Weekly companion animal news: May 20, 2024

Washington state officials call for more veterinarians

Although new veterinary clinics are popping up in Washington, many more hospitals, veterinarians and support staff may be needed to meet demand amid an ongoing national shortage, Axios reports. Due to a severe workforce shortage, the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association earlier this year asked legislators for $5 million to fund 20 additional spots for in-state students at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Not enough veterinarians are being trained to care for either our farm or companion animals,” the association said. While the legislature adjourned in March without approving the funding, association CEO Ken Gordon said it will be proposed again next year. Citing an AVMA 2024 economic analysis, Gordon said the Pacific Northwest is home to about 16% of the U.S. population but only 13.5% of the nation’s veterinarians.

Veterinary demand in Utah returns to pre-pandemic levels

Veterinary visits in Utah are now seeing a return to pre-pandemic levels, said assistant state veterinarian Amanda Price. At the same time, new veterinary clinics are opening in the state, alleviating the region’s need for pet care services, Axios reports. Between 2012 and 2021, the number of veterinary establishments in Utah increased by about 12%, according to 2021 Census Bureau data. The number of vet clinics across the country has increased by 8.4% since 2012. Price added that corporations like Walmart have launched pet care centers to address pet care needs. In addition, veterinary schools are increasing class capacity and several new vet schools are in development. Starting in 2026, Utah State University’s veterinary school intends to increase its class size from about 30 students to 80, according to Price.

New Jersey compounding pharmacy plans to make oral treatment for feline FIP available in June

A New Jersey compounding pharmacy announced it will make an oral treatment for feline infectious peritonitis available in the United States starting in June, the VIN News Service reports. U.S. compounder Stokes Pharmacy says it has formed a relationship with U.K.- and Australia-based Bova to offer an antiviral agent known as GS-441524 for domestic sale. Because the agent isn’t available as an FDA-approved drug, Stokes presumably will compound it from bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients. Trupanion also announced that it will provide coverage in June for “lifesaving medications” to treat FIP.

Unproven treatment for oral disease in cats surfaces in U.S.

Mutian Sciences, a foreign business that produces an effective—though unauthorized—drug for feline infectious peritonitis, is now selling a new black-market drug to treat feline chronic gingivostomatitis. Unlike the FIP drug, however, doctors have doubts about this product, in large part because they’re unsure of the full contents, the VIN News Service reports. The drug is marketed under the name Mutoral. Feline chronic gingivostomatitis is characterized by ongoing inflammation in the mouth that can result in painful ulcers. Its cause isn’t entirely understood, and there’s no cure. Like Mutian Sciences’ FIP treatment, this one, a pill available online, is being promoted in a private Facebook group where members share their experiences and questions.

Pennsylvania introduces tickborne disease dashboard to help residents and pets stay safe

The Pennsylvania Health Department has launched an online tickborne disease dashboard, meant to help the state’s residents protect themselves and their pets from the parasites. The dashboard tracks Lyme disease as well as anaplasmosis, babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, showing case counts across the state and cases per 100,000 people in each county. The tool shows that in the first full week of March, the state saw a significant spike in tick bite-related emergency room visits, three times higher than the average in the prior three years, CBS News reports.

CDC updates dog import rules

All dogs coming into the United States from other countries must be at least 6 months old and microchipped to help prevent the spread of rabies, according to new government rules. The rules, which take effect August 1, require vaccination for dogs that have been in countries where rabies is common. The update applies to dogs brought in by breeders or rescue groups, as well as pets traveling with their U.S. owners. There may be additional restrictions and requirements based on where the dog was the previous six months, which may include blood testing from CDC-approved labs, The Associated Press reports.

Dechra appoints Jesper Nordengaard CEO as current chief executive Ian Page retires

Dechra announced the appointment of Jesper Nordengaard as CEO, taking the role as current CEO Ian Page retires. Nordengaard, currently Colgate-Palmolive’s North America president, was previously president and CEO of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Page, who has served as Dechra’s CEO for the past 23 years, retires after a 42-year career in the animal health industry.

South Korea veterinary officials suspect food linked to rise in cat deaths

Following a worrisome number of deaths among cats in South Korea after they suddenly developed a neuromuscular illness, the government, cat owners and the veterinary community suspect a specific brand of local cat food as the culprit, Petfood Industry reports. Life, a local animal activist group, reported that by late April, 100 cats had died of the roughly 260 that developed symptoms. Both the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korean Veterinary Medical Association are conducting ongoing investigations to identify what’s causing the animals’ deaths.