Breaking News

Washington -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued its first conditional license for a pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine for swine to Pfizer Animal Health. The vaccine is intended to protect pigs from developing the virus.

West Lafayette, Ind. -- Purdue University researchers have received a $1.3 million grant that will help educate school children about animals and the link between human and animal health.

National Report -- While the death toll of H1N1-infected domestic cats continues to rise, officials at Safari West Wildlife Preserve in Santa Rosa, Calif., have announced that a cheetah caught the pandemic virus last month.

Washington, D.C. -- The Food and Drug Administration has created a new Pet Health and Safety Widget for use for free on Web sites.

Washington -- The National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) is undergoing some changes, which will affect most veterinarians in terms of the continuing education they must earn and how their accreditation is renewed.

The rumored move of the equine drug-testing laboratory from Cornell to another college is not yet a done deal.

Austin, Texas -- Dee Ellis, DVM, has been named the new Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) director and Texas state veterinarian.

Las Vegas -- The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) gave awards for service to the industry, distinguished teaching, and equine welfare at its ongoing 55th Annual Convention.

Miami Gardens, Fla. -- Calder Race Course officials have lifted the quarantine on one barn that began Dec. 3, but are keeping three other barns closed because of a horse that tested positive for equine herpes virus (EHV-1).

Schaumberg, Ill. -- The president of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) may soon be an official participant of American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Board meetings instead of just an invited guest if a proposed bylaw amendment is approved by the Executive Board Jan. 9.

National Report -- A new study by Consumer Reports Magazine reveals that most chickens sold in U.S. stores carry salmonella or campylobacter.

West Lafayette, Ind. -- We know that women tend to live longer than men, but a new study shows that the same may be true in dogs, especially if a female dog?s ovaries are not surgically removed early in life.

Meta, Mo. -- Diamond Pet Foods has reported a total of 21 cats with thiamine deficiency in Pennsylvania and New York since a voluntary recall of two brands of the company's dry cat food in September.

Citing injuries and fatalities to horses -- despite new safety measures -- Victoria ends jumps racing.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan -- The University of Saskatchewan's Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Dr. Douglas Freeman, a former dean candidate at The Ohio State University, as the new dean for the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

Stillwater, Okla. -- The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health recently dedicated its newly constructed Military Veterinary Honor Court to recognize the efforts of OSU veterinarians who serve in the military during their careers.

United Kingdom -- One in four United Kingdom horse owners reported animal-welfare problems in horse housing, according to an online survey conducted by World Horse Welfare.

Stillwater, Okla. -- The president of Oklahoma State University terminated a federally funded research project that would have studied the effects of anthrax on live baboons at the school's Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.

Washington-The Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database will continue to be operational through 2010.

Beijing -- H1N1 has jumped to one more species -- dogs.

New York - Pfizer Animal Health finalized its acquisition of Wyeth's Fort Dodge Animal Health, making it the biggest player in the animal-health market.

Washington -- In response to a lawsuit filed by an animal welfare organization, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has postponed the removal of more than 2,700 wild horses and burros in northwestern Nevada.

Melville, N.Y. and Dublin, Ohio -- A joint venture between Henry Schein Inc. and Butler Animal Health Supply will make the new company the largest veterinary sales and distribution company in the United States.

Manhattan, Kan. -- How will climate change affect the nutritional resources of cattle in the future? Likely, protein availability through grazing will diminish, prompting the need to start thinking about supplemental nutrition sources now, according to a study from Kansas State University.

Washington -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug that aims to support reproduction management in sheep.

National Report -- Studies have shown that pet owners aren't cutting back that much on creature comforts for their companions, despite the poor economy, and Honda has taken note with a new dog-friendly accessory package for its Element EX model.

Ames, Iowa -- Livestock feed is at a higher risk of mold development this year due to a cool, wet growing season that delayed harvest, according to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Ames, Iowa -- Iowa State University has developed and shipped what they say is the first H1N1 vaccine available for swine to a producer in Indiana.

Washington -- A lawsuit filed Monday in federal court seeks to stop the removal of more than 2,700 wild horses in northwestern Nevada.

In this episode, an H1N1 update, advice on how to answer clients who ask why your services cost more than a colleague's, and more.