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• Penn's Veterinary School successfully completes Kresge Challenge
• Morris targets $2.5 million for equine research
• Eleanor Green selected as AAEP vice president
• 2005 AAEP annual convention
• Squires receives George Stubbs Award

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Penn's Veterinary School successfully completes Kresge Challenge 

by: Press Release October 2005, Article # 6312

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has successfully completed the Kresge Challenge, a $1.5 million grant from the Kresge Foundation of Troy, Michigan. The grant will be used toward completing the new teaching and research building, which was named the Vernon and Shirley Hill Pavilion in September 2005. The building is due to open in August 2006.

“The successful completion of the Kresge Challenge marks a huge milestone in the history of the School,” said Alan Kelly, the School's Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “We are extremely grateful to all who contributed to this achievement as this prestigious grant will certainly enhance the environment for teaching and learning within the new building.”

The Kresge Challenge, issued in June 2004, required that the School raise $13 million through 5,500 new gifts and pledges by October 1, 2005. The School met these criteria thanks to generous contributions from the Penn community, alumni, individual donors, and various organizations.

The challenge was one of the largest in the Kresge Foundation's history and, at the time it was issued, the largest ever for an Ivy League institution. The success of the Kresge Challenge completes a major component within the School's $100-million Building New Levels of Excellence campaign. The Kresge Foundation, which strives “to promote the well-being of mankind,” offers grants to organizations whose projects involve the construction or renovation of facilities. All grants are made on a conditional basis, thereby providing an incentive to help applying organizations expand their fund-raising capabilities.

Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news. The Horse 3101 Beaumont Centre Circle Lexington, KY 40513 859/276-6771 or 800/866-2361 x. 6771 FAX: 859/276-4450]

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Morris targets $2.5 million for equine research 

by: Kimberly S. Herbert, Editor December 2005, Article # 6367

Morris Animal Foundation announced today (December 4, 2005) an equine initiative that will fund a maximum of $500,000 for the next 5 years on 1 specific area of equine research. The specific area of research—such as colic, laminitis, or gene mapping—will be determined by the quality of research ideas submitted to the foundation.

The foundation is seeking the best research pre-proposals from researchers around the world by Febryary 15, when it will determine the beneficiary of the funding. In other words, the pre-proposals will determine which area of research will receive the funding.

Researchers with pre-proposals in that specific area of interest will then be asked for a full proposal by June 15. Funding will be announced after those full proposals have been reviewed.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference in 1 area of equine health, noted Patricia Olson, DVM, PhD, President/CEO of Morris. This will enable multiple institutions around the world to collaborate to reach solutions to age-old equine problems. Olson said 1 scientist gave the example that the advances in gene mapping made in the last 12 years could have been made in 5 years if funding had been more readily available.

The equine initiative was the result of a meeting of 40 individuals in May 2005, including scientists, intellectual property attorneys, businesspersons, and foundations. They identified several areas of interest in equine health, including colic, respiratory disease, genome project, and general inflammation. Researchers in those areas said with a half-million dollars pledged for 5 years, they could make a tremendous difference in the understanding, treatment, and prevention of diseases that affect horses.

Morris will also do an initiative for cancer in dogs along those same lines.

Morris has funded equine research since 1959, funding 237 equine health studies totaling nearly $7.5 million. In 2006, Morris funded 12 equine studies for a total of more than $500,000. These studies focus on issues such as cancer, colic, laminitis, EPM, gene mapping, heredity disorders, immunology, foal disease, and pain management.

For more information on Morris Animal Foundation, call 800-243-2345 or visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news. The Horse 3101 Beaumont Centre Circle Lexington, KY 40513 859/276-6771 or 800/866-2361 x. 6771 FAX: 859/276-4450]

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Eleanor Green selected as AAEP vice president 

Eleanor Green, DVM, will make history in 2006 when she becomes the first female practitioner to serve on the AAEP Executive Committee. Selected as the association's next vice president, Dr. Green will ascend to the AAEP presidency in 2008.

With a distinguished career in academia, Dr. Green is currently a professor and the Chair of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She also is Chief of Staff of the school's Large Animal Veterinary Medical Center. Dr. Green was previously a member of the veterinary faculties at Mississippi State University, the University of Missouri, and the University of Tennessee.

A 1973 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Green is board certified by both the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. She served as president of the ABVP from 1993 to 1995 as well as president of the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians from 1995 to 1996.

Dr. Green's work with the AAEP includes serving as the District III director from 1996 to 1999 and chairperson of the Internship and Student Relations Committee and the Foundation's Student Scholarship Task Force. Dr. Green actively participates in the equine industry on state and national levels and has a long history of volunteer work in her community. Congratulations, Dr. Eleanor Green.

Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news. The Horse 3101 Beaumont Centre Circle Lexington, KY 40513 859/276-6771 or 800/866-2361 x. 6771 FAX: 859/276-4450]

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2005 AAEP annual convention 

The 51st annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners was held in Seattle, Washington, December 3-7, 2005. This is the largest meeting of equine veterinarians in the world, this year hosting 3,115 veterinarians, 348 veterinary students, 219 veterinary technicians (who had their own program), and 237 guests.

Among the hot topics this year were disaster management and planning in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, infectious disease prevention and control following outbreaks of strangles and the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus, and continuing discussions on racetrack medication and unwanted horses.

AAEP 2006 Racing Forum

What is being done to ensure a level playing field for horses and horsemen? That was a key question discussed at the Racing Forum on December 3. An update from the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) indicated that 30 racing jurisdictions are considering, or have adopted, the consortium's guidelines; however, there are still hurdles to overcome. Those include setting benchmarks for screening techniques for drug tests to which all racing laboratories must conform; determining threshold levels for therapeutic medications; and funding laboratories so they can perform uniform testing based on standards accepted by the industry.

The consortium wants threshold levels and withdrawal times established for 47 therapeutic medications, according to information from the consortium presented by Drs. Kevin Dunlavy and Bruce Soloman of Kentucky, who moderated the forum. The consortium has funded $621,000 in research at 6 universities to establish efficacy and tests to determine abuse of drugs, including EPO, zinconotide (cone snail venom), and ethanol. Research on those 3 substances has been conducted and should be released to the public after publication in scientific journals.

Where Did All the Vets Go?

The last half of the Racing Forum was spent discussing the problem of getting young veterinarians to work on the racetrack. The quality of life and work hours that racetrack practitioners have long endured are not attractive to students graduating today, and there is a lack of ability for racetrack practitioners to “prioritize and take time away,” said Dunlavy.

Disease Outbreaks

Dr. Mary Scollay of Florida reported that an AAEP task force for disease outbreaks has been established to help guide practitioners step-by-step on what to do during a disease outbreak at a facility such as a racetrack.

The problems with herpes and strangles outbreaks at tracks this year had an impact on racing, and the AAEP wants to create a place on its web site where veterinarians can go for information during an outbreak of a known or unknown disease. She asked for input from practitioners who had experience in a disease outbreak to help form these guidelines.

AAEP Installs New Officers

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) installed officers for 2006 on December 6, 2005, during its annual convention in Seattle, Washington. New president is Dr. Thomas D. Brokken of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. President elect is Dr. Doug Corey of Adams, Oregon; vice president is Dr. Eleanor Green of Gainesville, Florida; and treasurer is Dr. Reynolds Cowles of Free Union, Virginia.

Brokken has devoted his veterinary career to the care of the Thoroughbred. Since 1990, he has been president of Tiegland, Franklin & Brokken, DVMs, a 9-veterinarian equine medicine and surgery practice dedicated exclusively to Thoroughbred racehorses. Brokken began working with the practice in 1970.

Brokken's involvement in the horse industry extends to his work with the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and his role on the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's Advisory Committee to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a former member of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation's Research Advisory Committee.

Corey, who has long been active with the National Professional Rodeo Association, will be president in 2007. Green, who is the first woman to serve on the AAEP executive committee, will ascend to the AAEP presidency in 2008.

Awards and Recognition

The founders of Days End Farm Horse Rescue received the Lavin Cup, which is the AAEP's equine welfare award named for longtime racetrack practitioner Dr. Gary Lavin of Kentucky.

Allan and Kathleen Schwartz started Days End Farm in 1989. Since then, their farm has been home to more than 1,000 abused and neglected horses. The organization takes a direct role in educating animal control officers, veterinarians, and prosecutors about horse abuse and neglect. They also teach a course in large animal rescue to first-responder personnel.

Days End personnel took an active role in rescuing horses and other animals in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

Dr. Thomas R. Lenz, an AAEP past president, received the 2005 Distinguished Service Award from AAEP. This award honors individuals who have provided exemplary service to the AAEP or a similar organization to the benefit of the horse, horse industry, or equine veterinary medicine. Lenz is currently chair of the AAEP Equine Welfare Committee.

Dr. Charles F. Reid received the Distinguished Educator Award from the AAEP. He joined the staff at the fledgling University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in 1963, focusing on radiology, and he retired as Emeritus Professor in 1998.

Professor Edward L. Squires, PhD, received the AAEP's George Stubbs Award, which recognizes contributions made to equine veterinary medicine by individuals other than veterinarians. Squires' focus on equine reproduction has led the world to a better understanding of that field. He continues teaching today at Colorado State University, where's he's been conducting research since 1976.

America's Healthy Horse Announced at AAEP

AAEP and Fort Dodge Animal Health announced a joint educational initiative in December that will raise awareness about the importance of twice-a-year wellness examinations by veterinarians.

Approximately 2 million horse owners in the United States are not receiving veterinary attention for their horses, said Dr. Lenz, vice president of professional and technical services at Fort Dodge. According to a 2002 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 45% of horses are not seen by a veterinarian during the year.

America's Healthy Horse will help educate horse owners about the benefits of wellness examinations and the value of routine veterinary care. The campaign will focus on disease prevention, parasite control, nutrition, and dentistry.

The program will use a 2-prong approach by creating and distributing science-based educational materials to horse owners, and creating a national media campaign to support the veterinarian–client relationship.

Lenz said it is important for owners and veterinarians to have opportunities to communicate. “Vets need to spend more time keeping horses healthy and happy rather than in crisis management,” he added.

Robert Magnus, DVM, founder of Wisconsin Equine Clinic and Hospital, has a wellness program in his practice much like what is outlined the Healthy Horse program. He said the response from his clients has been tremendous.

“We've decreased the incidence of colic and geriatric problems,” he said. “Our program costs about $365 per year per horse. That includes a full physical exam, discussing problems, scoring the horse on a report card, a full dental exam, recommendations on vaccination and parasite plan, and evaluation of the horse's nutrition. The clients save about $150-$160 per horse. And it's a benefit for the veterinarian in scheduling.”

The America's Healthy Horse initiative will be a multi-year program. Fort Dodge started a similar initiative with AVMA in small animals last year, and Dr. Rocky Bigbie of Fort Dodge said it has proved very effective.

Reprinted with permission of The Horse; visit www.TheHorse.com for more horse health news. The Horse 3101 Beaumont Centre Circle Lexington, KY 40513 859/276-6771 or 800/866-2361 x. 6771 FAX: 859/276-4450]

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Squires receives George Stubbs Award 

Professor Edward L. Squires has been selected as the 2005 recipient of the American Association of Equine Practitioners' (AAEP) George Stubbs Award, an honor that recognizes contributions made to equine veterinary medicine by individuals other than veterinarians. The award was presented during the AAEP's 51st Annual Convention in Seattle on December 6, 2005.

Professor Squires' research on equine reproduction has had a considerable impact on the health and breeding of horses. His interest in the field started early in life, as he received his B.S. degree in animal science (1969) and his M.S. in reproductive physiology (1971) from West Virginia University before pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin. In 1976 he came to teach at Colorado State University (CSU), where today he continues educating and mentoring students.

Professor Squires' contributions to equine reproduction are remarkable. His experiments on reproductive endocrinology and artificial insemination as well as his improvements of procedures for superovulation, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation of embryos and sperm have made him a world authority on equine reproduction. In addition to publishing 15 books, 243 articles in refereed journals, and 234 articles in proceedings or non-refereed publications, Professor Squires has worked to expand CSU's continuing education short courses for veterinarians and equine breeders, currently coordinating 9 programs per year on topics from embryo transfer to ultrasonography.

Furthermore, he generously shares his research and expertise with organizations from around the world, speaking at events such as the AAEP Annual Convention, and even chairing programs such as the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction, the West Coast Equine Reproduction Symposium, the International Symposium on Stallion Reproduction, and the Equine Embryo Transfer meetings.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 8,500 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research, and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

Reprinted with permission of AAEP; http://www.aaep.org. [permission granted per: Sally Baker, AAEP Press Room sbaker@aaep.org]