2002 due to the effects of mare reproductive loss syndrome. The number of EHV-1 abortions per 1,000 pregnant mares has remained below five since 1977, despite a doubling in size of the mare population. Since 1977 the overall number of EHV-1 abortions has ranged from a low of 11 in 1993 to a high of 47 in 1997, with 18 recorded in 2006 and 22 in 2007. Most cases in recent years are single events on individual farms among a population of mares that is routinely vaccinated against the disease. However,
5
WHATS NEWS Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
6
Figure 1. Number of laboratory-confirmed human and equine West Nile Virus cases per year in the United States.
Figure 2. Prevalence of EHV-1 abortion and the population of Thoroughbred mares in Kentucky, 1957L2005. multiple abortions still may occur, as evidenced by one farm in 2007 that experienced six abortions. When multiple abortions occur, the initial or index case is usually the source of infection to subsequent losses. The aborted fetus and placenta are a potent source of virus that overwhelms the immunity of even a vaccinated mare that is a contact in the same barn or paddock. To prevent such an occurrence, the precautions outlined in Table 1 should be strictly followed. The accumulated data confirm that sound management practices (as illustrated in Table 2) combined with an annual vaccination program at 5, 7, and 9 months of pregnancy have
contributed to a low level of EHV-1 abortions over the past 30 years. Reprinted from Equine Disease Quarterly, July 2008, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Science.
MAMMARY GLAND TUMORS IN MARES
M
ammary neoplasia (tumors) in the mare is exceedingly rare. To date, published cases consist of reports of six single cases and one report each for two,
three, and four mares. Of published cases, all tumors were malignant except one report of a benign (noncancerous) adenoma. Previous abattoir studies report an incidence of 0.11% to 1.99% for equine mammary tumors. Published reports of mammary neoplasia in mares have several characteristics in common. Mares presented with unilaterally or bilaterally enlarged mammary glands that were firm, usually painful, and typically ulcerated or draining serosanguineous or purulent material. Clinical signs progressed over weeks to months. Pregnancy and lactational status varied; age ranged from 12 to 21 years. Initial diagnosis of mastitis and treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents initially resulted in some improvement of discharge and swelling, but clinical signs always recurred. At the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center from 1994 to March 2008, 11 cases of mammary neoplasia were diagnosed. Most cases were submitted for necropsy; a small number were biopsy samples. All 11 cases were malignant, and complications resulting from primary neoplasia or metastasis were the cause of death or euthanasia in most cases. Often there was a history of weight loss, depression, and laboratory results, indicating other organs were affected by neoplasia, such as the liver and kidneys. More than half of the cases had gross or microscopic evidence of metastasis such as lymph node enlargement or neoplastic nodules in other organs. Based on these results, it appears that equine mammary neoplasms are much more likely to be malignant than benign, and hence carry a poor prognosis for long-term survival. Definitive diagnosis of mammary neoplasia is made with microscopic examination of excised mammary tissue. Cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates or mammary discharge is usually unrewarding in terms of confirming or ruling out neoplasia. Most neoplastic lesions have an inflammatory
WHATS NEWS Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
Table 1. Prevention of EHV-1 abortion Divide pregnant mares into groups by stage of gestation and maintain isolation Isolate all new arrivals for 21 days Keep foaling mares away from older mares If mares are removed, do not reintroduce Maintain vaccination program Segregate pregnant mares from weanlings and other horses Keep foster mares away from pregnant mares
Table 2. Action to be taken if an abortion occurs Place aborted fetus and membranes in leak-proof container and dispatch to diagnostic laboratory Disinfect and clean contaminated area Place mare in isolation Do not move in-contact mares If positive for EHV-1, split incontact mares into small groups
component, especially with chronic or ulcerated masses. For that reason, observation of large numbers of inflammatory cells and bacteria does not help to differentiate between neoplasia with an inflammatory response and true inflammation of the mammary gland. A core or excisional biopsy taken from affected tissue some distance away from sites of ulceration and drainage is recommended. Samples taken from ulcerated tissue may show only inflammation and necrosis and not contain enough neoplastic tissue for definitive diagnosis. The treatment of choice for mammary neoplasia in the mare is total removal of mammary tissue and any accessible lymph nodes. Disease may initially appear unilaterally but subse-
7
quently become bilateral or show evidence of bilateral disease grossly or microscopically. Unfortunately, by the time a definitive diagnosis is made and surgery is performed, metastasis to regional and distant lymph nodes and tissues has most likely occurred. Most mares do well immediately after surgery then have recurrence of neoplasia at the excision site or evidence of metastasis such as lymph node enlargement, weight loss, and malaise. Mares are often euthanized because of poor prognosis or deterioration attributable to metastases. In a mare with enlarged mammary glands and poor response to antibiotic therapy, neoplasia should be considered a differential diagnosis. Reprinted from Equine Disease Quarterly, July 2008, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, 2Department of Veterinary Science.
KENTUCKY RACING PANEL REORGANIZED AGAIN by: Tom LaMarra Article #12212, July 4, 2008
D
emocratic Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed an executive order July 3 reorganizing and renaming the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA), which is now the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC). Several of the ‘‘new’’ members already had been appointed to fill expired terms. The only holdovers from the KHRA, established when Republican Ernie Fletcher became governor 4 years ago, are Tom Ludt and Thomas Gaines, who will serve on the new KHRC. Along with Ludt and Gaines, members of the KHRC are Robert M. Beck, chairman; Tracy Farmer, vice chairman; Edward S. Bonnie; Francis Thomas Conway; John T. Ward, Jr.; Frank L. Jones Jr.; Burr James Travis II; Michael Anthony Pitino; Jerry L. Yon; Elizabeth ‘‘Betsy’’ Stone Lavin;
Dr. Foster Harold Northrop; Alan J. Leavitt; and Wade Houston. Ward currently serves on the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council. Jones, active in the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, was a member of the Kentucky Racing Commission before it was abolished by Fletcher. ‘‘Kentucky’s signature industry is in crisis and immediate, aggressive action is necessary to preserve its integrity,’’ Beshear said in a statement. ‘‘The actions I have taken reflect my continued commitment to strengthening horse racing in the commonwealth.’’ The KHRC includes the 15 appointees and the secretaries of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, Public Protection Cabinet, and Economic Development Cabinet, who serve as ex-officio members. The announcement drew criticism from Republican Kentucky Senator Damon Thayer, who called the changes political. ‘‘It’s another example of this governor trying to thwart the will of the legislature,’’ Thayer said July 3. ‘‘This reorganization needs the approval of the General Assembly, and it cannot be codified until January 2009. It is an inappropriate time to reorganize something that did not need reorganizing. By all accounts, the horse racing authority was doing a wonderful job.’’ It was expected that Beshear, elected in November 2007, would reorganize the KHRA soon after he took office. That never occurred. Thayer said the KHRA did a good job establishing the breeders’ incentive programs in Kentucky and also was making progress on regulation of anabolic steroids. He also questioned the timing given the July 3 announcement that Ellis Park would not hold its summer meet. ‘‘It is an inopportune time reorganizing the racing authority, particularly when there is no compelling reason to do so,’’ Thayer said. ‘‘I hope the new horse racing commission will continue the good work of the racing
WHATS NEWS Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
8
authority on breed development and the banning of anabolic steroids by January 1, 2009.’’ Also on July 3, the KHRC issued a brief statement on the closure of Ellis Park, saying it was ‘‘disappointed to learn’’ the meet had been canceled, and it had hoped a ‘‘resolution could be reached’’ to allow for Thoroughbred racing this summer. This article was first published on www.BloodHorse.com. Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news.
AQHA DONATES $50,000 TO GENETIC RESEARCH FUND by: Press Release Article #12241, July 9, 2008
T
he American Quarter Horse Foundation recently donated $50,000 to the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) to advance equine
health through MAF’s Equine Consortium for Genetic Research (ECGR) project. The consortium includes 18 equine research institutes in nine countries. Funding will allow scientists around the world to study genetic mutations and processes that contribute to equine diseases such as laminitis, arthritis, painful muscle diseases, foal pneumonia, and a myriad of other diseases and disorders. Genetic issues are a major concern to the American Quarter Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Foundation. ‘‘We have spent more than $1.3 million on these issues in the past few years and feel that we can maximize our research dollars by working with MAF’s ECGR,’’ said Bill Brewer, executive vice president of the association. ‘‘MAF’s very high standards for equine research mirrors that of the American Quarter Horse Foundation and having MAF match our donation will make our research dollars go even further.’’
MAF has funded hundreds of equine studies since 1959, and the ECGR is MAF’s largest equine initiative effort to date. This project will benefit the entire horse industry and offer new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to help save animals by reducing suffering and promoting equine health and welfare. To learn more about the ECGR, call 800/243-2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/equine. Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news.
AVMA AND INDUSTRY BUSINESS PARTNER by: Press Release Article #12206, July 3, 2008
F
ort Dodge Animal Health, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Merial have together pledged a total of $4.5 million in support of American
WHATS NEWS Vol 29, No 1 (2009)
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) programs and services over the next four years. (AVMA is the membership group for all veterinarians.) The unprecedented commitments are part of the AVMA’s new Platinum Partner Program, or P3, to be unveiled July 19 during the 145th AVMA Annual Convention in New Orleans. The partnership is intended to provide members with new and improved initiatives and opportunities to enhance membership benefits. ‘‘We are delighted that our P3 associates recognize the value of partnering with the AVMA,’’ said Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA executive vice president and chief executive officer. ‘‘Because of their support, we are able to provide top-notch continuing education (CE), enhance our overall convention experience, and promote the goals of the association. We truly appreciate their ongoing investment in the future of our profession.’’ Each P3 participant has made a $380,000 annual commitment to the AVMA for 4 years for a total of $1.5 million. In return, each company receives a broad range of benefits from the association. Participants will have opportunities to interact with AVMA members, leaders, and staff; be recognized as ‘‘elite partners’’ with the AVMA through promotional efforts in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), on the AVMA website, and at the association’s annual convention; and receive space in JAVMA for advertising and for spotlight advertorials highlighting the companies’ contributions to veterinary medicine. ‘‘We are extremely excited about the launch of the AVMA Platinum Partner Program,’’ explained David Little, di-
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rector of the AVMA Convention and Meeting Planning Division. ‘‘We wanted to build a platform to recognize companies within the veterinary industry willing to partner with the AVMA, across a broad spectrum of opportunities, to benefit our members. We believe P3 achieves that goal, for both the AVMA and our P3 partners.’’ Craig Wallace, vice president of U.S. sales for Fort Dodge Animal Health, said P3 is an opportunity for the Overland Park, Kansas based division of Wyeth to demonstrate its support for the AVMA as well as the veterinary profession. ‘‘We feel very strongly it is important to ‘live in the industry,’’’ Wallace explained, ‘‘meaning, as an organization, we must continue to be involved in the veterinary community as a way to give back. And we feel participating at a high sponsorship level in the AVMA helps us accomplish that objective.’’ One of the benefits of being a P3 member will be increased visibility within the veterinary profession for Fort Dodge, according to Wallace. The company wants to highlight key products and its support for National Pet Wellness Month and other educational campaigns. Dr. Mary Beth Leininger, director of professional affairs for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, described the company’s P3 commitment as a continued demonstration of its support for the veterinary community. ‘‘We are contributing at the P3 level because we believe underwriting programs and CE at the AVMA convention will help our practitioner partners provide the best care to their patients,’’ Leininger said. ‘‘Of course I have a particular love for our association,’’ added the former AVMA president.
Hill’s, located in Topeka, Kansas, wants to use the new partnership with AVMA to educate practitioners about the impact of nutrition on health and disease management. One example is the daylong symposium on Sunday at the convention that will focus on the new field of nutrigenomics—the study of how active nutrients can influence gene expression. In addition, Hill’s is launching a new national conference booth in the convention exhibit hall with a special learning focus. The focus will be on the problem of obesity in America’s pets and ways veterinarians can help resolve it, Leininger said. Dr. Howell Little, director of field veterinary services for Merial, described the company’s stepped-up support of AVMA programs and services as a long-term investment in veterinary medicine. ‘‘It is a very worthy and good investment that we know pays dividends in the future,’’ Little said. Based in Duluth, Georgia, Merial takes pride in its relationship with veterinarians because the company sells its products exclusively to veterinarians and depends on them to educate clients about their benefits, Little explained. ‘‘We know that if veterinarians are successful, then Merial as a company will be successful,’’ he added. ‘‘Merial hopes to channel our investment to programs and services that help recognize and reinforce the value of veterinarians to society,’’ Little continued. ‘‘We want to help promote the veterinarian and his or her paraprofessional team as THE animal health care experts.’’ Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news.