01-31-11

January 31, 2011

CVM NewsCalendar is a biweekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Please submit news and calendar items to Sue Kirchoff, editor, at kirch004@umn.edu by noon the Friday before publication.

In this issue

• College news
  • Faculty and staff sought to represent CVM at MVMA meeting
  • Hill's distribution rescheduled
  • Donations of vacation time could help Veterinary Medical Center employee
  • Mini Medical School to focus on regenerative medicine
  • Nominations sought for Student Leadership and Service Awards
  • Minnesota deer tests positive for chronic wasting disease
  • February is National Pet Dental Health Month
  • Animal welfare added to veterinarian's oath
  • Support an owl for Valentine's Day
  • In memory: Dr. Ralph Molnau
• In the news
  • ABC News reports on Galapagos project
  • Bob Morrison cited in Farmscape
  • Bald Eagle Days coverage mentions Raptor Center
• Faculty and staff news
  • Welcome to the College
  • Employees are winners in VMC photo contest
• Student news
  
  • Veterinary Student Scholar applications due Thursday
• Calendar
• Clinical Investigation Center
  •  You can help important research efforts 
    • Urolith Center seeks cats for clinical trials
    • Other studies enrolling in the Veterinary Medical Center
• Needs a home
  • Sasha, a Siberian husky
• Links 

College news (top)
 

Faculty and staff sought to represent CVM at MVMA meeting

Faculty and staff are needed to represent the College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Center at the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association Annual Meeting on February 10-12 (Thursday through Saturday) at the Minneapolis Hilton in downtown Minneapolis. Morning and afternoon shifts of two hours or more are available in the VMC and CVM booths; faculty experts, alumni reception volunteers, and general volunteers are also sought. It's a great way to connect with veterinarians from throughout Minnesota! Contact Nyssa Shawstad at 4-5614 or shaw0139@umn.edu. Please specify whether you would like to serve as a faculty expert, be in the College of Veterinary Medicine booth or Veterinary Medical Center booth, or help out at the reception.

Hill's pet food distribution rescheduled
Due to shipping problems, the January Hill's pet food distributions are now scheduled for this week on:

• Wednesday, February 2, 7:00-7:45 a.m. and noon-12:45 p.m.
• Thursday, February 3, 7:00-7:45 a.m. and 4:00-4:45 p.m.
• Friday, February 4, 7:00-7:45 a.m. and noon-12:45 p.m.

Student representatives will not be able to meet people outside of these distribution times; they apologize for the inconvenience. Questions? Contact Jenna Fier at fier0045@umn.edu or Dan Peterson at pete5659@umn.edu. 

Donations of vacation time could help Veterinary Medical Center employee

JoAnn Anderson, transcriptionist for Medical Imaging and long-term Veterinary Medical Center employee, is facing serious medical issues that will require extended treatment and recovery time. She has not been able to return to work since before December and has been approved by Employee Benefits to participate in the vacation donation program. If you are interested in donating a portion of your vacation accrual, please fill out a Vacation Donation Contribution form and return it to Rod DeVriendt in 418 VMC. 

Mini Medical School to focus on regenerative medicine

This winter, the Academic Health Center's Mini Medical School focuses on regenerative medicine. U of M researchers will describe a future where body parts can re-grow, victims of spinal cord injuries can walk, and a person’s own immune system can fight cancer. Mini Medical School runs Mondays, February 14-March 14, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. in 2-650 Moos Tower. U faculty, staff, and students receive a discounted rate of $65 for the entire series. For registration and more information, visit www.ahc.umn.edu/mini-medical-school or call 612-626-7072.

Nominations sought for Student Leadership and Service Awards

The University is seeking nominations for the 2011 President's Student Leadership and Service Awards, which honor the accomplishments of outstanding students and their leadership and service contributions to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the community.

Undergraduate recipients of the President's Student Leadership and Service Award may also be considered for the Donald R. Zander Award for Outstanding Student Leadership (a $1,000 scholarship given to two recipients) and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association Student Leadership Award (a $500 scholarship given to eight recipients). Graduate and professional student recipients of the President's Student Leadership and Service Award may also be considered for the Mary A. McEvoy Award for Public Engagement and Leadership (a $1,000 scholarship given to one graduate student and one professional student). The awards will be presented at the annual President's Awards banquet on Monday, May 2. The deadline for submitting nomination forms is Friday, February 4.

For more information and online nomination forms, visit the Student Unions and Activities Web site at http://www.sua.umn.edu/leadership/awards/ or call Student Activities at 612-626-6919.

Minnesota deer tests positive for chronic wasting disease

On January 21, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that a wild white-tailed deer killed by a hunter in southeastern Minnesota last November tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) — the first time that CWD has been found in a wild deer in Minnesota. As a result of the finding, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health has established a 10-mile-radius CWD-endemic area in southeastern Minnesota.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal brain and nervous system disease that occurs in North American deer, moose, and Rocky Mountain elk. The disease is caused by an abnormal protein that damages brain and nerve tissue. Infected animals show progressive loss of body weight with accompanying behavioral changes. In later stages of the disease, infected animals become emaciated (thus “wasting” disease). Other signs include staggering, consuming large amounts of water, excessive urination, and drooling. Transmitted by animal-to-animal contact, CWD is not known to affect human health.

The DNR has been concerned about the spread of CWD to the state's wild deer since 2002, when the disease was first found in captive elk near Aitkin. Since 2002, more than 32,000 hunter-harvested deer, elk, and moose have been tested as part of an early detection strategy. To learn more, visit http://www.bah.state.mn.us/bah/releases/nr2011-01-21.html.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

February has been designated as National Pet Dental Health Month by the American Veterinary Dental Society.

Animal welfare added to veterinarian's oath

The Veterinarian's Oath now stresses the importance of animal welfare. The American Veterinary Medical Association revised the oath on the recommendation of its Animal Welfare Committee, which wanted to emphasize that veterinarians have responsibilities for both animal health and animal welfare. The revised oath is:

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

Support an Owl for Valentine's Day

The Raptor Center is asking people to have a heart and join the Support-an-Owl program for Valentine's Day. For $50, participants receive a barn owl plush, Valentine's Day candy, a personalized certificate of support, and a fact sheet about barn owls—and support the care and rehabilitation of injured owls at The Raptor Center. For more information and to support an owl, visit www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=926750.

In memory: Dr. Ralph Molnau

Dr. Ralph Molnau, class of 1952, died of leukemia at his home in Waconia, Minnesota, on January 16. He was 82 years old. The owner of Countryside Veterinarian and Feed in Young America and the previous owner of Waconia Veterinary Clinic, Ralph was president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association from 1989-1990 and 1995-1997. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and many other relatives and friends. Services were held on January 20. See the Star Tribune obituary.

In the news (top)

ABC News reports on Galapagos project
ABC News and The Canadian Press reported on January 21 that the rat-eradication project in the Galapagos Islands—which Dr. Julia Ponder, executive director of The Raptor Center, is working with—has begun. Scientists have removed 20 Galapagos hawks from two islands and placed them in cages, where they will be held for about two months to prevent them from feeding on rodents that consume poison. The story is online at http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=12734254&page=1.

Bob Morrison cited in Farmscape
Dr. Bob Morrison, professor in the Veterinary Population Medicine Department, was cited in "Wide Range of Vectors for PRRS Spread Complicates Elimination Efforts," an article published in Farmscape Online on January 25. Bob addressed the annual Banff Pork Seminar January 18-21. The article is online at www.farmscape.com/f2ShowScript.aspx?i=23591&q=Wide+Range+of+Vectors+for+PRRS+Spread+Complicates+Elimination+Efforts.

Bald Eagle Days coverage mentions Raptor Center
An Argus Leader story about Bald Eagle Days in mentioned that experts from The Raptor Center would present educational programs at the event near Yankton, South Dakota. The piece is online at http://www.argusleader.com/article/20110125/NEWS/101250321/1001/news.

Faculty and staff news (top)

Welcome to the College

Welcome to the following new employees who joined the College in January:

CVM Advancement
Andrea Fahrenkrug, development officer

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Chad Burgess, junior scientist, viral serology
Nichole L. Cremers, junior scientist, bacteriology/mastitis

Veterinary Medical Center
Meara A. Collins, veterinary technician, administration
Molly S. Ziegler, veterinary technician, large animal core

Veterinary Population Medicine Department
Christine R. Anderson, junior laboratory technician
Andreia G. Arruda, research assistant
Leticia Linhares, research assistant, swine disease eradication

Employees are winners in VMC photo contest

Eight Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) employees were winners in a recent photo contest judged by representatives of the VMC's call center, front desk, and cashiers. The winners were:

Small animal category
First place: Siri Rea
Second place: Dr. Lindsay Merkel
Third place: Rachel Bassett and Kari Erickson (tie)
Honorable mention: Rachel Bassett
Honorable mention: Joan Smith
Honorable mention: Sarah Pracht

Large animal category
First place: Sheryl Ferguson and Crystal Torp (tie)
Second place: Joan Smith
Third place: Rachel Bassett

The winning small animal photos are being matted, framed, and displayed in the lobby of the Small Animal Hospital. Large animal photos will be displayed at the Piper Performance Clinic at the Equine Center. Other photos will be displayed in exam rooms. Customer contact center supervisor Debbie Mumaugh, organizer of the photo contest, thanked Missy Greer for her help with the event and said that the contest was so popular that it would become an annual event.

Student news (top) 

Veterinary Student Scholar applications due Thursday
Morris Animal Foundation is accepting Veterinary Student Scholar applications through Thursday, February 3. Through the program, veterinary students or non-veterinary graduate students receive stipends up to $4,000 to participate in clinical or basic animal health and/or welfare research. For guidelines and online application form directions, visit www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/for-grant-seekers/veterinary-student-scholars.html.

Calendar (top)

Regular meetings, seminars, and rounds

• New Employee Orientation: Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-noon, 458 Veterinary Medical Center
• CVM Research Seminar: Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m., 135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine (January 19-May 4)
• Veterinary Clinical Sciences Grand Rounds: Thursdays, 8-9 a.m., 135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Oncology Seminar: Every two months on the second Thursday of the month
• Large Animal Grand Rounds: Fridays, 8-9 a.m., Nutrena Conference Center, Leatherdale Equine Center 
• Swine Seminar: Fridays, 3 p.m., 385J Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine

February 

Wednesday, February 2
Hill's Pet Food Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m. and noon-12:45 p.m.
Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital

CVM Research Seminar: Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Epidemiology: Application of Spatial Epidemiology to Address Policy Needs in Animal Health
Presented by Dr. Ryan Miller, ecologist with the USDA APHIS Centers of Epidemiology and Animal Health Natural Resource Research Center
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
Hosted by Dr. Scott Wells; everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu.

Thursday, February 3
Interviews of Minnesota Applicants for D.V.M. Program

Hill's Pet Food Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m. and 4:00-4:45 p.m.
Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital

2011 Quality Fair & Forum
8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Carlson School of Management
For details, visit www1.umn.edu/ohr/quality/

Friday, February 4
Hill's Pet Food Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m. and noon-12:45 p.m.
Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital

Seminar on Teaching: Stress and Learning: How Brain Research Can Support Your Teaching
Presented by Christina Petersen
Noon-1 p.m.
115 or 202 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center

Swine Seminar: AASV Student Presentations
3 p.m.
385J Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine

Interviews of Non-Resident Applicants for D.V.M. Program: February 4-5

Saturday, February 5
11th International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis, February 5-10
Sydney, Australia
For more information and to register, go to www.icp2012.com.au/.

Monday, February 7
Veterinary Student Legislative Fly-in, February 7-8
Washington, D.C.
Minnesota participants include Lindsey Hornickel, third-year student (one of the organizers of the event); Tammy Oseid, first-year student; Julie Peterson, first-year student; and Diana Schwartz, second-year student. Hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association Governmental Relations Division. To learn more about the fly-in, see www.avma.org/savma/2011_Student_Legislative_Fly-In.pdf.

Wednesday, February 9
CVM Research Seminar: The Unique Relationship Between PRRSV and Pigs
Presented by Dr. Michael Murtaugh
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
Hosted by Dr. David Brown; everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu.

Thursday, February 10
Interviews of Minnesota Applicants for D.V.M. Program

Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association Annual Meeting: February 10-12,
Minneapolis Hilton
For details and to register, go to www.mvma.org/114th_convention_info_general.asp.

MVMA Alumni Reception
5-7 p.m.
Symphony I & II, Hilton Minneapolis

Friday, February 11
Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians Convention: February 11-12
Minneapolis Hilton
For more information and to register, visit www.mavt.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=2.

Interviews of Non-Resident Applicants for D.V.M. Program: February 11-12

CVM Teaching Academy: Methods and Recommendations for Clinical Instruction and Cross-Cultural Teaching
Presented by Deb Wingert
Noon-1 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center

Swine Seminar: Impact of Climate Change on Livestock Diseases
Presented by Montse Torremorell
3 p.m.
385J Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine

Hill's Pet Food Distribution Order Window Closes
11:59 p.m. Order online through the Hill's online ordering system at www.hills-holos.com.

Monday, February 14
Mini Medical School: Mondays, February 14-March 14
6:00-8:30 p.m.
2-650 Moos Tower
This Mini Medical School session focuses on regenerative medicine. U faculty, staff, and students receive a discounted rate of $65 for the entire series. For registration and more information, visit www.ahc.umn.edu/mini-medical-school or call 612-626-7072.

Wednesday, February 16
CVM Research Seminar: Engineering Biomimetic Peptides for Targeted Drug Delivery
Presented by Dr. Efrosini Kokkoli
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
Hosted by Dr. Srinand Sreevatsan; everyone is welcome to attend
For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu.

VIDA (Volunteers for Intercultural & Definitive Adventures) Fundraiser
4 p.m.-1 a.m.
Bar Abilene, 1300 Lagoon Avenue South, Minneapolis
CVM faculty, students, staff, family, and friends are invited to attend. When any full-price margarita or entree is purchased, $3 will be donated to the veterinary students for their upcoming trip to Costa Rica and Panama, where they will provide wellness exams, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgeries. RSVP at www.surveymonkey.com/s/VIDAFundraiser.

Friday, February 18
Seminar on Teaching
Noon-1 p.m.
213 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center

Swine Seminar: The Politics of the Swine Industry
Presented by Carissa A. Odland
3 p.m.
385J Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine

Sunday, February 20
Western Veterinary Conference: February 20-24
Las Vegas
For details and to register, go to www.wvc.org/.

Monday, February 21
Alumni reception, Western Veterinary Conference
7:30 p.m.
Palm D, Level 3, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

Tuesday, February 22
Hill's Pet Food Distribution
Noon-12:45 p.m.
Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital

Wednesday, February 23
Hill's Pet Food Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m. and noon-12:45 p.m.
Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital

CVM Research Seminar: Invasive Species Control in Galapagos: Preventing Non-Target Mortality During Rodent Eradication
Presented by Dr. Julia Ponder, executive director, The Raptor Center
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
Hosted by Dr. Tom Molitor; everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu.

Thursday, February 24
Hill's Pet Food Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m.
Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital

Friday, February 25
Hill's Pet Food Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m. and noon-12:45 p.m.
Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital

Conversations on Teaching
Presented by Al Beitz and Tom Molitor
Noon-1 p.m.
213 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center

Swine Seminar: Structure of PRRSV Virion
Presented by Michael Murtaugh
3 p.m.
385J Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine

March

Thursday, March 3
Mather Lecture: Companion Animal Cardiology Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Presented by Dr. Christopher Stauthammer
7 p.m.
215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center
For details and to register, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/vetmedce/events/mather/.

Friday, March 4
Seminar on Teaching: Team-Based Learning
Presented by Erin Malone
Noon- 1 p.m.
213 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center

Saturday, March 5
American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting: March 5-8
Phoenix, Arizona
For details and to register, go to http://www.aasv.org/annmtg/.

Wednesday, March 9
CVM Research Seminar: The Domestic Horse: A Novel System to Study the Evolution of Genes and Pathways Impacting Metabolic Fitness and Disease
Presented by Dr. Molly McCue, Veterinary Population Medicine Department
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
Hosted by Dr. James Mickelson; everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu.

Thursday, March 10
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Annual Conference: March 10-13
Alexandria, Virginia
For details and to register, go to www.aavmc.org/FutureMeetings.htm.

Friday, March 11
CVM Teaching Academy: How to Prepare for Retirement. . . How Soon to Start, Sources of Guidance, Career Plateauing, and Dealing with Specific Disappointments
Presented by Deb Wingert
Noon-1 p.m.
213 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center

Swine Seminar: DDGs and Swine Production
Presented by Gerald Shurson
3 p.m.
385J Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine

Saturday, March 12
Camelid Health Conference: Saturday, March 12-Sunday, March 13
Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center
For details and to register, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/vetmedce/events/Camelid/home.html.

Monday, March 14
Spring Break: March 14-18

Friday, March 18
University closed for holiday

Hill's Pet Food Distribution Order Window Closes
11:59 p.m. Order online through the Hill's online ordering system at www.hills-holos.com.

Wednesday, March 23
CVM Research Seminar: Yeast Surface Display and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting as a Platform for Antibody Selection and Protein Engineering
Presented by Dr. Keith Miller, senior research scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Virginia
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
Hosted by Dr. Michael Murtaugh; everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu.

Thursday, March 24
American Animal Hospital Association Annual Conference: March 24-27
Toronto
For details and to register, go to https://secure.aahanet.org/eWeb/StartPage.aspx?site=AAHAYC2011.

Friday, March 25
Seminar on Teaching: Collecting Information in Groups
Presented by Erin Malone
Noon-1 p.m.
213 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center

Swine Seminar: Group B Rotavirus
Presented by Douglas Marthaler
3 p.m.
385J Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine

Wednesday, March 30
Hill's Pet Food Distribution
7:00-7:45 a.m. and noon-12:45 p.m.
Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital

CVM Research Seminar: The Real Story of Human Influenza Vaccine: Implications for Veterinary Medicine
Presented by Dr. Mike Osterholm, director, Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy; director, Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance; professor, School of Public Health; and adjunct professor, Medical School
3 p.m.
135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine
Hosted by veterinary medicine graduate students and Susan Detmer; everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu.

Thursday, March 31
Hill's Pet Food Distribution
Noon-12:45 and 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital

• More veterinary continuing education opportunities
• University of Minnesota calendar of events

Clinical Investigation Center (top)

You can help important research efforts

• Urolith Center seeks cats for clinical trials. The Urolith Center is enrolling cats in several clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of diet to manage urinary disease. For more information, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/depts/minnesotaurolithcenter/cat/home.html
• Other studies enrolling in the Veterinary Medical Center. For information about other clinical studies currently enrolling in the Veterinary Medical Center, visit the Clinical Investigation Center Web site at www.cvm.umn.edu/cic/current.

Needs a home (top)

Sasha, a Siberian husky

Sasha, a 13-year-old Siberian husky, needs a new home before her owner moves across the country. Sasha is beautiful and sweet with a laid-back but fun demeanor. She takes phenylpropanolamine for nighttime incontinence (which is managed well) and Tramadol for back/hip pain. She is fine with kids and likes other dogs. She is up-to- date on shots and has a few months of medication already paid for. Contact Maureen at 562-972-4786.

Links (top)

AVMA News Bytes and other news
www.avma.org/news/info_rss.asp

Center for Teaching and Learning workshops
www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/workshops/index.html

CVM This Week
Back issues of CVM This Week are at www.cvm.umn.edu/cvmthisweek/.

Facebook
Visit the College's Facebook page.

Hill's College Feeding Program
Order online through the Hill's online ordering system at www.hills-holos.com. For more information about the Hill's College Feeding Program, contact Jenna Fier at fier0045@umn.edu, Dan Peterson at pete5659@umn.edu, or Allison Pace at pace0038@umn.edu.

Housing
For information about student and off-campus housing, including a housing and roommate search service, go to www.housing.umn.edu/.

Job openings
For information about positions available at the College, visit www.cvm.umn.edu/employment/. For detailed information about current job openings, how to apply, and application materials, go to the University of Minnesota Office of Human Resources at www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/index.html.

Minnesota Veterinary Historical Museum
http://hist.cvm.umn.edu/

Twitter
Visit the College's Twitter page.

Veterinary Continuing Education
www.cvm.umn.edu/vetmedce/

Veterinary Medical Library
www.vetmed.lib.umn.edu/

Veterinary Practice News
Did you know that you can get a free subscription? Subscribe (or renew) online at https://vpn.magserv.com/cgi-bin/subscribe?cm_sp=SubscribeVPN-_-na-_-na

CVM NewsCalendar is a biweekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Please submit news and calendar items to Sue Kirchoff, editor, at kirch004@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota is an equal-opportunity educator and employer.