Monthly Archives: July 2009

Therapy dogs can be colonized with MRSA

July 15, 2009 | Editor | Leave a comment
Therapy dog

 

The AVMA has issued a backgrounder on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that incorporates recent research into the colonization of therapy dogs that visit health care environments as part of animal-assisted intervention programs (AAIs). One study cited indicates that dogs that participated in health-care AAIs were six times as likely to become colonized with MRSA than dogs in non-health-care-related AAIs.
The MRSA backgrounder includes guidelines for AAIs in health care settings.

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Veterinarians helped "spread" the news about insects and disease

July 13, 2009 | Editor | Leave a comment
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In the late 1800s and early 1900s it was proven that insects could spread disease to humans. Both medical and veterinary research were launched to control yellow fever, malaria, bubonic plague, and typhus. This research helped to protect animals and people worldwide from many deadly illnesses.

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Becoming a Veterinarian FAQs

July 8, 2009 | Aaardvarks2Zebras Admin | 4 Comments

To pursue a veterinary career, what should be done in high school?
Take as many courses in biology, math, and other sciences (including chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology) as you can manage while in high school – this will help you prepare for your college courses, and also help you decide if this is the right path for you.

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Regulatory Veterinarians

July 8, 2009 | Dr. Kimberly May | Leave a comment

To prevent the introduction of foreign diseases into the United States, veterinarians are employed by state and federal regulatory agencies to quarantine and inspect animals brought into the country. They supervise interstate shipments of animals, test for diseases, and manage campaigns to prevent and eradicate diseases, such as tuberculosis and rabies, that pose threats to animal and human health.

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Public Health Veterinarians

July 8, 2009 | Dr. Kimberly May | Leave a comment

Veterinarians serve as epidemiologists in city, county, state, and federal agencies investigating animal and human disease outbreaks such as food-borne illnesses, influenza, rabies, and West Nile viral encephalitis. They help ensure the safety of food processing plants, restaurants, and water supplies. Many serve in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

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