NVMA

Winter Convention

January 21-23, 2016

Kearney, NE

Mark Your Calendar!!

Click here to register

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT H e n r y C e r n y , D V M

My father was a fountain of stories and tales that were interesting in their own right but always seemed to have an ending that brought an “AHA” moment. I will begin with one of my favorites.

A man enters a new town and approaches a vendor on the street and asks him, “Excuse me, but I am new in town. I am curious, what type of people live here?” The vendor looks at him and asks, “What are the people like where you are from?” The man smiles and replies, “Oh,

very nice indeed. People always say hello when passing and will go out of their way to help you.” The vendor smiles back, “Well, that is how the people are here.” With that the man happily thanks the vendor and goes on exploring the town. It was not long before another man new to this town approached the vendor with the very same question, “What are the people like that live here?” The vendor replies with the same question as the first inquiry, “What are the people like where you are from?” A scowl crosses the man’s face as he re-plies, “Not one of them would give you the time of day. I would not trust any of them as far as I could throw a bag of cement.” The vendor frowns, “Well, that is how they are here.” With that the man turns and leaves, taking his unhappiness with him. What is going on here? The town is the same, the vendor is the same, but each man got a different reply. The answer is perspective, how you view the world.

Let’s explore how perspective works. You board a bus after a hard day’s work and are look-ing forward to a nice quiet ride home. But, your quiet is interrupted by three kids running up and down the aisle yelling and screaming. How annoying. You spot their mother just sitting there doing nothing. How rude, doesn’t she have any social manners, can’t she control her kids? You reflect back on the good old days when a yard stick wasn’t used so much for measuring as it was for paddling. Why doesn’t the bus driver kick them off the bus? You and every other passenger are not happy with this fiasco. You have had enough and decide to confront the woman. “Excuse me ma’am” you say, “your children are being disruptive.” “Oh”, she says, “I am sorry, we just left the hospital where their father died, and I did not know what to do.” Whoa, your anger, in one instant, turns to sympathy. The kids just lost their dad, this poor woman her loving husband. If the kids want to act out in this moment, let them.

What happened? One minute you want them thrown off the bus and the next you are okay with their behavior. Neither the kids’ behavior nor the mother’s have changed. Yet, you are now more accepting of the situation. This is what perspective does. With a broader per-spective, you view the same situation in a different light. Where am I going with this you ask? Well, we all see the world a bit different based on our perspective. How you see the NVMA is based on your perspective. We hope you view us as the town full of friendly and happy people. Our organization, yours and mine, is made up of your friends and col-leagues. It is the exchange of ideas from our different perspectives that allow us to grow and become better, and we need your input. So please become an active part in our organi-zation by helping on committees and task forces. You are always welcome here and we encourage you to bring your perspective.

Thank you and please check out our blog on the NVMA website (nvma.org) which keeps you up to date with all the NVMA activities.

October/December 2015

“Advancing and Advocating the role of the Veterinary Profession in Animal Health, Welfare and Public Protection.”

NEBRASKA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

VETERINARY VIEWS

Memorium 2

State Fair Birthing Pavilion 4

State Veterinarian Report 6

School of VMBS update 8

Classifieds 9

Pottery of Promise 11

NCTA re-accredited 14

NVMA/UNL Tailgate 15

AVMA News 16

Inside this issue:

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Dr. Henry Cerny President-Elect Dr. Shane Pedersen Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Roy Gehrt Past President Dr. Mark Hughes CE Chairperson Dr. Brent Van Patten LVT Member Julie Donham, LVT District I Dr. Joey Gaines District II Dr. Jeremiah Vondra District III Dr. Ben Welborn District IV Dr. Jeremy Young District V Dr. Donovan Hauser District VI Dr. Steve Pollmann District VII Dr. Theresa Beguin-Strong Directors at Large Dr. Drew Olson Dr. Sarah Joy Dr. Jim Kramer Dr. Ron Green Dr. Tammy Craig Dr. David Hardin Dr. Dan Ellis AVMA Delegate Dr. Keith Schumacher Alternate Delegate Dr. David Ylander EX—OFFICIO MEMBERS Board of Vet Med Dr. Jim Unwin State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes Director of UNL SVMBS Dr. Don Reynolds Executive Director…………………..Dina Michel NVMA PO Box 637 Hastings, NE 68902 (402) 463-4704 Fax: (402) 463-4705 dina_vmet@inebraska.com

MEMORIUM

Charles M. Wempe, DVM, age 99, of York, NE, NVMA Past President, passed away Monday, October 19, 2015.

Condolences may be emailed to Metz Mortuary metz@metzmortuary.com

Put Dr. Charles Wempe guest book on the subject line.

Jeanine “J” Cockerill, 60, wife of NVMA Past Presi-dent Dr. Richard Cockerill of Omaha, NE passed away Saturday, September 12, 2015.

Memorials are to be given to the NVMA Centennial Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 296, Alliance, NE 69301.

W. C. Lofton, DVM, age 78, of Omaha, NE, NVMA Life Member, passed away Monday, October 23, 2015.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 5901 N 30th, Omaha, NE 68411

Welcome

New Professional Members!!! (since last newsletter)

Dr. Brad Johnson

Dr. Peter Buhr

P A G E 3 O C T O B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Our Oath in Action The NVMA Public Relations Committee w/Dr. Bruce Brodersen worked with the UNL Veterinary students on the OOIA project again this year. Instead of doing a Pet Health Fair as in the past they decided to do a volun-teer project.. They solicited suggestions from the Capital Humane Society (CHS) and Lincoln Animal Control.

It was decided to help (CHS) with their annual fund-raising banquet. This was held on October 30th.

P A G E 4 V E T E R I N A R Y V I E W S Nebraska State Fair

Birthing Pavilion

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Dennis Hughes, DVM

Ron Green, DVM

Alison Mettler, DVM

Ann Kramer, DVM

Ashley Larson

Barb Berg, LVT

Bill Carson, DVM

Brad Adrian, DVM

Brad Jones, DVM

Bruce Brodersen, DVM

Cheley Bombeck

Christina Zoppelli, DVM

Chuck Neumann, DVM

Courtney Kral, LVT

Dale Grotelueschen , DVM

David Lee, DVM

David Hardin, DVM

David Swerczek, DVM

Dee Griffin, DVM

Dillon Harvey, DVM

Don Reynolds, DVM

Doug Brunk, DVM

Emily Buettner, DVM

Gene White, DVM

Glenn Jackson, DVM

Gloria Ostrander, LVT

Harold McCaslin, DVM

Janie Suarez

Jay Stewart, DVM

Jenn Brei

Jennifer Boruch, DVM

Jennifer Summers, DVM

Jess Hinrichs, DVM

Jessica Benes, DVM

Jim Kimbrough, DVM

Jim Langley, DVM

Kary Gill, DVM

Kathy Nabity, LVT

Katie Harden

Kelli Pfeifer

Kellie Wise, DVM

Ken Liska, DVM

Kyle Clymer, DVM

Larry Hauptmeier, DVM

Larry Marshall , DVM

Larry Stuckey, DVM

Laura Welch, LVT

Lee Volker, DVM

Lueen Mansfield, DVM

Lyle Rasmussen, DVM

Maria Beck, DVM

Melissa Dykshorn, DVM

Melissa Drain, DVM

Melissa Garner, DVM

Mike Reilly, DVM

Ollie Holbein, DVM

Orv Gigstad, DVM

Randy Burge, DVM

Ryan O'Hare, DVM

Shannon Goedeken, DVM

Tara Schank, LVT

Ted Evans, DVM

Tony Moravec, DVM

Vergil Heyer, DVM

Thank you to all our Volunteers!!! Including Dr. Melissa Lemons, Dr. Richard Randle and Summer Nicholson

(if we missed your name, we sincerely apologize)

P A G E 6

State Veterinarian’s Report Dennis Hughes, DVM

Since May 2015, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has been immersed in responding to three different diseases that have affected the poultry, livestock and equine industries. This report will attempt to summarize 6+ months of mitigation ef-forts.

High Pathogenic Avian Influenza: High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) response continues in several states. Since the current HPAI out-break started in December 2014, 21 States have had HPAI detections in commercial premises, backyard flocks, captive wild birds and/or wild birds (AR, CA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY). There have been 232 premises positive for HPAI (211 commercial, 21 backyard) in the 21 states. This includes 7 dangerous contact premises. Commercial premises with HPAI have been found in nine States: MN-109, IA-71, SD-10, WI-9, NE-5, CA-2, MO-2, ND-2, and AR-1.

Approximately 49.6 million commercial birds were affected and have been depopulated. Approximately 7.5 million turkeys were affected and approximately 42.1 million chickens. Of the 211 commercial premises af-fected, cleaning and disinfection has been completed on 201 with an additional 6 producers choosing to fal-low, and 205 are eligible to restock. Since 05/11/2015, 4 commercial flocks have been directly affected in Nebraska, and one additional affiliated pullet operation was classified as a dangerous contact. All 5 facilities were quarantined and depopulated. The 5 facilities totaled 4.9 million laying chickens. Depopulation of all commercial facilities was completed by June 23, 2015, and would take several paragraphs of this report to describe in full. Two of these flocks are commercial layer flocks with breaker operations which ship liquid eggs to a processing plant located within the control area. The other three flocks are commercial pullet operations. All five flocks are owned by the same company and are located in Dixon County.

To date, 4 of 5 commercial facilities have completed 3 restock tests and have had their quarantines released. All 5 commercial facilities have approved restocking agreements. All 5 commercial facilities have had their positive status closed following cleaning and disinfection, and negative environmental results. It is antici-pated that the 5th and last quarantined commercial facility will complete restocking tests and be released from quarantine by mid-December 2015.

On 06/03/2015 a backyard flock in the control area in Dixon county tested positive at NVSL. This flock was depopulated, and will remain fallow until mid-December for release of quarantine

Since August, NDA has been proactive in outreach and education events to commercial poultry stakeholders. Lessons learned from HPAI events in the past year are valuable tools for preventing a possible return of HPAI in the mid-west, and especially in NE. Poultry owners and managers are encouraged to contact NDA with questions or concerns about HPAI.

Vesicular Stomatitis: The 2015 Vesicular Stomatitis (VSV) outbreak in the United States began April 29, 2015 in NM. To date, a total of 796 VSV-affected premises (New Jersey serotype) have been confirmed or suspected in 8 U.S. states; AZ (36 premises in 3 counties), CO (419 premises in 33 counties), NE (38 premises in 10 counties), NM (53 premises in 13 counties), SD (50 premises in 7 counties), TX (3 premises in 3 counties), UT (55 premises in 8 counties), and WY (142 premises in 10 counties). Currently, there are 88 premises remaining under quarantine in 6 states (CO, NE, NM, SD, UT, and WY). As a result of the 2014 VSV outbreak, USDA

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continued from page 6

changed and shortened the mandatory quarantine time to 14 days after the last animal on a premise mani-fests symptoms. Accordingly, this change has allowed infected premises to be released from quarantine ear-lier than in previous years.

On September 10, 2015, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames Iowa confirmed a finding of VSV infection (New Jersey serotype) from a premises in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. Since the initial index case in Scotts Bluff County, VSV has been found in Adams, Banner, Garden, Lincoln, Loup, Morrill, Red Wil-low, Sheridan, and Sioux counties. Of the 38 premises quarantined in Nebraska, 28 had equines affected, and 10 had affected bovines.

We have anticipated that new cases would slow down with cold weather and death of insect vectors. It ap-pears that NE and the other 7 VSV-affected states will continue to accrue new cases until sustained cold weather kills all vectors. Recent research revealed by USDA indicates that the virus may overwinter in the larvae of insect vectors during mild winters; this was shown with early spring infection in NM, TX, UT, AZ and CO, after high numbers of VSV cases in 2014. What has been observed in CO, WY, and NE is that new in-fected premises appeared and moved eastward along rivers, streams and irrigation channels. This was es-pecially noticed downstream from the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. Vectors carrying VSV appear to move with streams of water.

NDA continues to enforce import movement restrictions of vulnerable species from affected states. Accord-ingly, NE veterinarians should also be aware of possible movement restrictions and statements to be written on Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) when animals are being sent to other states. We always en-courage veterinarians to contact the state of destination for specific import requirements, especially for cattle and equine movements.

Seneca Valley Virus: Seneca Valley Virus (SVV) continues to cause excitement in the mid-west in the swine industry. SVV has been diagnosed in most states with significant commercial swine operations. Typically, SVV causes lesions to the snout and feet that look like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). SVV diagnoses were discovered after swine with FMD-like lesions appeared at the Iowa State Fair, as well as several county fairs and other swine exhibitions. Several other SVV incidents have also been discovered when swine consigned to slaughter ap-peared at ante-mortem inspection with vesicular lesions to the snout and oral cavity, and feet lesions. This causes problems at the slaughter facility, as lesioned swine must be removed from the slaughter processing and isolated until samples are submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for etiology.

Unfortunately, SVV cannot be distinguished from FMD without submission to a diagnostic laboratory. Be-cause SVV has become common in many swine-dense regions, several veterinarians have become compla-cent and failed to notify state animal health officials or USDA for a possible foreign animal disease investiga-tion. This causes much angst and heartburn to state and federal animal health regulatory officials. Presum-ing that swine with vesicular lesions is SVV without a foreign animal disease investigation is a dangerous thing to do, and the perfect set-up for missing FMD.

SVV has also caused neonatal diarrhea in some farrowing operations, before vesicular lesions are seen days to weeks later. Several veterinarians have been surprised when SVV was diagnosed when another viral or bacterial disease was suspected as the cause for an outbreak of neonatal diarrhea in a farrowing operation.

Oral vesicular lesions or lesions to the feet should always be a warning that a foreign animal disease investi-gation should be performed, especially in cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and equine species. Here in NE, we have been, and are currently dealing with two foreign animal diseases (HPAI and VSV). At the same time, SVV looks just like FMD. We cannot over-emphasize to NE veterinarians that we (NDA and USDA) would rather perform a foreign animal disease investigation and find out that there is no foreign animal disease, than not to be notified, and discover that a dangerous foreign animal disease was missed and allowed to spread!

School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science

Dr. Don Reynolds

As the first year veterinary students wrap up their first semester, the PPVM Admis-sions Committee is reviewing applications for the class of 2020. Invitations to inter-view will be sent soon. This is a time consuming process, and both Dr. Renee McFee, coordinator of the PPVM, and I appreciate the diligence of the committee members. NVMA member Dr. Henri Evard from Scottsbluff is serving on the com-mittee for the first time while fellow NVMA member Dr. Melody Kaliff from Omaha is participating for her second year.

On November 15 six of our faculty members, two staff, three pre-vet students and 18 first and second year PPVM students led a fun educational event called Sunday

with a Scientist. This program helps make science accessible to kids. It is sponsored by the Nebraska State Museum and held at Morrill Hall on the university’s city campus. We provided a glimpse into what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Activity stations included anatomy, heartbeats of different animals, a teddy bear clinic, a surgery game, discussions about parasites and the toxicity of over-the-counter medications and common household items. The turnout was terrific with nearly 450 people attending. I spoke with many kids who are enthusiastic about animal health. Here’s hoping we see their names on college applications in the future!

The construction of the Veterinary Diagnostic Center continues at an impressive pace. As the frame of the structure grows, so does our anticipation for moving day.

Preparations for the SVMBS Academic Program Review continue. I’m happy to announce that Dr. Phil Hardenburger from Crete has agreed to serve on our review team. He along with four other outstanding indi-viduals from universities around the country will visit campus in January. I’m looking forward to receiving their valuable feedback.

CLASSIFIEDS ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN/RELIEF VETERINARIAN Norfolk Veterinary Clinic (Norfolk, NE) is experienc-ing a baby boom! Both of our female veterinarians will be on maternity leave soon. We are in need of a small animal doctor to join our team. The position is for a permanent part time or consistent relief veterinarian. We have an outstanding team of four LVT’s, four veterinary assistants, and two full time/one part-time veterinarians. For more information about the position or to apply to join our fun, team-oriented practice, please contact Dr. Brad Johnson at 402-371-5665 or email norfolkvetclinic@gmail.com

VETERINARIAN WANTED to help at a new low cost Vaccination Clinic in Omaha. Clinics currently have 4 doctors. You are welcome to contact Dr. Gerald Dobesh at (402) 480-3393 or drdobesh@gmail.com.

WANTED Apoquel 16mg. Number of dogs critically in need. Autoship changes have reduced amount avail-able to us. Please call or email if willing to sell. 402-334-1660, mkaliffdvm@hotmail.com

ASSOCIATE VETERNIARIAN WANTED for mixed practice in east central Nebraska town of 5000. Practice is predominately beef cattle and small animal. Modern clinic and equipment with haul in facilities. Will consider experienced or new graduate. Please send resume to svclinic1002@qwestoffice.net or call 402-352-3456 eve-nings.

MIXED ANIMAL VETERINARIAN WANTED for a progressive and expanding practice in the Norfolk and Pierce area. Looking only for individuals who are interested in practicing high quality medicine with both small and large animal patients. Must be innovative, good with people, and willing to adapt to change. We need fresh ideas and awesome people. Must have a Nebraska license and be in good standing with the licensure board. Call 402 329 4805 to set up an interview or 402 649 5086 for more questions about the position.

LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN WANTED that wants to work with both large and small animals, no exotics. competitive salary, continuing education stipend, vacation and sick leave after a 6 month proba-tion. The person will need to be able to work 40 to 45 hours a week, some weeks more, ability to lift 50 pounds, be proficient with animal care and handling, have the ability to place IV catheters, process x-rays and perform dentals, work with cattle and operate a hydraulic cattle chute. The name of our clinic is Flatwater Veterinary Services. We are located in Bridgeport, NE. We are a fast growing clinic, with one Dr., but hoping to need an-other soon. We just moved in to a brand new building in January 2015 and look forward to many years serving our clients! Phone: 308-262-2013, or email: flatwatervet@gmail.com

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN needed for well established, progressive 3 doctor practice in west-central Nebraska. Our practice includes a surgical suite, surgical and therapy laser, in-house lab, digital x-ray, chiropractics, acupuncture, and boarding. We offer a generous salary with benefits. Holidays, weekends, and on-call will be required on a rotating schedule. We are located in a moderate community of 25,000. Our town is a great place to raise a family and offers a variety of outdoor recreation and entertainment. Please send re-sume and references to kautzdvm@hotmail.com or contact Dr. Kira Kautz at 308-534-4480.

P A G E 9 O C T O B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

NVMA Legislative Day 2016

The NVMA will host a lunch for Senate leaders on Tuesday, January 26th in room 1023 at the State Capitol, starting around 11:30 am. Your attendance is very important. We need your help meeting and thanking leg-islators who helped us in the past and possibly in the future.

Many of you have not attended a legislative lunch and may be intimidated by the prospect. Rest assured you will be among friends. This will be a social time for veterinarians as well. If the opportunity arises, a personal thank you to a senator or senators is encouraged but not required.

Your attendance as an NVMA member is strongly encouraged. As a member you will want to show your ap-preciation and continue to build relationships with Legislators in the state of Nebraska.

LICENSED ANIMAL THERAPISTS (L.A.T.)

Beginning in early 2015 the Department of Health and Human Services started credentialing Animal Thera-pists which are licensed professionals in human related fields. The related fields are Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM). This allows the veterinarian to refer a patient to the related professional for therapy. These professionals have had further education in their field on the animal side. However, there are several steps and thought processes which need to be accomplished before the referral is completed.

First a diagnosis of the animal’s problems should be made.

Second a check with the professional receiving the referral to see what modality the Licensed Animal Thera-pist is licensed to perform and to make sure the professional is licensed for animal therapy. For example you would not refer to Massage Therapy if you wanted Physical Therapy.

Third a letter of referral should be made outlining the diagnosis and the therapy desired. After this step the client can take the patient to the L.A.T. who can perform the therapy requested. Monthly letters or communi-cations should be received from the L.A.T. stating the progress and any other patient information. If another problem arises the patient is to be sent back to the veterinarian for further evaluation and diagnostics.

Jim Unwin, DVM

Chair, Board of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

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P A G E 1 1

Veterinarians push against restriction of ketamine The AVMA and many members have submitted comments emphasizing the importance of access to ketamine ahead of a review by a World Health Organization committee on the drug’s abuse liability and diversion.

Ketamine is currently a schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States but is not controlled under any

international convention. It is uncertain whether international scheduling of ketamine would impact the U.S. classification.

China had proposed that the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs place ketamine under schedule I of the Convention on

Psychotropic Substances, the most restrictive category. Following input from stakeholders, China subsequently proposed placing

ketamine under schedule IV, the least restrictive category. The commission deferred action and asked for additional information from

the WHO.

On Sept. 11, the WHO asked U.N. member states for input on ketamine and other drugs in preparation for a Nov. 16-20 meeting of

the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. On Oct. 5, the Food and Drug Administration issued a request for public com-

ments concerning “abuse potential, actual abuse, medical usefulness, trafficking, and impact of scheduling changes on availability for

medical use” of the drugs, with an Oct. 15 deadline.

While preparing its response regarding ketamine, the AVMA also asked members to respond, even creating a template letter. Despite

the tight deadline, more than 130 members submitted comments to the FDA and copied the AVMA to provide guidance for the AVMA

response.

The AVMA comments are available here. Some key points are as follows:

Ketamine use is critical in veterinary medicine. Its availability to U.S. veterinarians must be protected for them to continue provid-

ing high-quality care to their patients. 

Ketamine is a key component in veterinary anesthetic protocols worldwide, and any regulatory action that limits its availability to

the veterinary profession would gravely impact animal health and welfare. 

Strict regulations and safeguards are in place in the United States to help prevent the illegal use of ketamine. U.S. veterinarians use the drug in accordance with these regulations.

Pain Management and the Health Care Professional Members of the “helping and healing” professions need to intentionally take care of their own health and

wellness. Day to day professional work often consists of demanding work, long hours, and physical stress and strain. As with everyone else, health care professionals can have health-related issues to manage while they are working. In some cases, they may even have to manage their own physical pain while doing their job. Trying to function well on the job while managing pain can be a frustrating and exhausting process.

There are many pain management options or treatments. These include exercise, physical therapy, biofeed-back, meditation, acupuncture, and medication. The most common treatment is pain medication because it can

provide substantial and ongoing relief from pain. Prescription pain medications, usually narcotics, are gen-erally safe and effective when used appropriately. However, use of most narcotics will result in depend-ence if taken for an extended period of time. In some cases, dependence on this type of pain medication can evolve to an addiction.

Individuals who have developed problems related to their use of pain medication demonstrate various signs and symptoms. One of the most common is appearing impaired while at work. Eventually, there can be evolution to more drug-seeking type behavior symptomatic of addiction, such as obtaining multiple pre-scriptions for drugs, fraudulently obtaining prescriptions, diversion of drugs from work, or making fre-quent emergency room

visits to obtain drugs. Many addicted individuals do not seek the treatment they need due to the complexi-ties of a pain medication drug addiction, including the difficult fear of dealing with pain without drugs, and denial of a drug problem.

Acknowledging that a drug problem may exist is the starting point for resolving the addiction. Informa-tion on the difference between drug dependence (appropriate use of medication, may include dependence on the medication) and drug addiction (destructive consequences of misuse or overuse) can be extremely important. The NE LAP can help employers, colleagues and healthcare professionals themselves identify and respond to the difference between dependence and addiction.

Medical care professionals can prescribe “safe” medications for those who have an addiction or are at risk for addiction. A person who has already been diagnosed with a substance use disorder should be consid-ered at high risk for more serious problems, or a relapse if they have already had treatment and are in recov-ery from addiction. Many individuals have relapsed after taking prescribed pain medications following a dental procedure, an episode of back pain, a migraine headache or a surgery. These who have been diag-nosed with a substance use disorder, should make their medical care provider aware of their addiction and utilize safe pain management options.

If you are interested in learning more about the difference between dependence on pain medication versus an addiction to pain medication, or would like assistance maintaining recovery form a drug addiction while managing medical care, please contact the NE LAP at (800) 851-2336 or (402)354-8055 or visit our web site at www.lapne.org. Please ask for Judi Leibrock, NE LAP Coordinator or Michelle Hruska, NE LAP Counselor. September 2015

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NCTA Vet Tech program re‐accredited   

Curtis, Neb. – Veterinary technician students at the University of Nebraska’s agriculture college in Curtis know plenty about animal health care. In fact, during year‐end exams, each student is tested on 130 skills or tasks. 

This in‐depth, hands‐on education is a hallmark for the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, and helps earn na‐tional recognition for the 45‐year‐old program.  

The American Veterinary Medical Association recently re‐affirmed accreditation for NCTA’s Veterinary Technology Pro‐gram, said Ron Rosati, dean of NCTA, a two‐year‐degree institution. 

“We are pleased to learn of the AVMA accreditation, based on a site visit in the Fall of 2014,” Rosati said. “NCTA’s vet‐erinary technician option features a curriculum built around more than 130 essential skills and tasks established by na‐tional entities.” 

In addition to veterinary technician, NCTA offers degree options in veterinary assistant, animal husbandry, equine health care and animal health management. 

The Veterinary Technology Program has been continuously accredited by the AVMA and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) since the early ‘70s, said Barbara Berg, VT division chair. She leads the full‐time “vet tech” faculty of four instructors, a staff assistant and licensed veterinary technician (LVT) from NCTA’s animal science program. All the instructors are LVT’s or licensed veterinarians. 

“As an AVMA accredited program, the veterinary technician option at NCTA provides the hands‐on skills and academic background needed to accept career opportunities as an entry level veterinary technician,” Berg said. She has been with NCTA for 35 years.  

The vet tech option graduates are qualified to take the Veterinary Technician National Licensing Exam and upon pas‐sage can become a LVT in Nebraska, Berg said. Commonly, 80‐100 percent of the veterinary technician graduates have passed the exam. 

NCTA’s veterinary technology program was established in 1968 by Dr. Walter Long, for whom the campus teaching clinic is named. Long was joined by local veterinarian, Dr. Everett Stencil, in championing the college and animal health courses. 

Periodic reviews are conducted by AVMA. The next accreditation visit is scheduled for the fall of 2020. 

Reviewers on the 2014 visit were Dr. Mark Hughes, Grand Island; LVT Lisa Gaede Marquardt, Lincoln; Donna Ramsey, Curtis; Dr. John Lawrence, Burnsville, Minn., and Laura Lien, CVTEA program coordinator. 

Berg said the team provided insightful suggestions which will strengthen NCTA’s program for future students and tech‐nicians. Program details are available at ncta.unl.edu/veterinary‐technology. 

Source:  Barbara Berg, LVT, NCTA Veterinary Technology assistant professor and division chair, 308‐367‐5219 

Writer: Mary Crawford, NCTA News, 308‐367‐5231, Mcrawford@unl.edu 

NCTA.VetTech.11.19.15 

NCTA Dean Ron Rosati, at left, and Veterinary Technology Division Chair‐man Barbara Berg, center, join NCTA Vet Tech staff and students in host‐ing NU administrators Hank Bounds and Ronnie Green during a campus visit in April, 2015. (NCTA photo)  

NVMA/UNL Tailgate This year’s tailgate had a few changes such as the location, however, one thing that we could count on was Chuck Baum w/ Merial and Jon Cooper w/MWI to provide us with some great food. Other than the wind it was a beautiful day in Nebraska. The VM! & VM2 students helped set up and brought deserts and munchies to compliment the main dish of Pork Wings!

Thanks to Merial and MWI for their sponsorship of this event that brings vet-erinarians and students together to socialize.

P A G E 1 6 V E T E R I N A R Y V I E W S AVMA NEWS

FDA offers aid toward antiparasitic drug approvals

The U.S. needs more antiparasitic drugs to treat sheep and goats, and the Food and Drug Administration promises to help companies get such drugs approved.

“Companies should start the drug development process now to ensure that new antiparasitic drugs will be available in the next decade,” an agency article published in September states. “FDA is interested in working with companies on innovative ways to meet the drug approval requirements.

“For example, companies may be able to use published literature and foreign data to satisfy some of these requirements.”

Resistance to existing antiparasitic drugs is rising among nematode parasites in small ruminants, presenting great need in the relatively small market of sheep and goats, according to the agency article. But costs of up to $100 million for drug development and approval, as well as the small market for small ruminants, may ac-count for the limited number of drugs available.

U.S. farms had approximately 5.4 million sheep and lambs and 2.6 million goats at the time of the 2012 Cen-sus of Agriculture, according to census figures.

Megan Bensette, spokeswoman for the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, provided a statement that the CVM is in talks with companies that make antiparasitic drugs approved in other countries about approval pathways in the U.S. And, since the convening of a public meeting in 2012 on antiparasitic drug use and re-sistance in ruminants and equines, the CVM also has made possible approval of combination antiparasitic drugs.

The CVM also is working with regulators in Canada and Europe, the AVMA and other organizations, and agri-culture groups toward promoting a global conversation on antiparasitic drug resistance and sustainable drug use, she said.

The FDA is unable to predict how quickly drug sponsors could obtain FDA approval of drugs backed by foreign data and published literature, as described in the article, Bensette said. But data collected and analyzed could satisfy all or some U.S. requirements, and the FDA would work with drug sponsors to find the least burdensome pathways to meet U.S. standards.

In listing all 16 antiparasitic drugs approved for use in sheep and goats in the U.S., FDA officials noted in September’s ar-ticle that parasites have developed resistance to all seven listed active ingredients, the latest of which was approved in

2005 for use in sheep.

The CVM is trying to promote sustainable use of existing antiparasitic drugs in not only small ruminants but also cattle and horses. As part of that effort, the agency is encouraging use of management practices that can delay antiparasitic resistance development, such as preserving refugia, a portion of the parasite population kept free from selection pressure by drugs.

The notice published in September indicates antiparasitic drug discovery efforts are declining despite a con-tinued need for new drugs. Pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to invest in such efforts because “resistance is not yet recognized as a widespread problem and the currently available drugs still seem effec-tive.”

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Report predicts increase in starting salaries A V M A r e p o r t c o v e r s c o m p e n s a t i o n t r e n d s i n t h e m a r k e t f o r v e t e r i n a r i a n s Starting salaries for veterinarians are expected to increase substantially between 2014 and 2024, according to a new report from the AVMA.

On July 30, the Association released the 2015 AVMA Report on the Market for Veterinarians. The report covers compensation trends in veterinary medicine and other aspects of supply and demand in the market for veterinari-ans.

Increase in starting salaries

The mean starting salary for new veterinary graduates taking a position in private practice in 2014 was approxi-mately $67,000, with the mean starting salary in companion animal–exclusive practice at just below $70,000. The report predicts that an increase in starting salaries will follow from an improving economy and a forecast that con-tinued growth in the number of veterinary graduates is unlikely.

According to the report, “The demand for companion animal exclusive practitioners depends on the demand for services from pet owners, and their demand depends on their level of income. As pet owners’ incomes rise, their demand for veterinary services rises. As a consequence, the demand for veterinarians will rise, leading to an in-creasing willingness on the part of employers to offer higher salaries to obtain the services of a new veterinarian.”

The addition of new veterinarians to companion animal–exclusive practice has very little impact on starting sala-ries, according to analysis in the report, “while the income of pet owners has a very large impact. Thus, as a result of a projected improving economy and our forecast of a continued increase in the number of new veterinarians en-tering companion animal exclusive practice through 2019, with no annual increase after that, we project that mean starting salaries will see a steady increase to roughly $84,000 in 2020, reaching a high just shy of $94,000 in 2024.”

The summary continues, “While the demand for food animal veterinary services is not directly related to consum-ers’ disposable income, the demand for animal protein in the U.S. markets ensures a robust demand for food ani-mal veterinarians.” The report estimates that the mean starting salary in the food animal–predominant sector will increase from approximately $68,000 in 2014 to just over $87,000 in 2024.

The report estimates that the mean starting salary in mixed practice will increase from approximately $63,000 in 2014 to more than $86,000 in 2024; in equine practice, from approximately $42,000 in 2014 to roughly $52,000 in 2024; and in uniformed services, from approximately $64,000 in 2014 to approximately $81,000 in 2024.

Age-earnings profiles

The report also provides age-earnings profiles, which plot expected income against years of experience, for men and women in private and public practice. The profiles come from data from 1999 through 2013.

“Contrary to recent trends, males practicing equine medicine have historically been the highest compensated group,” according to the report, referring to equine practice becoming less lucrative. Among men in private prac-tice, the next highest compensation curves are in mixed animal practice and companion animal practice, and the lowest are in food animal practice and “other.”

The age-earnings profiles for women are similar among most sectors of private practice, according to the report, “though the food animal veterinarians appear to have lower wages for the majority of their careers.”

Among men and women in public practice, the age-earnings profiles are highest in industry. For men in public practice, the compensation curve is flattest in state and local government, “meaning that, while their starting sala-ries are quite competitive, wage raises are relatively slow compared to all of the other practice types.”

The 2015 AVMA Report on the Market for Veterinarians provides many more details about compensation trends and other aspects of supply and demand. The report is the fourth in a series of six reports on the economics of vet-erinary medicine. The series is available for purchase online from the AVMA Store. The price is $249 for AVMA members and $499 for nonmembers. Additional information is available by calling 800-248-2862, ext. 6655, or emailing productorders@avma.org.

NEBRASKA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Nebraska has many veterinarians and others in the veterinary medical field that are extraordinary in their positive contributions to the profession. The NVMA honors such people each year at the an-nual meeting and banquet at the convention in January.

The NVMA Awards Committee is taking nominations for the following categories:

VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR

This award goes to a NVMA member who has contributed to the advancement of veterinary medi-cine in the State of Nebraska with special accomplishments. Service to the State Association and profession, Service to community, Service to family and other responsibilities.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes an individual, who has contributed outstanding service to the advancement of veterinary medicine in all aspects of the profession. The individual need not be a veterinarian, however, veterinarians are not excluded from being eligible.

COMMERCIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a representative from a company that has provided outstanding support to veterinary medicine in Nebraska during the current year.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR

This award goes to an NVMA member that has graduated in the last seven years, who has contrib-uted outstanding service to the veterinary profession, service to community, church, family, state and national organizations.

OUTSTANDING LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a NVMA licensed veterinary technician member who graduated from a rec-ognized Veterinary Technician school and has at least 5 years work experience in the profession, or trained in the veterinary practice and has at least 10 years experience as a licensed veterinary tech-nician. Consideration should be given to all aspects of licensed veterinary technician responsibilities as well as service to community, church and state organizations.

NEBRASKA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Nomination Form Date: ___________

Name of nominee_________________________________________________________________

City____________________________________________________________________________

Nominated for: (circle one) Veterinarian of the Year

Distinguished Service

Outstanding Young Veterinarian

Commercial Representative

Outstanding LVT

Name of nominator________________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________________

City___________________________________State_______________ Zip_________________

Phone___________________________Email___________________________________________

Other information needed:

a cover letter describing the reasons the nominee should be considered for the award

a list of accomplishments

letters of recommendation

any additional supporting documentation

While all of these may not be applicable or necessary, it is important to be as thorough and comprehensive as possible, as these de-scriptions provide the material in which the Awards Committee must decide the recipient.

Submit completed nomination form to NVMA, PO Box 637 Hastings, NE 68902, fax 402.463.4705.

Nomination Deadline is December 15th

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NEBRASKA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PO Box 637 Hastings, NE 68902 Phone: 402-463-4704 Fax: 402-463-4705 Email: dina_vmet@inebraska.com CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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