Six States Report HPAI-Infected Dairy Cows

A herd of dairy cattle in Ohio has been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), increasing the number of states with dairy operations affected by the virus to six. The USDA previously confirmed the H5N1 strain of HPAI in dairy cattle on seven Texas farms, two in Kansas, and one each in New Mexico, Michigan, and Idaho.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is not requiring dairy cattle to be tested for HPAI infection, although testing may be done on a voluntary basis. On April 1, APHIS issued a guidance document on testing cattle for HPAI.

APHIS issued another series of HPAI-related recommendations, this time for state animal health officials, accredited veterinarians, and producers, addressing such areas as biosecurity, monitoring of sick animals, worker safety, and movement of cattle.

Read more from AVMA News.

AABP Promotes Cattle Disease as Bovine Influenza A

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) has sent out a notice that they will now refer the recent virus in cattle as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV).

In their press release the AABP said they have collaborated with veterinarians, allied organizations, state and federal agencies, diagnostic laboratories and animal health officials on the 2024 emerging disease event affecting dairy cattle. The virus isolated from affected animals in herds matching the clinical syndrome has been identified as avian influenza virus Type A H5N1. This virus causes Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in birds, however the disease syndrome in cattle does not cause high morbidity and mortality as it does in birds. The AABP does not believe that this disease should be referenced as “HPAI in cattle” or “bird flu in cattle” due to these differences.

For more information, visit www.aabp.org

Nominate A Young Steer Owner for the Governor's Charity Steer Show

The IVMA and Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are again teaming up to sponsor a steer at the Governor’s Annual Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair.

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We are looking for a steer to sponsor! Do you have an outstanding youth client or your own child who is raising a steer to show in their local county fair this summer? Nominate them for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The youth will receive payment for their steer by the sponsors and then the steer is auctioned off at the end of the show to raise money for Ronald McDonald Charities of Iowa.

If you would like more information or have a youth/steer you would like to nominate, contact Dr. Randy Wheeler at the IVMA office at 515-965-9237 or rwheeler@iowavma.org. 

Nominations Sought for IVMA Executive Board

Are you or someone you know interested in giving back to the veterinary profession? The IVMA is seeking nominations for two-year terms on the Executive Board. The Executive Board is made up of 22 dedicated veterinarians from 20 districts in Iowa. You may only nominate someone from your own district. If you are interested in serving, you may also nominate yourself.

This year elections will be held for even numbered districts. Odd numbered districts will be up for reelection in 2025. Districts are determined by member’s home address, not clinic/work location.

The Executive Board usually meets three times per year: January (virtual), April and September. The April meetings are usually in Central Iowa and the September meeting is held in Ames.   

Send in your nomination to ivma@iowavma.org. Please include your name, name and city of the nominee, and district number. The deadline to receive nominations is April 8, 2024.

April MY Member Newsletter

 As an IVMA member, you are already enrolled in the IVMA's Member Assistance Program (MAP). This program offers free, confidential support and resources to address personal or work-related challenges or concerns to you and your household family members.

Each month, MYgroup, the company the IVMA partner's with to offer the MAP shares a newsletter. Some of this month's topics include:

Keep Your Team Aligned, Engaged & Productive

What a Small Garden Can Do for Wellness

Reduce Personal Risk When Using Antidepressants

Avoid Couple Troubles Over Money

and more!

Read the April My Member Newsletter

Learn more about the IVMA's MAP

MAP April Online Seminar

Each month MYGroup offers a free online seminar. The April Seminar is Food for Thought.

Learn more about the connection between your plate and your physical health and uncover the keys to achieving a balanced diet that fuels your body with essential nutrients.

Monthly seminars are updated the third Tuesday of each month. Registration is not required.

To access your MAP and work-life services call 800.633.3353 or visit mygroup.com I Click on My Portal Login I Work-Life | Username: iowavma I Password: guest

View a calendar of all the 2024 free online MAP seminars.

Disaster Grants Available from AVMF

As a reminder to veterinarians who are directly impacted by storm events, or who provide care to animals that have been impacted, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) has two grants available to assist veterinarians during a disaster.

Disaster Reimbursement Grants for Veterinary Medical Care

AVMF Disaster Reimbursement Grants are for the purpose of ensuring the emergency veterinary medical care of animal victims of a disaster. Up to $5,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by veterinarians providing emergency veterinary medical care to animal victims of disasters.

Disaster Relief Grants for Veterinarians & Veterinary Students

AVMF Disaster Relief Grants are for the purpose of assisting veterinarians and veterinary students who have experienced an emergency need for basic necessities due to a disaster. Up to $2,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred immediately following the disaster.