VETERINARY VIEWSN E B R A S K A V E T E R I N A R Y M E D I C A L A S S O C I A T I O N

In this Issue

New Members PAGE 2State Veterinarian Report PAGE 5SVMBS Update PAGE 7

ADVERTISERS

AVMA/PLIT PAGE 3Simmons Midwest PAGE 4

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020

From the President

Jeremy Young, DVMPresident, NVMA

We Live inUnprecedentedTimes

Well, what a start to 2020. I hope this newsletter finds you all andyour families safe and healthy. We are definitely in unprecedentedtimes with the COVID-19 pandemic and, now, again discussingracial injustice within our country following the death of GeorgeFloyd in Minneapolis. The pandemic has changed the way theNVMA has been able to conduct business and outreach. As your2020 president my visits to NCTA's Veterinary Technicians andISU School of Veterinary Medicine during their graduationfestivities were canceled as their graduations were canceled.These students instead received a video message from me onbehalf of the NVMA to welcome them to our great profession.

The NVMA Board of Directors and CE Committee have both metvia Zoom for their first two meetings of 2020 and the CentennialScholarship Foundation plans to meet this way soon. Our summermeeting has been canceled as well. Preparations are underwayfor the winter meeting in Omaha January 2021 though we areclosely monitoring the situation as no one knows what will happenbetween now and then. Due to these cancelations and thecancelation of most in person CE opportunities the Board ofDirectors have contacted the Board of Veterinary Medicine andSurgery to discuss the amount of CE hours that will be allowed foronline/virtual learning. It appears that the current limit of 8 hoursmay need to be raised for the current licensing cycle in order forveterinarians to obtain the necessary 32 total hours.

If there are any changes to this we will be sure to pass it along tothe membership. The NVMA has been trying hard to keep theveterinary community up to date on the pandemic as it hasdeveloped and provide access to resources that we need to knowas veterinarians as well as business owners. The CARES Act hasprovided means to help small business owners, including

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Dr. Bob Stout | Foundation Treasurer

In the “old days” the NVMA continuingeducation programs frequently had a sessionof Practice Tips where practitioners providedcase reports, surgical techniques, and othertidbits. They were often quite valuable. Hereare a few such tips concerning Smart Giving,provided by our generous donors.

Dr. Boyd Burhoop told me at one of the annualmeetings in the late 1990’s that he would liketo support the Foundation but wanted toleverage his gift with life insurance.

Boyd told me that he was purchasing asingle premium life insurance policysufficient to endow a scholarship upon hisdeath. I was saddened when I heard ofhis death this spring, but so veryappreciative of his generosity andforesight when the insurance companycontacted me with news of his policy.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Foundation Update

'Practice Tips'

Veterinary Views - 2

Board of Directors New NVMA MembersWelcome to these new members of theNVMA. This list includes individuals whojoined between April 9 and June 22, 2020:

President -- Jeremy Young, DVMPresident-Elect -- Steve Krull, DVMSecretary/Treasurer -- Shari Sandoz, DVMImmediate Past President -- Larry Henning, DVMCE Committee Chair -- OpenLVT Representative -- OpenDistrict 1 -- Beth Soulliere, DVMDistrict 2 -- Kelly Heath, DVMDistrict 3 -- OpenDistrict 4 -- OpenDistrict 5 -- Jessika Benes, DVMDistrict 6 -- OpenDistrict 7 -- Brent Van Patten, DVMAt LargeDistrict 1 -- Jessica Ramm, DVMDistrict 2 -- Kristin Bohling, DVMDistrict 3 -- Mike Cooper, DVMDistrict 4 -- Cody Gulbrandson, DVMDistrict 5 -- OpenDistrict 6 -- Jessica Meduna, DVMDistrict 7 -- OpenDavid Ylander, DVM | AVMA DelegateTheresa Kelliher, DVM | AVMA Alternate DelegateEx-officioDennis Hughes, DVM | Nebraska State VeterinarianDelwin Wilmot, DVM | USDA Veterinary ServicesClayton Kelling, DVM | UNLMicah Kohles, DVM | Board of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

Veterinary Views is published quarterly in January, April, July and October by the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association,P.O. Box 637, Hastings, Nebraska 68902.

Dina MichelExecutive Directordmichel@nvma.org | (402) 463-4704 | nvma.org

Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association

Promoting animal health, public safety and

human-animal relationships.

The Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association is the recognized voice of veterinary medicine inNebraska. We organize local and statewide eventsfor professional development, networking, and communications.

Maria Hajek, LVT, Omaha, NERenee Schmid, DVM, Scribner, NEJessica K. White, DVM , Naponee, NECarlee Wollard, DVM, Hillsborough, KS

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department ofAgriculture (NDA) has confirmed a case ofVesicular Stomatitis (VS) in a horse in BuffaloCounty. The horses on the infected premiseshave been quarantined. At present time, oneadditional horse on the premises is also exhibitingVS symptoms. All animals on the infectedpremises will be quarantined for at least 14 daysafter the onset of lesions in the last affectedanimal.

VS is a viral disease which primarily affectshorses and cattle, but can also affect sheep,goats and swine. The disease is characterized byfever and the formation of blister-like lesions inthe mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips,nostrils, hooves and teats. When the blistersbreak, there is usually salivation and nasaldischarge. As a result of these painful lesions,infected animals may refuse to eat and drink,which can lead to weight loss. There are currentlyno USDA-approved vaccines for VS.

“Vesicular Stomatitis is primarily transmittedthrough the bite of infected black flies, sand fliesand midges,” said State Veterinarian Dr. DennisHughes. “There are things livestock owners cando to reduce flies and other insects where animalsare housed, but, until freezing temperatures movein and kill the insects that spread the virus, VS willcontinue to be a threat in Nebraska.”

VS is a notifiable disease. Individuals orpractitioners who suspect or have concerns aboutVS should contact NDA at 402-471-2351. Formore information on VS,visit: http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/animal/diseases/vs/index.html.

NDA Confirms VesicularStomatitis Case in Horse

Veterinary Views - 3

ADVERTISEMENT

veterinarians, financially cope with the unforeseen effects of this pandemic. Our clients, both large animalproducers and pet owners, have experienced the lasting and long-reaching effects of this as well. For thehealth and safety of all involved the Nebraska Legislature has been on hiatus since March 16th. This hasput a definite pause on legislative progress for our state and for our bills of interest. Much will need to bedone when the session resumes July 20th, including shifts of focus as budgetary concerns due to theeffects of the pandemic may come to the forefront.

As our state moves forward with the easing of restrictions many of our practices are in various stages ofreturning to "normalcy". Policies and procedures may vary among different areas and risk factors as weembark on this process. One thing that has been evident throughout this whole process is that ourprofession is one that is definitely "essential". Even in the face of a pandemic our clients and patients haverelied on us to provide the quality care they need. Producers still need veterinary service and consultationfor their operations. While the way we have been able to provide that service has certainly been altered,and delayed for a while in the case of elective procedures and surgery, veterinary professionals continuedto provide the needed services to keep our patients happy and healthy. We, as a profession and as acountry, can get through these times by sticking together.

Sadly, this newsletter also comes at a time of great division in our country. Racial injustice continues tooccur, and the recent death of George Floyd in police custody has ignited the issue. Protest is aconstitutional right and, fortunately, most are peaceful. It is unfortunate to see some of these eventsproceed to violence, damage, and loss of more life. While the solutions are unclear and possibly furtherdown the road than we'd like it is important to maintain dialogue that is constructive and compassionate forall involved. I believe the NVMA is an organization that promotes inclusion and is welcoming to all.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

We Live in Unprecedented Times

Veterinary Views - 4

bit of body textADVERTISEMENT

Veterinary Views - 5

Dennis Hughes, DVM | Nebraska State Veterinarian

As the world reacts and responds to the Covid-19 outbreak, these are extremely strange, but busy times. Many different animal health and animal welfare issues have risen out of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. I don’thave the time to write details on all of the topics I will describe below, so I’ve attached various links, so thatyou can read and be updated at your leisure. In mid-April, the State Veterinarians in major swine producingstates became aware of an impending problem—that of the closure or reduced daily slaughter capacity inpork, beef and poultry plants. Pork producing plants were hit the earliest and hardest. Swine industrygroups, both national and state reached out to State Veterinarians and USDA for possible assistance.

Because Covid-19 is not a true animal health problem, state and federal animal health officials do not haveauthority or funding to assist producers, but can only offer advice and recommendations for resources. Over the last two months, 13 other State Veterinarians and I have been assisting swine industrystakeholders (via direct phone calls, conference calls and webinars) to deal with depopulation and disposalof market swine, due to slaughter plant closures or reduced slaughter output. MN and IA are dealing withthe worst problems, but NE and other states are not far behind.

Reduced slaughter capacity and/or closure has created a tremendous backlog of swine which were notslaughtered. As of this date, the backlog is over 2 million swine, and over ½ million have been euthanized. Slaughter plants are slowly reaching full capacity, but the problem with backlog is anticipated to last untilOctober 2020. Here in NE, there have been swine operations that have euthanized market swine, andsome have euthanized neonatal and nursery pigs, to reduce the “downstream” of pigs into confinementbuildings.

Large numbers of swine have been sold and moved from the mid-west to both the west and east coasts—atmajor discounted prices (some free) as producers try to reduce their herd inventory. Pigs have been sold inlivestock markets and Craigslist ads that typically don’t sell swine. This has created its own problems, asbuyers from other states anticipated slaughtering mid-west pigs, could not find enough slaughterestablishments to handle the pigs, and placed them outdoors in fenced lots until they could move toslaughter. Many of the facilities cannot hold swine, (barb-wire fences, etc.) which could lead to problemswith mid-west confinement-raised pigs becoming “feral swine”. We're also working with representatives ofthe poultry and beef industries, as they are also facing problems with slaughter facility closures ordecreased harvest of animals. Information on euthanasia techniques and disposal options has beendistributed to swine veterinarians and their clients. Here are two links which have beendistributed:https://aasv.org/Resources/welfare/depopulation_recommendations.pdfhttp://dee.ne.gov/publica.nsf/pages/20-006

In April, a dairy in southeast NE had a 10% caudal fold TB test response rate on a partial herd test. Theherd went through a complete herd test, and secondary testing by comparative cervical testing (CCT). AllCCT responders were euthanized and necropsied. At necropsy, no lesions of TB were found, and this wasconfirmed at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, IA.Vesicular Stomatitis wasdiscovered in TX, NM and AZ in late April. We anticipate that VSV will move northward again, and mayaffect NE by mid-summer. As a reminder, here is a link to VesicularStomatitis: https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/diseases/vs/vs_brochure.html

State Veterinarian Report

Many Animal Health and Welfare IssuesArise from COVID-19

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Veterinary Views - 6

A new foreign animal disease, Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) has been discovered in TX, NM, AZ, COand NV. It could impact both the domestic and wild rabbit populations if not contained. This office hasreceived a lot of phone calls from concerned owners of domestic rabbits. Rabbits do not fall under the NEDep’t of Ag. statutory authority, but we are charged with performing foreign animal disease investigations. Vaccination for RHD is possible, but there is no vaccine produced in the U.S. There are two different RHDvaccines manufactured—one in France and one in Spain. The vaccine is only available to be purchased inRHD affected states, with permission of the State Veterinarian. I’ve received many phone calls requestingthe RHD vaccine to be used prophylactically, but this is not permitted under USDA law.

Conversations I’ve had with State Veterinarians from affected states revealed that there is a significant timedelay after an order is made, and the vaccine is fairly expensive ($16.00/dose). Young rabbits under 10weeks of age need two separate vaccinations. This link offers information on Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease: https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/diseases/rhd/index.html The Department of Agriculture has worked withthe Governor, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and other state agencies sinceearly March 2020, to respond to Covid-19, and be proactive in preventing the spread. A wide gambit ofagriculture has been affected by social distancing and the consequences of preventative measures used toreduce the human to human spread.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Many Animal Health and Welfare IssuesArise from COVID-19

The first Dr. Boyd Burhoop Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in 2021. Jan told a small group of us thatshe wanted to support the Foundation but was not certain if she could afford it at the time. “You may haveto wait until I die,” was her comment. Many of us are in the same position, uncertain of our future expenses,how long we will live, and whether or not our retirement savings is sufficient. A bequest included in your willto give a dollar amount or a percentage of the estate is a good solution. Jan’s patience and desires wererealized and an annual scholarship is awarded each year in her name.

Dr. W called a few years ago to see if the Foundation was able to accept a gift of stock. First National Bankis our trustee and coordinated with his broker to transfer 100 shares of appreciated stock to NCSF—morethan enough to endow a scholarship. Dr. W was able to deduct the full market value of the stock as acharitable donation. Had he sold the stock, and paid the capital gains tax and donated the net proceeds hisgift would have been much smaller.

Dr. X arranged to endow a scholarship by transferring funds directly from his IRA account. By doing so heavoided the income tax that would have been payable had he simply withdrawn the funds. There was no taxdeduction at the time of that gift, because no tax had been paid on those dollars.

Dr. Y had established a Donor Advised Fund in a year when his income was high. He donated appreciatedstock into the fund and received a deduction for the market value of the mutual fund that had appreciatedover time. Periodically he contacts the institution that manages his DAF and instructs them to send adonation to NCSF (and probably to any number of other favorite charities). Any money not spent from thefund is invested and can grow to enable future donations. Your financial advisor can direct you to one ofseveral institutions that provide this service. They vary in fees and the minimum amount you may donate toyour favorite charity.

Dr. Z used a similar strategy. He had donated money or appreciated stock to his local CommunityFoundation. They manage such gifts in the donors name for a small fee. Like a DAF, the communityfoundation writes the check to the charitable organization. The donor’s tax deduction comes when thedonation is made to the Community Foundation and is especially valuable to those that are working, earningmoney and in a higher income bracket than when they retire. If you want to give one of these tips a try,contact your accountant or financial advisor for details and the latest news on tax implications of suchstrategies. We can provide you with our 501 (c) (3) number upon request.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

'Practice Tips'

Veterinary Views - 7

Veterinary ViewsMemorial Notice

Clayton Kelling | Director, SVMBS

It has been a privilege and honor to serve the past four years as director of the School of VeterinaryMedicine and Biomedical Sciences, and associate dean of the College of Agriculture and NaturalResources. Now we look forward to welcoming Scott McVey aboard to undertake leadership of our Schoolbeginning July 13, 2020.

Dr. McVey served as a faculty member in our school 2006-2011. He served on the team that developed thecurriculum and teaching facilities for the then new joint University of Nebraska and Iowa State UniversityProfessional Program for Veterinary Medicine. He also served as director of the Nebraska VeterinaryDiagnostic Laboratory. In 2011, Dr. McVey joined the Senior Science and Technology Staff of the USDA atthe USDA Agricultural Research Service Center in Manhattan, Kansas. He became the research leader forthe Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, and in 2017, the director for the Center for Grain andAnimal Health Research.We are fortunate to have attracted Dr. McVey and look forward to the future.

There can be no doubt that the best years for our school lie before us. It has been very rewarding for meserve in this capacity and to interact with NVMA members throughout this time. I am most appreciative ofthe strong support of our faculty and staff throughout the years. I am also grateful for the leadership andstrong support provided by UNL IANR and ISU CVM administrators during the four years. I look forward toreturning to the faculty to complete research projects in progress and transition into retirement at the end ofthe calendar year.

Dr. Scott McVey Will Lead School

SVMBS Update

Dr. Wallace 'Bruce' Wren

Dr. Wallace “Bruce” Wren, 85, of Lenexa, KS, Life Member of the NVMA, passed away on May 20,2020. Survivors are his four children, Mark (Shirley) Wren of Portland, OR, Leslie (John) Bauer of Dallas,TX, Russell (Sherri) Wren of Lincoln, NE and Geni Wren of Overland Park, KS. Last known address was13600 West 110th Terrace #229, Lenexa, KS 66215.

An Executive Order issued by Gov. Pete Ricketts permits applications for a waiver regarding in-person CErequirements for credentialing. Here is the specific provision of the order that is pertinent:

DHHS shall afford credential holders under the UCA (Uniform Credentialing Act) the opportunity torequest waivers of continuing competency as part of the renewal process as provided for in Neb.Rev. Stat. § 38-146(2);

The entire Executive Order is at this link: https://cdn.ymaws.com/nvma.org/resource/resmgr/covid19/eo_20-27_covid-19_credential.pdf

A frequently asked questions document about the order is at this link:https://cdn.ymaws.com/nvma.org/resource/resmgr/covid19/faq_s_for_ce.pdf

Executive Order Affects In-Person CE Requirements

Veterinary ViewsMemorial Notices