In a recent change in the state law, corporations are now allowed to make contributions to political action committees (PACs) and to state government officials.  Corporations making campaign ontributions totaling over $250 in the aggregate to candidates in a calendar quarter must register as a PAC and file campaign financial disclosure reports.  For more information on the new requirements, click here.

TN-V-PAC is always accepting contributions.  To make a contribution, click here to make an online contribution or send a check made payable to TN-V-PAC to Meagan Frazier, Smith Harris Carr, 511 Union Street, Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219. 

2012 Music City Veterinary Conference - March 9-11. Some of the speakers and topics are listed below:

The International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium (IVECCS)

web page .

Bayer Study finds Six Causes for Yearly Decline in Companion Animal Veterinary Visits  

Bayer Animal Health, Brakke Consulting and the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) announced results of the Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study, a comprehensive investigation into reasons for the decline in companion animal veterinary visits over the past several years. The study identified six root causes:

• The economic impact of the recession;
• Fragmentation of veterinary services;
• Consumers substituting Internet research for office visits;
• Feline resistance;
• Perception among pet owners that regular medical check-ups are unnecessary; and
• Cost of care. 

Read More     

Large Animal Hospital Construction: Thanking our Patients for their Patience 

Due to the expansion and renovation of our Large Animal Hospital, we anticipate potential day-to-day changes in the flow of traffic in and around the UT Veterinary Medical Center now through the end of September.  Please be on the lookout for temporary directional signs and don't hesitate to call (865) 974-8387 for the latest updates prior to your appointment.
 

2011 Pet Memorial Celebrations

Premium Rate Decrease for the 2012 Policy Year!
 The AVMA PLIT is pleased to announce that the annual premium rates for the PLIT-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program primary and excess malpractice limits will decrease 15% for classes I (equine) and II (food animal) and 5% for classes III (mixed practice) and IV (small animal) for the 2012 policy year, subject to state approval. The potential cost savings ranges up to $417 based on the veterinarian's professional activity and primary limit. The primary limit decrease will be slightly larger in California, which will result in uniform rates nationwide. The annual premiums for veterinary license defense and professional extension (animal bailee) coverages will remain unchanged. And, a new higher limit option of $50,000 will be available for the veterinary license defense endorsement to cover legal fees to defend actions against a veterinary license. 

Since 1962, the PLIT has worked with insurance carriers to provide malpractice protection to AVMA and student AVMA members at affordable, competitive rates. The strength of this program is attributable to the group buying power and claims experience of insured veterinarians in the PLIT-sponsored program as well as the diligence of the PLIT Trustees (who are all veterinarians), Advisors, Trust Representatives (who are veterinarians), Zurich (insurance carrier), and HUB International Midwest Limited (broker and administrator). Collectively, these groups work together to help veterinarians avoid claims and effectively manage claims when they occur. Another unique component of the PLIT program that lends to its success is the broad policy with features such as the consent to settle clause, the absence of a hammer clause, and coverage for court costs and defense attorney fees in addition to policy limits. Coverage subject to policy terms, limitations, and exclusions.

At the Eleventh Hour Congress Passed Debt Limit Bill

The August 2nd deadline was looming, and at the eleventh hour Congress voted and passed a measure that raises the debt ceiling limit and reduces the federal deficit by $2 trillion. If they hadn't come ... Read More 

Legislation ending Class B Dealers as Source of Dog, Cat Research Introduced

Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) has reintroduced the Pet Safety and Protection Act (H.R. 2256) that invokes additional restrictions on sources of dogs and cats used for research. 'Permissible sources' are defined ... Read More 

Footballer and Legislator Campaign for Anti Dogfighting Bill 

Prohibition Act of 2011, H.R. 2492, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who has previously served criminal time for operating an interstate dog fighting venture, spoke to Congress calling for legislators ... Read More 

August Recess Means Opportunity for Education

With the debt talks finalized, Congress has left for a month-long recess, returning to the districts and states they represent. Many members are holding town hall meetings, attending local events and ... Read More 

State Veterinarian's Office News

State News

These regulations affect any out of state bulls at the livestock market that are going to be used for breeding and are going back to a Tennessee farm. These bulls must be held and isolated at the buyer's location until a negative trichomoniasis status can be determined by testing. All trichomoniasis testing is done at the buyer's expense and the sample collections must be performed by an accredited Tennessee veterinarian who is certified by the state veterinarian's office. To date, there are 34 veterinarians who have become certified by our office. The certification is done online and at the convenience of the veterinarian.  Any Tennessee veterinarian interested in becoming certified for trichomoniasis sampling should contact Dr. Sara Clariday, TDA, at 615-837-5120 or email sara.clariday@tn.gov. Trichomoniasis rules may be accessed on the TDA website at: http://www.state.tn.us/agriculture/regulatory/animals.html.

USDA Begins 2011 Oral Rabies Vaccine Efforts in Eastern United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS) wildlife services (WS) program will begin its 2011 distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits in select areas along the East Coast in an effort to prevent the spread of raccoon rabies. Anyone having contact with a bait should contact their local health department or USDA Wildlife Services.  Most baits actually have a toll-free number printed on the outside. Read More 

• August 22-28 - UTCVM Equine Rehab Certificate Program
• Sept 11 - UTCVM Fall Pet Memorial Celebration
• Sept 13 - Animals in Disasters: Issues, Triage and First Aid - Nashville, TN
• Sept 14-18 - The International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium (IVECCS)
• Sept 18 - TVMA's Recent Graduates Conference
• Sept 29-Oct 2, 2011 - Southwest Veterinary Symposium - San Antonio, TX
• Oct 17-23 - UTCVM Equine Rehab Certificate Program
• 2011 - World Veterinary Year - 250th Year Anniversary of Veterinary Medicine
• March 9-11, 2012 - Music City Veterinary Conference