Abbott Animal Health, Bovie, IDEXX, Intervet/Schering Plough, Merial, Midmark, Ethicon/Novartis, Sempermed, UltiCare and VSSI.
Top Stories
Spending on pets increased in 2009
Scil partners with Aesculap
Bayer announces “March Back In” consumer rebate program
NAPHIA appoints Bennett chairman of its Board of Directors
Nelson Laboratories adds Pippett as sales manager
Advocate opposes state legislation that would cut spay-neuter funding
Study focuses on perceptions of cat ownership
IDEXX, Ventrex drivers of Maine’s animal-oriented biotech cluster
Researchers: deadly bacteria in women could be transferred between cows and humans
Parvo outbreak causes quarantine of two shelters
Products to Watch
Studies confirm PKB’s ZYMOX® formulations effective against MRSA
Statspin introduces OvaTube
Top Stories
Spending on pets increased in 2009
According to a report on AllAboutFeed.net, the American Pet Products Association’s annual survey found that overall spending in the pet industry – including food, supplies, veterinary care, live animal purchases and other services such as grooming, boarding and pet sitting – grew by 5.4 percent from $43.2 billion in 2008 to a little more than $45.5 billion in 2009. Some of the spending trends that APPA highlighted included: most of a consumer’s pet budget goes to health care; pet services is the next-fastest-growing category; and supplies and over-the-counter medications showed steady growth of about 4 percent for 2009.
Scil partners with Aesculap
Scil animal care company, Inc., announced a partnership with Aesculap. Scil is now the exclusive distributor of Aesculap’s Power Systems surgical product line for the North American Veterinary market. Scil’s initial partnership with Aesculap was limited to the Acculan Mini Surgical Drill and the Electric and Pneumatic Power Systems. Scil marketed Aesculap’s product and brand to the U.S. vet market for three years. “I am pleased Aesculap has recognized the value of having scil animal care as a long-term partner in the North American veterinary market,” said Pablo Lopez, President of scil animal care company, USA. “This partnership validates all the hard work and time our team has invested. Scil animal care will continue to be committed to the veterinary surgical community.”
Bayer announces “March Back In” consumer rebate program
Bayer HealthCare, LLC, Animal Health Division, announced the launch of its “March Back In” $20 pet owner rebate program designed to promote the importance of veterinary care for pets and to encourage return visits to veterinary clinics. To qualify, pet owners need to purchase any Advantage® family flea and tick treatment from a licensed veterinarian during the month of March 2010, and return to the same veterinary clinic for any preventive or treatment service by Dec. 31, 2010. To receive their $20 rebate from Bayer, pet owners simply need to complete the “March Back In” original rebate form by Jan. 31, 2011, and mail it to Bayer along with the original receipts for both veterinary visits. “Pet owners trust veterinarians to provide quality preventive and routine care for pets,” said Joerg Ohle, President and General Manager of Bayer Animal Health. “We hope that our rebate program will encourage pet owners to provide thorough health care for their pet – just as they would for any other valued family member.” Building on the success of Bayer’s 2009 “Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet” campaign, the “March Back In” pet owner rebate program is designed to drive return visits to veterinary clinics. For more information about the Advantage® family of products and Bayer Animal Health, visit http://petparents.com/.
NAPHIA appoints Bennett chairman of its Board of Directors
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) recently announced that Laura Bennett, CEO and co-founder of Embrace Pet Insurance, has been appointed chairman of its Board of Directors. Bennett has over 17 years of insurance industry experience. She worked for The Canada Life Assurance Company in Toronto, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland, with a number of different leadership roles in asset-liability management, strategic planning and business development. She holds an honors mathematics degree from the University of Western Ontario, is a qualified life and health actuary, and holds the chartered financial analyst designation. Bennett was the first pet health insurance actuary in North America. She received her MBA, with a concentration in Strategic and Entrepreneurship Management, from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where she graduated with several university and peer awards. She was part of the team that won first prize in the Wharton Business Plan Competition in 2003 with an entry for a pet insurance company.
Nelson Laboratories adds Pippett as sales manager
Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Nelson Laboratories announced the addition of Clarence Pippett as Sales Manager for the company. Nelson Laboratories, founded in 1929, is a wholesale distributor of animal health products to the veterinary industry. “Clarence Pippett brings more than 35 years of successful distributor sales experience to our company,” said Roberta Bruget, President of Nelson Laboratories. “His proven record of increasing bottom line profitability will be a great asset for the Nelson Laboratories sales team.”
Advocate opposes state legislation that would cut spay-neuter funding
Alley Cat Allies, the national advocate for stray and feral cats, asked supporters in Illinois to voice opposition to a pending bill in the state House of Representatives that would cut funding for some spay/neuter programs. The bill (HB 5689) would eliminate the Illinois Pet Population Fund, which provides funding for spay/neuter programs for low-income pet owners and for feral cats who are part of Trap-Neuter-Return programs, and would re-direct the funding to county animal control programs. “This legislation is entirely wrong-headed. Cats who are spayed or neutered live better and healthier lives,” said Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies. “But this bill would severely impact access to neuter programs for low-income pet owners and feral cat caregivers.”
Study focuses on perceptions of cat ownership
A recent online survey sponsored by the Morris Animal Foundation revealed perceptions of cats and the “likelihood of cat ownership among non-cat owners,” according to a report in Veterinary Practice News. More than half of non-cat owners have an overall negative attitude toward cats, according to the survey. The top drivers for negative opinions were litter box smell, shedding, unprovoked biting and perceived inability for cats to get along with other pets. Top drivers for positive opinions included the match between a cat and a person’s lifestyle and a cat as being a potentially good pet for children. Thirty-one percent of respondents indicated that they did not own a cat because someone in their household was allergic to cats. However, 10 percent of the non-cat owners said they would definitely or probably consider having a cat, and an additional 12 percent would maybe consider having a cat. “Interestingly, the primary negative factors for not owning a cat can be readily addressed with appropriate behavioral training, scratching posts and specific diets,” said Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Morris Animal Foundation, in the Veterinary Practice News report. “If people had a better understanding of feline health and behavior, they might be more willing to adopt a cat.”
IDEXX, Ventrex drivers of Maine’s animal-oriented biotech cluster
Pet-oriented biotech has quietly found a home in the Portland area, according to a recent report. Driven largely by IDEXX Laboratories Inc., headquartered outside Portland in Westbrook, the cluster includes entrepreneurial companies supporting the dairy and cattle industry as well as the consumer pet, or “companion animal,” market. IDEXX, with 4,700 employees worldwide and annual sales just over $1 billion, serves the veterinary market with diagnostic and IT-based products and services. Catherine Renault, director of the Department of Economic and Community Development in Maine’s Office of Innovation, recognizes the importance of both IDEXX and Ventrex to the area’s growing biotech cluster. “Ventrex was part of the first wave of biotechnology in Maine, and while many biotech people come to Maine because of IDEXX, other companies have been started by Ventrex alumni as well.” Charles Colgan, professor of public policy and management at the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service in Portland and an expert on Maine’s economic picture, said that there is more to the growth of the biotechnology cluster in general and the animal health subset in particular than just IDEXX. He points to the support structure. “There are a number of excellent resources in the area,” said Colgan, “Jackson Labs, the University of New England and the University of Southern Maine. Both the educational and research sectors have grown to support the veterinary industry around here.”
Researchers: deadly bacteria in women could be transferred between cows and humans
A bacteria found in some healthy women that can be deadly when passed onto babies could be transferred between cows and humans, according to a study conducted by MSU researchers, a recent news report said. Group B streptococcus, or GBS, is a bacterium carried by up to 40 percent of women. Human GBS infection has been suspected to originate in cows, but very little research has been conducted to confirm the suspicion. The researchers looked for a potential link between exposure to cows and the presence of the bacteria by collecting stool samples from 68 Michigan families and their livestock. One couple was found to carry the same strain as their cow, indicating there is a possibility the bacteria is transferred between the two species. The researchers said it does not mean people should be fearful of exposure to cows. There is no risk factor for being in contact with cows, one researcher said.
Parvo outbreak causes quarantine of two shelters
According to a report in DVM Newsmagazine, two Connecticut shelters have gone into an emergency quarantine in the last two weeks because of an outbreak of parvovirus — one in Stratford and one in Fairfield. Veterinarian Patricia Hart of Southport Veterinary Center told DVM Newsmagazine that parvo cases have found their way onto her exam table. Hart’s hospital successfully treated a puppy with parvovirus in the last week, but it can be a very expensive disease to treat. Veterinarians in the area, Hart says, renewed the calls for diligence and vaccination in preventing the disease. Area veterinarians are speculating that the outbreak may have been imported by a influx of puppies up for sale in the area. Animal-control officials believe the source animals were left at the shelter’s doorsteps after hours.
Products to Watch
Studies confirm PKB’s ZYMOX® formulations effective against MRSA
PKB Animal Health announced published studies confirming the patented LP3 Lactoperoxidase Enzyme System in ZYMOX® Otic and ZYMOX® Topical Spray kills Methicilin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 30 seconds upon contact — adding to the list of scientifically proven effectiveness against resistant microbes of the ears and skin such as pseudomonas, staphylococcus, malassezia, candida albicans and pyoderma. Copies of these studies can be found in The International Journal of Applied Veterinary Research Vol 7, No 4 2009. 165-168. Or visit www.jarvm.com, key word search: Zymox
Statspin introduces OvaTube
Statspin, Inc., announced the introduction of the new StatSpin Ovatube, Ova and Parasite Detection System. The StatSpin OvaTube is the first centrifugation method that is easy and fast without the mess. With a simple coring tool to obtain a sample, just add the sample to the tube and mix with standard floatation fluid. Centrifuge in either a fixed angle or horizontal centrifuge, remove the tube, add a coverslip, and twist. In just a few minutes results are ready to read. Among the other benefits: you can use with most centrifuges; it standardizes the process; it is cost effective to run; vets are able to diagnose patients while in the office and it eliminates send-outs. For more information, visit www.statspinvet.com.
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]]>Abbott Animal Health, Bovie, IDEXX, Intervet/Schering Plough, Merial, Midmark, Ethicon/Novartis, Sempermed, UltiCare and VSSI.
Top Stories
Midmark starts 2010 “Vet Rocks!” contest
Banfield raises awareness of pet oral health
Experts disagree with CBS News report on antibiotics
New equine welfare group formed
Products to Watch
Midmark’s Cardell® MAX-12HD DUO Vital Signs Monitor and LoFlo sidestream C02 module available
Merial receives full license approval for ONCEPTTM Canine Melanoma Vaccine
Pfizer’s Excede approved for use in horses
Vetericyn launches Vetericyn® wound and infection treatment
Events
CBI to hold summit on animal health marketing strategies
Worth Watching
VetCentric partners with Pfizer for home delivery
Top Stories
Midmark starts 2010 “Vet Rocks!” contest
Midmark Corporation announced the kick-off of its 2010 “Vet Rocks!” contest. The contest runs from Feb. 15 - Oct. 15, 2010 and offers veterinary clinics the opportunity to win one of four exam room makeovers worth up to $12,000 (retail value), and one grand prize winner will receive a treatment room makeover worth up to $30,000 (retail value). Clinics registering at the site are automatically entered to win one of several random drawings for prizes such as a Nintendo® WiiTM Rock Band combo package or an Apple iPod® touch. There is no purchase required to enter the contest. To participate, clinics must simply visit midmark.com/vetrocks and register. Winners will be selected throughout the contest. To be eligible for the first prize that will be awarded, clinics must register no later than April 20, 2010. The final entry deadline is Oct. 20, 2010, and the grand prize winner will be announced on Oct. 31, 2010. For complete contest details, visit midmark.com/vetrocks. For product inquiries, call the Midmark veterinary customer service department at 1-800-MIDMARK or visit midmark.com. For questions regarding the contest, contact the promotions department at ext. 7575.
Banfield raises awareness of pet oral health
Banfield’s Applied Research and Knowledge (BARK) team has released new pet oral health data, in conjunction with February’s National Pet Dental Health Month, advocating an increase in education and awareness, Veterinary Practice News reported. According to new findings, 68 percent of cats and 78 percent of dogs age 3 and older have oral disease. Banfield’s chief medical officer, Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, DVM, MS, DACVIM, said more needs to be done to educate the public on the disease. Annual dental cleanings and at-home care were encouraged. Veterinary Practice News reported that the top canine breeds predisposed to the disorder “include the Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Pomeranian, Shetland Sheepdog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Papillion, Standard Poodle, Dachshund and Havanese.” In cats, the disease is most prevalent in Himalayan, Siamese and Persian breeds. The risks increase 20 percent each year of a pet’s life, according to BARK’s data.
Experts disagree with CBS News report on antibiotics
According to a report in Meatingplace, veterinarians and antibiotics experts are taking issue with a recent CBS Evening News report on the potential threat to human health from the use of antibiotics in farm animals. The CBS report presented the “overuse of antibiotics in livestock to promote growth and prevent disease may pose a threat to the health of Americans by leading to the creation of new strains of drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA,” according to Meatingplace. A veterinarian, Dr. Richard Carnevale, countered that the CBS story failed to put into perspective that the serious problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria being on the rise in hospitals has little to do with animals. The form of MRSA that is putting humans at risk is not the same strain found in animals, he noted. While the CBS report quoted a Food and Drug Administration official saying more safeguards and surveillance are needed to prevent inappropriate use of antibiotics in farm animals, the panel who spoke on the media briefing said only FDA-approved antibiotics are used in livestock at risk of disease, and their use is properly monitored. Dr. Scott Hurd, senior epidemiologist at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said that the risk to human health from antibiotic use in animals is small, and those who are concerned about a potential link are only looking at one piece in the causal chain instead of the many steps involved between the farm and the fork.
New equine welfare group formed
Equine veterinarians in Kentucky have formed a new equine welfare group: the nonprofit Equine Health and Welfare Alliance Inc (EHWA), according to DVM Newsmagazine. Membership is open to veterinarians, as well as equine organizations and their supporters, and horse owners, according to the group’s new Web site (http://www.equinehealthandwelfare.org/). Goals for the group include reviewing welfare standards and legislation, certifying rescue and retirement operations, and assistant veterinarians in “critical areas of need” such as neglect and abuse, population control and other health and humane issues. Members of the EHWA plan to use the World Equestrian Games in Frankfort, Ky., in September to propose new tax incentives and discounts for farm that board unwanted, rescued or retired horses. The proposed discounts and incentives could be applied to insurance, feed, supplies, health maintenance care and professional services. The five founding members are all equine doctors in Kentucky: Doug Byars, Mike Cavey, Gary Lavin, Frank D. Marcum and Norm Umphenour.
Products to Watch
Midmark’s Cardell® MAX-12HD DUO Vital Signs Monitor and LoFlo sidestream C02 module available
Midmark Corporation recently announced the availability of its Cardell® MAX-12HD DUO Vital Signs Monitor and the LoFlo sidestream C02 module for the veterinary office. The high-performance Cardell® MAX-12HD DUO Vital Signs Monitor allows users to upgrade to CO2 at any time, and download case data to a USB flash drive for transfer to a PC. Featuring the Cardell non-invasive blood pressure technology, the monitor provides readings for patients from kittens to horses, and is validated by peer-reviewed studies in anesthetized cats, dogs and foals. Customers can choose CO2 monitoring in a mainstream or sidestream format by adding the optional Philips Respironics Capnostat® Mainstream solid state probe or their LoFloTM Sidestream module. In addition, the Midmark LoFlo C02 module for the Cardell 9500HD and MAX-12 DUO monitors is now available, offering the first plug-and-play sidestream monitoring system. The module provides a 50ml/min sampling rate; low dead space adapters for cats and exotics, and Luer lock line for equine. This solution offers an option for those whose patients include large animals, or who simply prefer sidestream CO2 monitoring. This module is compatible with all Cardell 9500HD monitors sold to date with CO2 monitoring capability.
Merial receives full license approval for ONCEPTTM Canine Melanoma Vaccine
Merial has gained full-licensure from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for ONCEPTTM Canine Melanoma Vaccine, DNA, the company announced. ONCEPT is a breakthrough vaccine indicated for aiding in extending survival of dogs with stage II or stage III oral canine melanoma, a common yet deadly form of cancer in dogs. ONCEPT is the first and only USDA-approved, therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of cancer - in either animals or humans.
Pfizer’s Excede approved for use in horses
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Excede sterile suspension, a new long-acting antibiotic formulation for horses from Pfizer Animal Health, the company announced in a release and TheHorse.com reported. Excede Sterile Suspension is used to treat lower respiratory tract infections in horses caused by susceptible bacterial strains of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus. Excede acts as a sustained release product that offers an extended duration of action with fewer injections compared to other antibiotic treatments on the market. Veterinarians administer two intramuscular injections to affected horses 4 days apart. Therapeutic drug concentrations against Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus are maintained for a total of 10 days from the initiation of treatment.
Vetericyn launches Vetericyn® wound and infection treatment
Vetericyn, Inc. announced that its Vetericyn® wound and infection treatment product is now available for felines. Vetericyn is designed to treat a variety of ailments in cats, including a condition veterinarians commonly refer to as “hot spots,” “summer sores” or “moist eczema,” in which a raw, irritated lesion results from a cat constantly scratching, chewing or licking an itchy area of its skin. Other indications include insect bites, skin rashes, ulcers, burns, cuts and scratches, eye infections, outer ear infections and post-surgical sites. Vetericyn is formulated so that it is gentle enough for the specific sensitivities of cats and kittens and it does not sting when applied.
Events
CBI to hold summit on animal health marketing strategies
The Center for Business Intelligence’s Animal Health Marketing Strategies Summit will be held at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, April 9-12, 2010. The event is designed as “the only forum dedicated to the development of integrated marketing campaigns for animal heath manufacturers.” This educational meeting brings together marketing, sales, product, brand and business development teams to discuss industry trends, strategies to reach veterinarians and the “doting” pet owner, as well as regulatory considerations to maximize marketing dollars, increase product uptake and improve market access. Key topics to be addressed include: an FDA update on regulatory and surveillance activities in the veterinary medicine market; a marketing, sales, and technical services strategies presentation by the founder of Fountain Agricounsel, LLC; and case studies analyzing the most successful campaigns in terms of reaching both veterinarians and consumers. Visit www.cbinet.com/animalhealth or call 339-298-2100 for more information or to register.
Worth Watching
VetCentric partners with Pfizer for home delivery
VetCentric, Inc. announced a partnership with Pfizer Animal Health, opening up the full suite of Pfizer products to VetCentric’s partner clinics for home delivery. “We are excited about this agreement and what it means for our partner clinics,” said Ted Root, President and CEO of VetCentric. “In addition to expanding access to the complete Pfizer product line, we are pleased that our clinics now can be assured of the full-manufacturer’s guarantee for all of their home delivery products fulfilled by VetCentric.”
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Abbott Animal Health, Bovie, IDEXX, Intervet/Schering Plough, Merial, Midmark, Ethicon/Novartis, Sempermed, UltiCare and VSSI.
Top Stories
MWI acquires Centaur
Intervet/Schering-Plough partners with NEADS
Cressey & Co. buys Animal Hospital Chain
PBI/Gordon acquires Lambert Kay
AVMA offers guidelines for antibiotics
Experts urge safe-handling for feline thyroid drug
PetSafe and veterinary college partner to improve lives of pets
Cattle supply to shrink in 2010
Veterinary school loan repayments considered in Wisconsin
Putney to launch new products
Products to Watch
Webster Veterinary and Milburn Equine release DIA Equine
Health o meter® Professional introduces 222KL digital bowl scale
Sempermed introduces SemperForceTM black nitrile exam glove
Natural Defense premium food for dogs launched
Chemaphor announces positive results of canine clinical trial
Novartis launches Milbemax® chewable tablets in European market
Events
New Web site created for pet owners of older dogs
Top Stories
MWI acquires Centaur
MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. announced that it has acquired Centaur Services Limited (”Centaur”), a supplier of animal health products and services to veterinarians in the United Kingdom. The transaction is valued at approximately $47 million, consisting of $45 million in cash and $2 million in a note payable in one year. This acquisition provides an opportunity for MWI to participate in the international market and expand its role in the animal health industry. Founded in 1964, Centaur has approximately 200 employees and serves 1,200 veterinary clinics in the United Kingdom with a product offering of over 18,000 items. “MWI has positioned itself to continue its growth within the United States and now internationally,” said Jim Cleary, President and Chief Executive Officer of MWI. “Centaur is a high-quality company that will allow us to serve veterinarians in the United Kingdom. We believe that it will be a great partnership and one that will bring further growth opportunities. We welcome the Centaur team to MWI.”
Intervet/Schering-Plough partners with NEADS
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health announced a new partnership with the National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS), a national nonprofit organization that trains dogs to serve individuals who are deaf or physically disabled. These dogs become an extension of their owners and bring security, independence and relief from social isolation to their human partners. Established in 1976, NEADS operates the oldest continuing hearing dog program in the country and is one of the country’s largest service dog programs. The partnership, “Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Meets NEADS,” will enable NEADS to expand its capacity and help an increasing number of people. The company is supporting NEADS through financial contributions, animal healthcare product donations and a campaign to raise awareness about the ways service dogs improve the quality of people’s lives.
Cressey & Co. buys Animal Hospital Chain
VetCor Professional Practices announced that it has received a growth investment from Cressey & Company, a private equity firm focused on building leading healthcare services companies. As a result of the transaction, Cressey & Company has acquired a majority ownership position in VetCor, with the company’s management team, led by President Daniel J. Adams, obtaining a significant equity interest. Cressey & Company targeted an investment in the animal health industry through its intensive investment screening process. VetCor, through 41 unique hospital facilities in 13 states, focuses on caring for the health and well-being of companion animals.
PBI/Gordon acquires Lambert Kay
PBI/Gordon Corporation announced the acquisition of the Lambert Kay® line of pet products from Church & Dwight Co., Inc. This acquisition strengthens PBI/Gordon’s presence in the consumer pet care marketplace, the company said, adding several product categories to the company’s existing Trophy® Animal Health Care and Prozyme® product lines.
AVMA offers guidelines for antibiotics
The American Veterinary Medical Association says the availability of antibiotics protects the food supply as well as animal health and welfare in its “judicious support” of the use of the drugs in livestock, Capital Press reported. The organization bases its opinion on the best available scientific data, much of it coming from veterinarians in academia, Christine Hoang, assistant director of the AVMA’s scientific activities division, said in the Capital Press report. “The overarching guideline is that we would expect that antimicrobials would be used judiciously to protect both animal and human health,” Hoang said. The AVMA relies on data from other sources, including Web searches and interactions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture and industry groups, she said. Still, the AVMA’s measured endorsement is often cited by livestock groups as a defense against charges that producers’ overuse of antibiotics contributes to the proliferation of drug-resistant germs. The AVMA offers drug-usage guidelines specific to cattle, poultry, swine, horses, livestock feed and even aquatic animals. For instance, the voluminous guidelines for beef and dairy cattle maintain the primary goal should be to foster an environment “that will reduce the incidence of disease and the need for antimicrobials.” While their use should be limited, the AVMA asserts the drugs are necessary to manage infectious diseases in herds.
Experts urge safe-handling for feline thyroid drug
A recent article by VIN News Service highlighted the risks of an active ingredient in Felimazole, a drug for cats with overactive thyroids, that practitioners may be too casual in handling, at least for the generic form of the drug. The ingredient, methimazole, has been prescribed by veterinarians for decades, according to the report. Off-label; the drug (brand name Tapazole) is licensed for human use. Because of this, safe handling information for methimazole differs somewhat from that of Felimazole, which is made specifically for cats. The answer from drug-safety experts is that methimazole in any form should be handled with caution. The medication impedes the body from using iodine to make thyroid hormone, thereby inhibiting synthesis of the hormone. The drug may cause birth defects and has been found to cause cancer in rodents. Experts cautioned pet owners who could expose themselves unknowingly to the drug, such as cleaning up vomit from hyperthyroid cats, as well as urine and feces. They advised pet owners wear gloves and wash hands to safeguard against accidently ingesting any drug residue.
PetSafe and veterinary college partner to improve lives of pets
PetSafe announced it will fund one of the few veterinary school behaviorist positions in the country. The newest Chair in Veterinary Behavior will work in the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville. The position was formed to research and gain understanding of animal behaviors that may jeopardize a pet remaining in a home environment.
Cattle supply to shrink in 2010
Cattle supplies in 2010 will likely decline another 1 to 1.5 percent in 2010, while a weak economy and high unemployment will continue to drag on beef demand, Cattle-Fax CEO Randy Blach told attendees at the 2010 Cattle Industry Convention and Meatingplace.com reported. Still, Blach said 2010 generally “should be a better year for the beef industry” because beef exports are expected to rise and fed cattle slaughter totals are expected to decrease. Fed cattle slaughter and cow slaughter totals are forecast to be down 2 percent and nearly 9 percent, respectively. Average carcass weights are expected to increase slightly, and beef production is projected to be down 2.8 percent. Per capita net beef supplies are expected to be down 4 percent due to an expected increase in beef exports and smaller beef production. U.S. beef exports, Blach said, should rise by about 8 percent over 2009, with increases in shipments to South Korea and, to a lesser extent, Japan and Vietnam.
Veterinary school loan repayments considered in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Senate’s Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education will hold a hearing on a new bill that would repay up to $50,000 in veterinary school loans for new Wisconsin food-animal practitioners. Wisconsin Senate Bill 497 would authorize the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents to repay up to $50,000 in educational loans for any veterinarian who agrees to practice food-animal medicine in the state for at least 35 hours per week for four years, a report said. The Senate would draw money from general purpose revenue and contributions from local governments and private entities. If the program was ever underfunded, the board would choose to pay current participants based on their location in the state, their likelihood to remain in the state, and their individual educational debt as well as whether they graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine. The public hearing is scheduled for February 10.
Putney to launch new products
Putney Inc., announced recently that it expects to launch new products due to an infusion of venture capital. The pet pharmaceutical company will be adding employees and increasing its investment in research and development, thanks to a $6.7 million infusion of venture capital. Those developments set the stage for additional product launches in the future. “It’s an exciting time for us,” said Jean Hoffman, the company’s founder and CEO. “This year is focused on recruitment of key members of our management team and R&D – our two most favorite things.”
Products to Watch
Webster Veterinary and Milburn Equine release DIA Equine
Webster Veterinary and Milburn Equine announced the upcoming release of DIA Equine, a new version of its client education software. A pre-release version of this program debuted at the AAEP conference in Las Vegas. DIA Equine will include over 1,000 3D animations, surgical animations, virtual anatomy illustrations, diagnostic images and handouts combined. Practitioners will be able to more clearly illustrate key equine health topics to horse owners and the software allows for printing and e-mailing additional information.
Health o meter® Professional introduces 222KL digital bowl scale
Health o meter® Professional introduced the new 222KL digital bowl scale, ideally suited for weighing small animals. It has an 11-pound/5 kg capacity with a resolution of ¼ ounce or 1 gram, is easy-to-clean stainless steel, includes tare functionality, is factory calibrated and offers a user-friendly design. Extra bowls are available.
Sempermed introduces SemperForceTM black nitrile exam glove
Sempermed introduced its SemperForceTM black nitrile exam powder-free glove.
SemperForceTM by Sempermed® black nitrile examination gloves are designed for demanding work environments where safety and style are a must. Its black color will hide stains from grease, dirt, ink and dye. A textured surface promises secure gripping capabilities. This product is available in sizes Small – XX-Large. SemperForceTM black nitrile gloves are ideal for automotive, industrial, tattoo, and cosmetology applications.
Natural Defense premium food for dogs launched
The new Natural Defense(TM) premium food product line features a variety of natural extracts plus vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients scientifically proven to proactively support dog well-being in five key areas – immune health, joint health, digestive health, oral health and skin and coat health. Free of artificial colors or flavors, Natural Defense(TM) products come in an adult dry formula as well as in three healthy snack varieties which, when fed regularly, provide an added level of defense to a dog’s oral, digestive and joint health. Natural Defense(TM) products will be available at major retailers nation-wide in early February.
Chemaphor announces positive results of canine clinical trial
Chemaphor announced it has completed its first clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of an oral Oximunol(TM) supplement in promoting the overall health and well-being of companion canines. The clinical trial, conducted by the Chemaphor Nutrisciences Research Group in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, found statistically significant improvement of coat quality and reduction of shedding compared to untreated controls. Chemaphor is proceeding with additional clinical efficacy studies, financially supported by an NRC IRAP grant, that are designed to further define the Oximunol(TM) supplement’s animal wellness benefits. At the same time, Chemaphor is moving forward in executing its commercialization plan for the launch of companion animal wellness products, including outsourcing the manufacture of canine oral supplements and carrying out work to have the Oximunol(TM) supplement meet global regulatory and animal health partner needs. Discussions are underway with potential marketing, sales and distribution partners to position Oximunol(TM) supplements as premium-value products targeted toward veterinary and “pet boutique” sales channels.
Novartis launches Milbemax® chewable tablets in European market
Novartis Animal Health launched a new, chewable formulation of Milbemax (milbemycin oxime, praziquantel), Europe’s best selling wormer. With the launch of Milbemax Chewable Tablets, the company introduced the first EASYCHEW Technology in the European market. This new tasty, chicken-flavored chewable formulation will complement the standard Milbemax tablet formulation.
Events
New Web site created for pet owners of older dogs
Pet Ventures, LLC has launched a new pet Web site, www.seniordogs.com, targeting owners of older dogs. Owners of older dogs can now find articles and resources all in one place, covering medications, health insurance, nutrition, financial assistance and more. The site provides a full spectrum of information, as well as message boards where owners can find support and guidance from others who are experiencing the same challenges and joys of caring for an older dog. SeniorDogs.com features easy usability with large tabs dividing major areas of interest.
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Abbott Animal Health, Bovie, IDEXX, Intervet/Schering Plough, Merial, Midmark, Ethicon/Novartis, Sempermed, UltiCare and VSSI.
Top Stories
Vet experts offer 2010 outlook
Novartis names Jimenez as CEO
New Zone Sales Management announced for Health o meter® Professional Scale
Low calorie label for pet food confusing, study shows
Study clears pork from H1N1 concerns
Abaxis expands Veterinary Advisory Board
AKC announces most popular dogs
AVMA supports proposal for more wildlife and zoo vets
Weatherly Aircraft agrees to acquire equine product lines
Products to Watch
Intervet/Schering-Plough introduces Resflor Gold
FDA’s VMAC to look at risk minimization program of ProHeart 6
Events
Brakke Consulting will present 2010 overview at conferences
NIAA Annual Meeting to be held March 15-17
February Is Pet Dental Health Month
Intervet/Schering-Plough launches poultry Web site
Top Stories
Vet experts offer 2010 outlook
Veterinary Practice News asked veterinary leaders to envision advances and other influences likely to affect veterinary practice in 2010 and beyond. The insights covered everything from targeted therapies to regenerative medicine, diagnostic imaging to diet and nutrition. Among the findings, veterinary leaders expect to see an increase in specialists and specialized procedures such as minimally invasive; an increase use of digital imaging; more use of targeted therapy; advances in regenerative medicine; and dietary changes such as diets that support joint health in pets.
Novartis names Jimenez as CEO
Novartis named Joe Jimenez as CEO, replacing Daniel Vasella. Novartis COO Joerg Reinhard also will leave the company and his position will disappear.
New Zone Sales Management announced for Health o meter® Professional Scale
The maker of Health o meter® Professional scales, Pelstar LLC, announced a change to its sales organization, moving to a zone management structure in 2010. Chris Manning now has responsibility for the Western United States and Canada, plus Asia. Nicolo Anastasi will oversee sales for Eastern Canada, the Northeast, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Tolis Demertzis has the sales leadership responsibility for the South and Southeastern United States and Europe. Harvey Schoener, Health o meter® Professional VP of Sales and Marketing, will lead the zone management team.
Low calorie label for pet food confusing, study shows
Dog and cat owners buying weight-control diets for their overweight pets are faced with a confusing two-fold variation in calorie density, recommended intake, and wide range cost of low-calorie pet foods, according to a study by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The study, published this month in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, examined nearly 100 commercially available diets with weight management claims. Among their findings is that dry dog foods range in calorie density from 217 to 440 kilocalories per cup (kcal/cup) and a recommended intake that ranged from 0.73 to 1.47 times the dog’s resting energy requirement. The diets also varied wildly in price, from 4 cents to more than $1.10 per kilocalorie. Under federal guidelines, pet foods labeled “lite,” “light,” “low calorie,” “less calorie,” or “low calorie” must provide the caloric content. Foods with a light, lite, or low-calorie designation must also adhere to a maximum kilocalorie per kilogram restriction. However, a researcher pointed out that more than half of the foods evaluated in the study exceeded this maximum. Foods without these designations currently are allowed, but not required, to provide the caloric content on the label. Efforts are currently underway to make this information required on all pet food labels.
Study clears pork from H1N1 concerns
A new USDA study confirms that meat and tissue from pigs that were exposed to two strains of the Novel H1N1 2009 influenza virus did not contain the virus, Pork news staff reported. The results were published in the Public Library of Science’s online journal, PLoS ONE. Scientists with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service at the National Animal Disease Center, which is part of USDA’s National Centers for Animal Health in Ames, Iowa, conducted the study. For the study, researchers inoculated 30, five-week-old piglets with the Novel H1N1 virus to determine the pigs’ susceptibility. A control group of five pigs were not inoculated. The inoculated animals showed signs of upper respiratory disease consistent with influenza. There was no evidence that the virus had spread to any other parts of the animal’s body. These latest findings support World Health Organization’s stance that pork harvested from swine that had been infected with Novel H1N1 influenza and recovered can be safely handled and eaten, following standard meat-handling hygiene practices.
Abaxis expands Veterinary Advisory Board
Four practitioners are joining the Veterinary Advisory Board at Abaxis Inc. This brings the number of board members to eight highly respected veterinarians, according to Abaxis. New to the advisory board and their specialties: Mary Anna Thrall, DVM, MS, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists – Clinical Pathology; Gary Norsworthy, DVM, Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners – Feline; Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, Ph.D, associate professor of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine – Exotics and Wildlife; Heidi Ward, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Internal Medicine and Oncology.
AKC announces most popular dogs
According to American Kennel Club(R) (AKC) 2009 registration statistics, for the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America. The following are the top 10 most popular dogs in the United States in 2009: Labrador Retriever; German Shepherd Dog; Yorkshire Terrier; Golden Retriever; Beagle; Boxer; Bulldog; Dachshund; Poodle; and Shih Tzu.
AVMA supports proposal for more wildlife and zoo vets
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced its support of newly introduced federal legislation that will help bolster the nation’s supply of veterinarians specializing in the care of wildlife and zoo animals. The Wildlife and Zoological Veterinary Medicine Enhancement Act, introduced Jan. 21 by U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., will fill a critical need in protecting the country’s animals, environment and its people. The bipartisan legislation aims to build the country’s cadre of wildlife and zoo veterinarians on several fronts. It will create new funded positions for specialized veterinarians in both clinical and research settings. It will help reduce the amount of educational debt veterinary students amass during their education. It will help veterinary schools develop curriculum specializing in health management of wildlife in their natural habitat and in captivity. And it expands the number of educational and training programs in wildlife and zoological medicine for veterinary students.
Weatherly Aircraft agrees to acquire equine product lines
Weatherly Aircraft Company announced that it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire certain equine product lines from California-based Sports Prescriptions, Inc. The product lines include Equi Wear(TM), Double Diamond Gloves(TM), Force Field Magnetics(TM) and Sports Rx(TM). The market for the products is directed toward apparel for the horse rider and various therapy products for horses. It is contemplated that the acquisition will be completed within the next 60 days, however, during the transition period, Weatherly’s new subsidiary Equine Health Products, Inc., will immediately act as an exclusive distributor for the products. The company said it intends to relocate the majority of the manufacturing operations from Asia and India to the United States.
Products to Watch
Intervet/Schering-Plough introduces Resflor Gold
Intervet/Schering-Plough announced the introduction of Resflor Gold, the only medication on the U.S. market that combines the antibiotic florfenicol and the NSAID flunixin meglumine into a single dose for treatment of bovine respiratory disease.
FDA’s VMAC to look at risk minimization program of ProHeart 6
The Food and Drug Administration announced its Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee (VMAC) will meet in late March to talk about new data from its risk minimization plan regarding Pfizer’s ProHeart 6, DVM Newsmagazine reported. The first 18 months of data generated from the agency’s Risk Minimization Action Plan (RiskMAP) will be presented. Moxidectin was reintroduced to the veterinary market in 2008, following a controversial FDA decision to remove it from the market in 2005 because of safety concerns. “The purpose of the RiskMAP,” FDA explains, “is to ensure safe and appropriate use of ProHeart® 6 in order to achieve the maximum benefits of heartworm prevention while minimizing the risk to dogs. CVM will be presenting the results of our analysis of 18 months of data generated under the RiskMAP and are seeking feedback from the expert panel,” the agency reports in a prepared statement. The meeting is open to the public. Interested persons may present data, information or views, orally or in writing. Written submissions may be made to Aleta Sindelar, CVM (HFV-3), FDA, 7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855 by March 17.
Events
Brakke Consulting will present 2010 overview at conferences
Brakke Consulting will be presenting its annual U.S. Animal Health Industry Overview at the North American Veterinary Conference and the Western Veterinary Conference in 2010. This year’s Overview will contain attitudes of AH executives regarding the state and future of the industry from its fall survey, a special section on the companion animal category of supplements and BCI’s thoughts on 2010 and beyond for the industry. The WVC Overview will be held Feb. 16, 2-4 p.m., at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. To register, go to www.brakkeconsulting.com and look for the Overview link in the “What’s New” box. Payment by major credit card is required at time of registration.
NIAA Annual Meeting to be held March 15-17
The 2010 NIAA Annual Meeting, held March 15-17 at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo., will focus on the One Health Initiative and, through its general session and committee meetings, will explore how the initiative may impact the various species and segments within production animal agriculture and animal health management. To register for the meeting, go to http://www.animalagriculture.org/ and click on the 2010 NIAA Annual Meeting link.
February Is Pet Dental Health Month
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is encouraging cat and dog owners to regularly brush their pet’s teeth and see their vet for checkups as part of Pet Dental Health Month, celebrated every February. “Most people have no idea that dental health is so important to their pets, and that’s why Pet Dental Health Month is such a great idea,” explains Dr. Larry Corry, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). According to the association, periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats, CNN recently reported. The organization estimates that by the age of 2, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease. It has been linked to diabetes, strokes, kidney disease and other life-threatening disorders. It can lead to painful infections within the mouth; in severe cases these infections can spread and become life-threatening conditions. The AVMA, a sponsor of Pet Dental Health Month, offers an informative video giving step-by-step instructions on how to brush a pet’s teeth. The Pet Dental Month Web site, http://www.petdental.com, includes tips from a veterinary expert on pet dental health, Dr. Brook Niemiec. For more information, visit http://www.avma.org.
Intervet/Schering-Plough launches poultry Web site
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has launched the Intestinal Health Center for Poultry Web site (www.ihc-poultry.com), designed to keep producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, academics and students informed about the latest developments in this segment of poultry production. The Web site has a wealth of practical, science-driven information and ideas to help producers manage costly gut diseases more effectively through vaccination, nutrition, sanitation and prudent drug use, the company said.
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Abbott Animal Health, Bovie, IDEXX, Intervet/Schering Plough, Merial, Midmark, Ethicon/Novartis, Sempermed, UltiCare and VSSI.
Top Stories
U.S. vets help relief efforts in Haiti
Pet products see gain in 2009, report finds
FDA warns consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares
Dog infected with H1N1; virus not in pork, study finds
Unwanted Horse Vet Relief Campaign accepting applications
Joint effort to find factors that lead to a successful practice
AAHA working on nutritional guidelines
Non-profits try to slow pet surrenders
Henry Schein elects Sheares to board of directors
Products to Watch
Modern Veterinary Therapeutics enters Heartworm Diagnostic Market
Top Stories
U.S. vets help relief efforts in Haiti
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) have joined a coalition of other animal health and welfare groups to help the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti following the Jan. 12 earthquake. The Animal Relief Coalition of Haiti (ARCH) was developed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). AVMA is among the participants in the coalition, while the AVMF will participate with the other national and international charities by providing monetary support. The animal relief efforts in Haiti currently are focused on assessment, an AVMA official said in a release. There has not been a call for veterinary volunteers or specific veterinary medical supplies at this time. The initial animal focus will be on the nation’s livestock, estimated to number 5 million, mostly goats. The longer term focus will be on Haiti’s large population of stray animals. “It’s hard to comprehend the scope of the devastation in Haiti right now,” said Dr. Larry Corry, president of the AVMA. “Hopefully we can work through ARCH to help the Haitians get back on their feet by tending to the public health and welfare needs of the nation’s people and animals.”
Pet products see gain in 2009, report finds
A recent report released by Packaged Facts says that sales of pet products and services in the United States saw almost a 5 percent increase. U.S. sales of pet products and services increased 4.8 percent to $54 billion in 2009, Packaged Facts reported and Pet Product News International highlighted. “It means that the market added $2.5 billion in the midst of the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression,” states the report, “Pet Supplies and Pet Care Products in the U.S., 8th Edition: Pet Health and Pampering: The New Value Equation.” Sales of veterinarian services increased the most at nearly 10 percent, followed by pet food at 5 percent, other pet services at 4 percent and non-food pet supplies (which includes grooming products and bedding) at 3 percent, according to Packaged Facts.
FDA warns consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911″ because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales. In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets. The affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan re-sealable plastic bag. The “best by” date is imprinted on the top portion of the bag, which is torn off when the bag is opened. The FDA recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the “best by” date discontinue use of the product.
Dog infected with H1N1; virus not in pork, study finds
An older New York dog tested positive for 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus, according to IDEXX Laboratories, which confirmed the infection in December. A 13-year-old neutered male, mixed-breed dog in Bedford Hills, N.Y., tested positive for the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus. Test results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory. This is the first time a dog in the United States has been confirmed to be infected with the H1N1 flu virus, the release said. Also in December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that a government study provides additional confirmation that meat and tissue from pigs exposed to two strains of the 2009 novel H1N1 virus do not contain the virus.
Unwanted Horse Vet Relief Campaign accepting applications
The Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC) is accepting applications again this year, with a deadline of Feb. 1 for spring vaccinations and Aug. 1 for fall vaccinations. Last year, more than 2,500 horses received free vaccines. The campaign, a joint effort between the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and Intervet/Schering Plough, provides the vaccines to qualifying equine rescue and retirement facilities. Vaccines are available against West Nile virus, rabies, equine influenza, equine herpesvirus, eastern equine encephalomyelitis, western equine encephalomyelitis, and tetanus. All equine rescue and retirement facilities must submit a new application each year. Those wishing to apply must work with an AAEP-member veterinarian. Qualifying facilities must follow the AAEP’s “Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities” and have a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status. More details and the application are available at www.UHVRC.org.
Joint effort to find factors that lead to a successful practice
The National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) is working with the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) and VetPartners to identify the factors that lead to optimal practice performance and success. The joint effort will kick off with on online survey of veterinary practices, followed by more in-depth interviews of staff members at practices deemed through the survey to be highly successful. Results are expected in early 2010 and will be shared with the veterinary profession, according to VetPartners.
AAHA working on nutritional guidelines
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) announced it will begin work on a new set of guidelines targeting nutrition to help veterinarians make sound recommendations to clients. AAHA leaders remain in the initial stages of forming a committee and gaining input for the creation of the guidelines, but they anticipate publication in June 2010. Leaders envision a consortium of organizations and professional associations actively involved in the creation of these guidelines, an AAHA official said.
Non-profits try to slow pet surrenders
A recent article in the The Economist chronicled the increase in number of pet owners who have surrendered their animals because they’re unable to afford for their care, and how some non-profits are trying to help. It’s also becoming challenging for shelters to take care of these animals with cuts to funding. Animal Care and Control of New York City, The Economist reported, saw its grant fall by over $750,000 this fiscal year, around 7 percent of its operating budget. Fewer people are coming forward to make donations. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that around 6 to 8 million cats and dogs end up in shelters each year. There is some concern that even more are being put to sleep now, because shelters do not have the space or money to keep alive animals that have not been adopted. Some non-profits are trying to step in and encourage people not to abandon their furry friends at shelters in the first place. Pet-food banks, which give pet food to people in need, have sprung up across the country. ForeclosurePets.org, runs an online billboard that allows people facing foreclosure to find a home for their pet. Pilots ’N Paws, connects pilots to shelters with dogs that have not found homes. The pilots volunteer to fly them to other states, giving them a second chance at adoption.
Henry Schein elects Sheares to board of directors
Henry Schein Inc. elected Bradley T. Sheares, Ph.D., to its board of directors. Sheares was previously CEO of Reliant Pharmaceuticals Inc from January 2007 through its acquisition by GlaxoSmithKline (Philadelphia, PA) in December 2007. Prior to joining Reliant, Dr. Sheares served as President of U.S. Human Health at Merck & Co. from March 2001 until July 2006, the culmination of a 19-year career with that company.
Products to Watch
Modern Veterinary Therapeutics enters Heartworm Diagnostic Market
Modern Veterinary Therapeutics, LLC announced that it is entering the U.S. heartworm diagnostic market. The USDA-Center for Veterinary Biologics has approved its Canine Heartworm Antigen Test Kit. The product will be presented at the North American Veterinary Conference. This Canine Heartworm Antigen Test Kit is the first in a series of rapid test that are in late stage of licensing by the USDA and will be introduced in 2010.
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Abbott Animal Health, Bovie, IDEXX, Intervet/Schering Plough, Merial, Midmark, Ethicon/Novartis, Sempermed, UltiCare and VSSI.
Top Stories
Butler Schein Animal Health NAVC press briefing
Henry Schein, supplier partners earmark $1 million in supplies for Haiti relief
Elanco creates Food Safety Business Unit
Summit VetPharm enters agreement with Butler Schein
IDEXX announces placement, customer numbers for products in 2009
VetCentric and Hill’s Pet Nutrition partner for home delivery
VetSource partners with Putney
Products to Watch
Midmark announces new promotion
IDEXX announces new practice management software
Vical announces licensee’s approval of ONCEPT canine vaccine
Intervet/Schering-Plough cattle drug approved by FDA
BIVI introduces insulin treatment for cats
Heska introduces blood gas and electrolyte analyzer
Antech Diagnostics introduces respiratory disease tests
Events
National Service Dog Eye Exam Event slated for May
Top Stories
Butler Schein Animal Health NAVC press briefing
Jan. 18, 2010, Orlando, FL – Fresh off the recent announcement of the merger of Butler Animal Health Supply and Henry Schein, Butler Schein Animal Health executives have begun implementing their transition program and meeting with customers and supplier partners. “We are working hard on determining what is best for our customers, employees and our business as we execute on our transition plans,” said Kevin Vasquez, chairman, president and CEO of the newly formed organization at a NAVC press briefing. “Our primary goal through these activities is to create value for our customers,” added Vasquez. “We want to help them operate their businesses as efficiently as possible so they can better serve their patients.”
Henry Schein Chairman and CEO Stanley Bergman, who has guided Henry Schein to a $7 billion Fortune 500 company with a CAGR of 17.5 percent, agreed with Vasquez adding, “As the world’s largest distributor of animal health products, we are committed not only to the success of our customers, but to our supplier partners as well.” Globally, Schein has almost a $2 billion animal health business (including agency) and almost 600,000 office-based customers in healthcare, dental and animal health segments, including 27,000 veterinarians in the United States.
“We want to be the best customer we can be to our manufacturing partners because we are critical to each other’s success, and ultimately to the success of our customers,” said Bergman. “Together we can best serve the customer by bringing new technology to market and taking cost out of the system.” Bergman’s vision for the Henry Schein business has consistently embraced what he calls Schein’s five constituencies: Customers, supplier partners, investors, society and Team Schein members. “If we always act on behalf of our five constituents, we will all succeed and prosper.”
Henry Schein, supplier partners earmark $1 million in supplies for Haiti relief
Henry Schein, Inc. and its supplier partners have earmarked $1 million in life-saving medical supplies to partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are providing relief to Haiti following last week’s catastrophic earthquake. Within hours of the reports of the earthquake, pallets of much needed supplies were prepared for shipment to partner NGOs, including AmeriCares, Direct Relief International, Heart to Heart International, International Medical Corps, LDS Charities and Medshare through Henry Schein Cares, the Company’s global social responsibility program. As part of Henry Schein Cares disaster preparedness efforts, the company already had pallets of essential supplies packed and on site at the warehouses of several partner NGOs to ensure immediate response to humanitarian emergencies.
“As Haitian officials continue to assess the damage caused by this tragic earthquake, Henry Schein Cares is working closely with our partner NGOs to seek opportunities to support humanitarian relief efforts,” said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and CEO for Henry Schein. “We stand ready to do our part to support our NGO partners and are committed to quickly getting these essential medical relief supplies on the ground to those who need them.”
Elanco creates Food Safety Business Unit
Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, announced that it will launch a new business platform focused on food safety. Elanco will market food-safety products and services to the food-animal industry through Elanco Food Solutions. Elanco will develop new technologies that will help the food chain protect consumers from such harmful food-borne pathogens as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and Listeria, the company said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that food-borne diseases cause an annual 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, according to the release.
Summit VetPharm enters agreement with Butler Schein
Summit VetPharm announced that it has entered into an agreement with Butler Schein Animal Health to distribute Vectra® products in all 50 states.
“We are very happy that we will be working with the largest veterinary distributor in the U.S. companion animal market,” said Rich Shavelson, Director of Sales for Summit VetPharm. “Working with the new Butler Schein Animal Health organization will allow us to meet the increasing demand by veterinarians for Vectra products.” Summit VetPharm previously had enjoyed a distribution relationship with Henry Schein and NLS Animal Health.
“The addition of Vectra® products brings a scientifically impressive brand into our broad offering of animal health products,” said Butler Schein Animal Health Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin R. Vasquez.
IDEXX announces placement, customer numbers for products in 2009
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., placed in excess of 2,000 Catalyst Dx(R) chemistry analyzers in 2009, bringing the installed base to nearly 2,800. Catalyst Dx, introduced in the first quarter of 2008, is a next generation chemistry instrument that adds to the IDEXX VetLab(R) integrated suite of analyzers and expands the range and capability of the veterinary practice’s in-house diagnostic laboratory. The company also announced that its installed base of IDEXX SmartService customers had grown to over 2,000. SmartService provides veterinary practices using the IDEXX VetLab suite of instruments with proactive, secure service and support over the Internet, reducing potential instrument downtime while improving practice work flow.
VetCentric and Hill’s Pet Nutrition partner for home delivery
VetCentric, Inc., announced an affiliation with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. (”Hill’s”). VetCentric’s prescription management service enables Hill’s to expand its reach to veterinarians and pet owners by utilizing VetCentric’s veterinary-supportive home delivery business model. Under the new arrangement, VetCentric partner clinics can now offer pet owners access to the entire Hill’s pet food product line, including Hill’s Prescription Diet and Hill’s Science Diet. Hill’s produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and feed to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation.
VetSource partners with Putney
VetSource announced a partnership with Putney, Inc., a pharmaceutical company focused on the development and sale of generic and specialty prescription drugs for dogs and cats. VetSource will now offer Putney’s FDA approved generic Carprofen Caplets to provide veterinarians with a cost-effective way for their pet patients to get this frequently prescribed drug. Carprofen is indicated in dogs for pain associated with canine osteoarthritis, and for controlling post-operative pain from certain surgeries.
Products to Watch
Midmark announces new promotion
Midmark Corporation recently announced its newest veterinary promotion, offering rebates on select products from the Veterinary Dental Solutions product line. The promotion kicked off Jan. 1, 2010, and runs through March 31, 2010. Veterinarians and veterinary facilities purchasing eligible Midmark products under terms of the promotion will receive rebates ranging from $100 to $400 for each purchase. Eligible products include Canis Major™ Lift Tables, VetPro® 1000 and VetPro® 5000 Dental Delivery Systems, Midmark Wet Treatment Tables, 354 and 355 Surgery Lights, Midmark Dental Lights, and Midmark Dental Stools. Midmark’s current promotion puts emphasis on complete veterinary dental solutions for improved animal health. For details or information on other Midmark products, call (800) MIDMARK, or visit midmark.com.
IDEXX announces new practice management software
IDEXX Computer Systems announced the availability of its IDEXX Cornerstone® Practice Management Software version 8.0. To help veterinarians capture, store and share all medical information, Cornerstone 8.0 software simplifies the recording of detailed medical notes, and automatically integrates them into electronic medical records. Doctors can more easily finish notes during the exam or patient visit instead of at the end of the day, and quickly retrieve accurate, comprehensive information. In addition, new functionality within Cornerstone 8.0 software makes it easier for organizations that own or support multiple locations to share client and patient data.
Vical announces licensee’s approval of ONCEPT canine vaccine
Vical Inc. announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the company’s licensee Merial Limited, the animal health subsidiary of sanofi-aventis, full licensure for its ONCEPT canine melanoma vaccine, a therapeutic DNA vaccine designed to aid in extending survival of dogs with oral melanoma. Merial planned to launch the product at the North American Veterinary Conference this week.
Intervet/Schering-Plough cattle drug approved by FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Intervet/Schering-Plough’s Resflor Gold (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine) for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle, the company announced. Effective Jan. 11, 2010, the final rule made by the FDA’s Department of Health and Human Services approved Resflor Gold (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine), a combination injectable solution. The drug provides for treatment of BRD associated with Mannheima haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni, as well as control of BRD-associated pyrexia in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. The drug is restricted for use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
BIVI introduces insulin treatment for cats
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica introduced PROZINC (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin), an aqueous protamine zinc suspension of recombinant human insulin used to reduce hyperglycemia in cats with diabetes mellitus. The FDA-approved suspension should be administered with a U-40 insulin syringe and has an initial recommended dose range of 0.1-0.3 IU insulin/pound of body weight every 12 hours.
Heska introduces blood gas and electrolyte analyzer
Heska Corp.’s new VitalPath Blood Gas and Electrolyte Analyzer was designed to meet the needs of the busy veterinary practice. In three steps, the analyzer delivers accurate blood gas, electrolyte and hematocrit results in just 50 seconds, as well as 27 additional calculated parameters. Requiring as little as 60 mircoliter of whole blood, serum, or plasma, the VitalPath offers very flexible sampling options and can be customized to suit the needs of any clinic. The VitalPath system is backed by a three-year warranty and 24-hour emergency technical support
Antech Diagnostics introduces respiratory disease tests
Antech Diagnostics introduced a molecular diagnostic test for eight common viral and bacterial causes of canine respiratory disease. The FastPanel PCR Canine Respiratory Disease Profile tests for canine influenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine herpes virus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma cynos and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. FastPanel PCR test results are available in just one to three days.
Events
National Service Dog Eye Exam Event slated for May
The third annual National Service Dog Eye Exam Event is slated for May, but registration begins April 1. The month-long offer of free eye exams to service dogs is sponsored by Merial and the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). Owners of service dogs can register online for free eye exams with more than 150 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists in the United States and Canada. Registration for dog owners begins April 1 and ends May 16. Registration is available at www.acvoeyeexam.org. Dogs must be certified for service by national, regional or local organizations listed on that website.
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Abbott Animal Health, Bovie, IDEXX, Intervet/Schering Plough, Merial, Midmark, Novartis/Ethicon, Sempermed, UltiCare and VSSI.
Top Stories
Reduced membership fee for some AVMA members in 2010
APPA survey lists top reasons for cat ownership
Massive wild horse roundup clears legal hurdle
IDEXX Laboratories to present at healthcare conference
Most of Pfizer’s Overland Park employees won’t remain with the company
Health o meter® 15 millionth scale shipped
Products to Watch
Mars Veterinary releases Wisdom Panel genetics test
New otitis externa treatment introduced
Events
The Pet Industry Transformation inaugural conference slated for February
Worth Watching
Antibiotic Use in food animals debated
Survey lists top food chains
Top Stories
Reduced membership fee for some AVMA members in 2010
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Board approved a new provision that will allow some AVMA members to qualify for reduced membership fees in 2010, according to a report. Beginning Jan, 1, 2010, members in good standing may apply for up to a 50 percent reduction in their dues if they are temporarily leaving the practice of veterinary medicine because of family obligations, are not engaged in regular employment in the veterinary profession or do not qualify for other AVMA dues waiver or reduction options. The reduction may not be granted for more than five years and is aimed at strengthening member retention.
APPA survey lists top reasons for cat ownership
Companionship, company and love were the leading benefits of owning a cat, according to the 2009/2010 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey. According to the survey, 89 percent of cat owners reported companionship, love and company as a benefit to ownership; 72 percent reported cats fun to watch and have in the household; 57 percent reported they were convenient and easy to maintain; and 65 percent reported they feel their cat is like a child and part of the family. There are 38.2 million cat-owning households in the United States, which is the second highest recorded level of cat ownership since the survey’s inception in 1988.
Massive wild horse roundup clears legal hurdle
According to USAgNet, a federal judge denied a request to block a roundup of about 2,500 in Nevada, saying opponents had failed to demonstrate that removal of the horses would violate federal law. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said the agency is obligated under a 1971 law to carefully manage wild horse herds to prevent overpopulation. According to the Associated Press, a spokeswoman for Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said herds in the Calico Mountains Complex in northwestern Nevada are overpopulated and need to be reduced to protect the horses and the rangelands that support them. The roundup is part of the land management agency’s overall strategy to remove more than 10,000 mustangs from public lands across the West and ship them to greener pastures in the Midwest and East. The Bureau of Land Management estimates about half of the nearly 37,000 wild mustangs live in Nevada, with others concentrated in Arizona, California, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.
IDEXX Laboratories to present at healthcare conference
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. announced that it will participate in the J.P. Morgan 28th Annual Healthcare Conference. Jonathan W. Ayers, Chairman, President and CEO, was scheduled to make a presentation on Monday at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, Calif. Individuals can access the audio webcast of the presentation through a link on the home page of the IDEXX Laboratories website, www.idexx.com. An archived edition of the presentation will be available for 14 days.
Most of Pfizer’s Overland Park employees won’t remain with the company
Most of the 200 employees at an Overland Park facility recently bought by Pfizer will leave the company in the first half of the year, a company spokesman said. After acquiring Wyeth in October, Pfizer said it would close the local headquarters of Fort Dodge Animal Health, a former Wyeth subsidiary. Pfizer is moving most of the functions from Overland Park to its animal health headquarters in Madison, N.J. Some employees will receive offers from Pfizer to take a position elsewhere, and all affected workers will be eligible to bid on openings at other Pfizer sites, said company spokesman Rick Chambers.
Health o meter® 15 millionth scale shipped
Pelstar LLC announced that it shipped its 15 millionth Health o meter® Professional medical scale to New Jersey. The 2595KL digital chair scale was one of many going out. Health o meter® Professional is a recognized brand in medical weighing and scale sales, with expertise gained from being in the business for nearly a century, designing and selling premiere weighing instruments to medical professionals throughout the world. The professional line started with the Physician/Primary Care line of weighing instruments over 50 years ago. CEO Dan Maeir commented, “I would bet there is at least one of our scales in every medical facility in the United States. Our focus now is to continue to expand our products in the global marketplace.”
Products to Watch
Mars Veterinary releases Wisdom Panel genetics test
Mars Veterinary has launched the Wisdom Panel Professional, a state-of-the art canine genetics test. Wisdom Panel Professional is available exclusively through veterinary clinics and practices and with a small blood sample, it is capable of detecting more than 200 breeds, types and varieties that may be present in a mixed-breed dog with an unparalleled validated accuracy of 90 percent, the company said. In addition, this new test provides veterinarians a yellow-flag health risk pre-screening on over a dozen of the most common inherited health conditions; and it can predict a dog’s adult genetic weight range — important information for dog owners or perspective pet adopters.
New otitis externa treatment introduced
Surolan, an effective treatment for common and recurring cases of otitis externa in canines, has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, according to Vetoquinol USA and Janssen Animal Health. The companies teamed up to offer Surolan as a unique treatment for the inflammation of the external ear canal or common aural infection. The condition impacts up to 20 percent of dogs in the United States. The most unique aspect of the Surolan formula, according to the companies, is its distinctive combination of antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agents, including polymyxin B, miconazole and prednisolone. Studies show there is a synergistic effect between polymyxin B and miconazole. There is a 100 percent decrease in the concentration of medication needed to treat certain bacteria when these are used together. This synergy gives Surolan broad effectiveness against the pathogens that cause otitis externa and make it less likely to develop resistance issues.
Events
The Pet Industry Transformation inaugural conference slated for February
Pet Industry Advisory announced that the Pet Industry Transformation inaugural conference will be held Feb. 11-12, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nev. This two-day Executive Management Conference is designed specifically for the pet manufacturing industry, with insights on “The 8 Growth Trends that will dramatically change the way you do business in the United States.” The conference will have 20 speakers – including Key Note Speakers Bob Vetere, President of the APPA, and Paul Cooke, VP Trade and Industry Development, Nestle Purina Pet Care. This event crosses over traditional boundaries between pet food, accessories and OTC pharmaceutical products to give first-hand insights into other markets that could be synergistic with the veterinary industry. Visit attend.petindustryadvisory.com.
Worth Watching
Antibiotic Use in food animals debated
Pork news source recently highlighted Associated Press reports focusing on the use of antibiotics in food animals. Among national and global agencies giving the subject attention, the World Health Organization claimed surging antibiotic resistance as one of the leading threats to human health; The White House considers the problem “urgent”; and the Food and Drug Administration and CDC declared drug-resistant diseases stemming from antibiotic use in animals a “serious emerging concern.”
However, farm groups and some drug companies argue that antibiotics keep animals healthy and meat costs low, and have defeated a series of proposed limits on their use. According to a new USDA study, antibiotics also save as much as 30 percent in feed costs among young swine, although the savings decline as pigs get older. In Washington, a new law that would ban farmers from feeding antibiotics to their animals unless they are sick is being challenged by some lawmakers.
Survey lists top food chains
Chik-fil-A was selected as No. 1 fast food restaurant with Five Guys coming in second place in a consumer survey conducted by Market Force Information, Inc. Since consumers are more likely to vote for familiar restaurants, when Market Force accounted for the number of restaurants each chain had, Five Guys emerged on top of the list. Market Force had more than 3,000 responses to their survey which found that Chik-fil-A ranked highest in friendliness, cleanliness and accommodating children while Five Guys tied with Chipotle for highest food quality and ranked second in friendliness and cleanliness. For a complete list of the ranked restaurants, visit www.marketforce.com
On the record: Vet-Advantage’s Weekly News publisher agrees with both of the top choices!
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No doubt, we’ll have a choppy year ahead. The economy will see ups and downs, but many experts believe it will be better than last year. Given the cyclical nature of the economy, I tend to agree. We simply won’t stay down forever. And the political winds seem to be shifting again, which will hopefully create a situation where we have less government interference in key segments of the economy. If correct, it could be a huge boost to the economy and its recovery, as well as to the animal health business.
And certainly the effects of the recent mergers and acquisitions are starting to reveal themselves as we move into 2010. Be sure to read our take on it which begins on page 24. At press time, many different things were still up in the air, and I’m sure many distributors and manufacturers are anxiously watching to see how things will shake out. Expect more coverage of these activities and how they affect you in the upcoming electronic issue of Vet-Advantage in February. One thing for sure, the activity level at NAVC should be incredibly high this year, as will the travel schedules of many industry major players in early January.
And the last thing I would like to mention as we kick off 2010 is what we’ll be up to in terms of serving you, our readers. We will continue to live by our tagline of promoting excellence in animal health sales. We will listen to you to find out more about your needs, and do our best to line up our content to provide insights and expertise in those areas, be it sales, product or trend related. So don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or drop us an email to let us know what’s going on in your world. We will also strive to bring you interviews and articles from some of the brightest people in the business, with insights you can put to work in your own business. Opportunities abound! Grab them in 2010!
]]>What is the long-term impact of all these changes on Veterinary Advantage readers? We went straight to the sources to find out the answers. Following is what we learned.
Butler Schein won’t stop growing
Two strong organizations, a bunch of years of experience, and the determination to get things right without undue delay should make the marriage of NLS Henry Schein and Butler Animal Health Supply a strong and vibrant one, according to newly named chairman and CEO of Butler Schein Animal Health, Kevin R. Vasquez.
Speaking with Veterinary Advantage in mid-December, Vasquez predicted that the details of the merger – including consolidation of the sales force, distribution centers, product lines, etc. - should be worked out in the near future. “We’re all doing the deep dive now,” he said. “We will be responsible as we go forward in determining what is best for our customers, our employees and our business, as we lay out a plan in a competently aggressive fashion. We know we can’t linger in this process, but also that we have to make intelligent, substantive and caring decisions.”
The bottom line, Vasquez suggested, is not so much cutback or consolidation as it is growth. To wit:
- A combined company that is No. 1 in the animal health market, with sales of roughly $1.3 billion (including agency sales). (Minus agency sales, the total is approximately $850 million.)
- A combined sales force of approximately 500 reps, representing both field reps and telesales reps.
- A combined customer base of approximately 25,000 clinics.
- An expanded, strengthened equipment sales and service offering (an area in which Henry Schein excels).
- An expanded product line. Despite significant overlap (given the focus of both NLS, Henry Schein and Butler on the companion animal market), Henry Schein brings to the table some products that Butler didn’t represent, and vice versa.
- An expanded offering of automated practice management/medical records systems, to be augmented next year with the addition of two new systems.
Needless to say, some questions are lingering. For example, how will the new company, which is to be based in Dublin, Ohio (Butler’s home), bring together Butler’s 16 distribution centers and seven telecenters, and NLS Henry Schein’s seven distribution centers and four telecenters? Also, questions remain about how Butler Schein will move forward with a combined private label program, and what will its relationship be with both Vedco and Clipper Distributing in the future. “Once we determine the right thing to do, we will move expeditiously to bring the companies together under one common culture,” says Vasquez.
No surprise
That NLS Schein and Butler decided to join forces surprised few in the industry. Nor should it have, said Vasquez, who has been with Butler 10 years, most recently as chairman, president and CEO.
“This is something that isn’t unusual for Henry Schein at all,” he said. “They’ve been at the forefront of growth and expansion, organically and through acquisition, for a number of years.” In fact, Henry Schein acquired NLS Animal Health, a $150 million animal health distributor based in Owings Mills, Md., in mid-2006. Since becoming a publicly owned company in 1995, Henry Schein’s animal health business has grown significantly in Europe, with sales in the last 12 months of approximately $620 million. Henry Schein Animal Health International serves more than 18,000 customers and has operations in eight countries.
“So when Henry Schein’s management team looked at the U.S. market, it was not unusual for them to say, ‘How can we develop a strategy where we can become the No. 1 player in the U.S. veterinary distribution space?’” he said. “It was natural for them to seek and find a proper partner.”
Butler, meanwhile, was ready for a move as well. Owned by Oak Hill Capital Partners, a private equity firm; as well as The Ashkin Family Group, Jericho, N.Y., Butler had considered issuing an initial public offering. “But the markets changed on us,” explained Vasquez. “We didn’t think going public was a good strategic move, given the financial markets.” But the company had been in touch with Henry Schein (and other potential suitors) for years. “Being the market leader created a lot of interest in the company,” he said. Henry Schein and Butler “continued to talk and say, ‘Is there any common ground? Can we merge these companies and become more valuable partners to our vendors and customers, and create a world class, value added animal health distribution company?’” They ultimately decided the answer was “yes.”
Terms of the agreement call for Butler Schein Animal Health to be 50.1-percent-owned by Henry Schein and 49.9-percent-owned by Oak Hill and The Ashkin Family Group.
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