News

July 11, 2008
Statement by Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners’
Chair, Chris H. Runde, D.V.M., on Equine Massage Lawsuit
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 9, 2008) – On June 17, 2008, the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (“SBVME”) received a copy of the lawsuit filed by Ms. H. Mercedes Clemens against the SBVME and the Maryland Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Ms. Clemens alleges that both the SBVME and the Board of Chiropractic Examiners have, through their regulatory authority, prevented Ms. Clemens from practicing equine massage in Maryland. The SBVME unequivocally has never interfered with Ms. Clemens right to practice massage on horses in Maryland and views this lawsuit against the SBVME as premature.

The SBVME does not regulate equine massage by non-veterinarians if the massage is intended solely for the purpose of helping the animal relax or generally feel better. The SVBME, however, has indicated in communication with the Chiropractic Board that a person engaging in equine massage may be in violation of the Veterinary Practices Act if the massage services offered are for the purpose of diagnosing and treating a specific ailment or injury of a horse. The SBVME, whose mission is to protect animal health and welfare, has the statutory authority to regulate the “practice of veterinary medicine,” which “includes the practice by any person who…diagnoses, advises, administers [an] … appliance, application, or treatment of any nature, for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of an animal.” Agriculture Article, § 2-301(f). If a person engaging in equine massage is “practicing veterinary medicine,” as defined, the person must be a licensed veterinarian. Agriculture Article § 2-313(1).

Ms. Clemens’ lawsuit, however, does not contain a single allegation that she is offering—or advertising—her massage services for the purposes of treating or diagnosing disease or injury of horses. Thus, SBMVE regulatory oversight is not an issue at this time.

Unfortunately, the SBVME is not aware of any effort by Ms. Clemens, or her attorneys, to discuss her situation directly with the SBVME. As chairman, I would have been happy to meet with her in an effort to make the SBVME’s position clear and explain to her that she is not prohibited from massaging horses for the purposes she describes in her lawsuit.

For more information about this lawsuit, click here:

For the entire Veterinary Practice law, click here

June18, 2008
Southern States Products added to Feed Recall

From the FDA Website Enforcement Page: (scroll to the bottom)

RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: VETERINARY MEDICINE - CLASS III (click here for definitions of recall classes)

PRODUCT
a) Reliance Hay Stretcher Pelleted Horse Feed. The product is sold in a 50 lb bag,
Recall # V-207-2008;
b) Select 12P Pelleted Hose Feed. The product is sold in 50 lb bags,
Recall # V-208-2008;
c) Sheep Feed Pellets. The product is sold in 50 lb bags, Recall # V-209-2008
CODE
a) Lot: G8015;
b) Lot: G8018;
c) Lot: G7360
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Southern States dba Cooperative Milling, Inc., Gettysburg, PA, by telephone on March 28, 2008. Firm initiated recall is ongoing.
REASON
Elevated aflatoxin levels
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
1,142 bags
DISTRIBUTION
DE, MD, NH, NJ, NY, PA and VA

Contact your Southern States dealer if you have any questions.

May 23, 2008
United States Eventing Rule Change

On May 19, 2008 The USEA Excecutive Committee met and approved he following rule changes for immediate implementation. These rule changes were submitted by the USEF Eventing Technical Committee with the support of the USEA Eventing Standards Task Force.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: the first fall of competitor, at obstacles, on the Cross-Country course will result in Elimination.

For more information, click here or visit the USEA's website at www.useventing.com

May 6, 2008

Purina Mills Issues Eastern U.S. Feed Retrieval

Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC has implemented a voluntary product retrieval
of certain feeds manufactured between November 3, 2007 and February 8,
2008 at our Statesville, N.C., feed plant; between January 1, 2008 and February
8, 2008 at our Harrisburg, Penn., feed plant; and between January 1, 2008 and
March 10, 2008 at our Guilderland, N.Y. plant.

This voluntary retrieval was initiated due to the possible presence of aflatoxin
contamination above acceptable levels.

To date, we have received no confirmed aflatoxin-related animal health
complaints involving any of the retrieved products. Nevertheless, we have taken
such precautionary action as our utmost priority continues to be our customers
and the well-being of their animals.

All dealers who purchased any of the retrieved products directly from Land
O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC have been notified. These dealers are located in the
following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and
West Virginia.

Our investigation and product testing identified one ingredient of concern, which
originated from a single supplier. We have discontinued purchasing from this
supplier. Other feed companies that purchased from this supplier are facing a
similar situation.

For more information about specific products included in the retrieval, contact the
Statesville, N.C., Feed Plant at 704-924-5100 or the Harrisburg, Penn., Feed
Plant at 717-737-4581. www.purinamills.com

April 16, 2008

Former Marylander J. Michael Plumb First Equestrian Inducted in Olympic Hall of Fame

Eight-time Olympian, J. Michael Plumb, has marched in more Olympic Opening Ceremonies than any other U.S. Olympic athlete, equestrian or otherwise. Plumb's Olympic career began with the 1960 Olympic Games and he was named to every Olympic three-day team through 1984. His final appearance was at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. He tallied six Olympic medals, including team gold in 1976 and 1984, team silver in 1964, 1968 and 1972 and an individual silver in 1976. He won his first Olympic medal competing on a horse he had never ridden in competition before - an unprecedented feat. His international career also spanned several World Championships, including team and individual silver medals in 1974, and team bronze in 1978 and 1982. He is the first equestrian to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. courtesy usocpressbox.org & useventing.com

The ceremony will take place on June 19, in Chicago, IL.

March 13, 2008

CHARLES TOWN TRACK QUARANTINE LIFTED FOLLOWING TEST RESULTS

Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass lifted the quarantine against a Charles Town horse barn, and the horse race track will resume its regular racing and training schedule Thursday, March 13.

The horse barn was placed under quarantine Monday, March 10, 2008, after a local veterinarian reported he was treating a four-year-old filly for neurological symptoms of an unknown origin. Samples were taken for testing and track officials suspended racing and training as a precautionary measure.

The samples were analyzed for a wide variety of potential illnesses, including equine herpes virus, which has been detected in neighboring states in the past.

For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

 

March 11, 2008

CHARLES TOWN TRACK EVENTS SUSPENDED AS OFFICIALS INVESTIGATE SICK HORSE

The Maryland Department of Agriculture today was notified that a horse barn at the Charles Town racetrack in West Virginia was placed under a quarantine Monday after a local veterinarian reported he was treating a four-year-old filly for neurological symptoms of an unknown origin. Races and training have also been suspended through Thursday evening, pending test results on the sick horse.

There is no immediate threat to Maryland horses at this time. Maryland's State Veterinarian is satisfied that the West Virginia Department of Agriculture has taken all necessary and appropriate steps to control any diseases that may be present.

Test results should be complete later in the week, according to WV's State Veterinarian. None of the horses at the barn will be allowed to race until an infectious disease can be ruled out.

For more information, please visit: http://www.wvagriculture.org/news_releases/2008/3-11-08.html

February 27, 2008 - Former Marylander Nominated to Olympic Hall of Fame
Eight-time Olympian J. Michael Plumb (a former Marylander) is one of 18 athletes nominated from all Olympic sports for 2008 induction into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame presented by Allstate. Only 6 athletes will be selected.

Plumb's eight total appearances is still a record for the Olympics. He competed in seven consecutive Olympic Games, starting in 1960 in Rome. His last Olympic appearance was in 1992 in Barcelona. In 1976 in Montreal he was a member of the Gold Medal team, and the Individual Silver medalist. He was also on Gold Medal winning team in Los Angeles in 1984. In all, he won six Olympic medals, Pan American Games Gold medals, and has been the United States Eventing Association's Leading Rider of the Year ten times.

There is currently no equestrian in the the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

To vote for Plumb, go to the U.S Olympic Hall of Fame website, select "Vote Now for Individuals". The voting ends March 28, 2008.

Equine Herpesvirus Status

January 26- In a separate incident, Delaware Department of Agriculture has announced that a horse in that state has tested positive for the neurologic form of EHV-1. The Delaware Department of Ag. is keeping the Maryland Department of Agriculture aprised of the situation. No Maryland horses are known to be at risk from this incident; however, this is the time of year that EHV-1 seems to appear so all Maryland horse owners should use appropriate biosecurity measures for horses entering and exiting their farms/stables. Information about EHV-1 and biosecurity measures can be found through the link at the top of this page. Information about the Delaware incident can be found at the DDA website, http://dda.delaware.gov/ or download the pdf

January 25 - 11:00am Maryland Jockey Club Release

HOLD ORDER LIFTED AT BOWIE TRAINING CENTER
Tests Results are Negative For Neurologic Equine Herpesvirus on Blood
Samples and Nasal Swab

BOWIE, MD. 01-25-08---The Maryland Department of Agriculture has lifted the "Investigational Animal Hold Order" on Barn 7 and the isolated barn on the grandstand side of the Bowie Training Center after follow-up testing on the initial nasal swab samples sent to the University of Kentucky proved negative for the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1).

Blood samples taken on Tuesday morning, after a horse showed signs of the virus, were also negative for EHV-1. Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as "rhino"), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease.

" We followed the appropriate procedures and we are obviously relieved with the outcome," said Maryland Jockey Club president and general manager Chris Dragone. "We are pleased that the system worked and that everybody worked together so well."
The Department of Agriculture field veterinarian handling the case inspected the barn in question Friday morning and reported no signs of the virus in any of the 18 horses currently stabled in Barn 7 or in the suspected horse. The private veterinarian for trainer Robbie Bailes had been taking temperatures and monitoring all the horses this week and found no abnormalities.

" We were happy with the process," said Maryland Racing Commission veterinarian Dr. David Zipf. "The trainer was very receptive and cooperative. Because we know the virus is out there and we have learned that most of the outbreaks happen during the winter, we are better prepared than ever to identify the virus and respond quickly. " -Maryland Jockey Club

January 25 - 9:30am - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has lifted the Hold Order from Barn 7 and the isolation barn at Bowie Training Center after the University of Kentucky confirmed that follow up tests on nasal swab samples taken from an ehv-1 symptomatic horse came back negative for the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus-1. Results from blood tests also taken on Tuesday were negative for ehv-1.

 

Jan 24, 2008

Blood Test is Negative on Horse at Bowie Training Center - Hold Order Remains in Place Pending Laboratory Results;

Updates posted at www.mda.state.md.us

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Jan. 24, 2008)- Test results on blood samples taken from a horse at Bowie Training Center that is showing signs consistent with equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) were negative; however, nasal swab samples were inconclusive. New samples are being taken today and sent to the University of Kentucky for analysis. Results may be available as soon as Friday afternoon.

While the new test results are pending, the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s "Investigational Animal Hold Order" will remain in place on Barn 7 at the Bowie Training Center. The symptomatic horse was relocated from Barn 7 into an empty barn away from other horses as a precautionary measure. The hold order restricts the movement of horses to and from Barn 7 and the isolation barn. None of the other horses in Barn 7 are showing signs of illness and the symptomatic horse is improving.

Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as "rhino"), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease. The Hold Order will remain in place until test results are available later this week.

MDA reminds all horse owners keep their animal’s vaccinations up to date and to take preventative biosecurity measures all year long to keep their horses healthy. Updates about the possible EHV-1 case will be posted as soon as they are available at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Website, www.mda.state.md.us. Information about equine herpesvirus and preventative measures horse owners can take is also posted on this site.

BOWIE, MD. 01-24-08

Blood Sample Negative On Horse Showing Signs Of Equine Herpesvirus

Blood samples on the Bowie-based horse that was sent to isolation by the Maryland Department of Agriculture on Tuesday were negative for equine herpesvirus (EHV-1). However an "Investigational Animal Hold Order" is still in place on Barn 7 of the Bowie Training Center after the nasal swab was inconclusive. New samples will be taken this afternoon and overnighted to the University of Kentucky. Results could be available Friday afternoon.

Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as "rhino"), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease.

The horse in question was relocated into an empty barn on the grandstand side of the road as a precautionary measure. According to the trainer, the condition of the horse showing signs consistent with EHV-1 continues to improve.

None of the horses in Barn 7 are allowed to mingle with the general population until the Hold Order is lifted. No other horses in the barn where the affected horse had been stabled are showing any signs of illness. Courtesy the Maryland Jockey Club

January 23 -4:00pm - MDA News Release

Test results are still pending. No other horses in the barn where the affected horse had been stabled are showing any signs of illness. According to the attending veterinarian, the condition of the horse showing signs of EHV-1 is improving.

January 23 - MDA News Release

Maryland Department of Agriculture Places Hold Order on Barn at Bowie Training Center Pending Laboratory Results; Updates posted at www.mda.state.md.us

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Jan. 23, 2008)- The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA )has placed an initial "Investigational Animal Hold Order" pending laboratory results on Barn 7 at the Bowie Training Center yesterday after a horse showed signs consistent with those of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as "rhino"), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease. Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken on the horse. Results should be available later this week. The horse in question was relocated into an empty barn on the grandstand side of the road as a precautionary measure. The Hold Order will remain in place until test results are available later this week.

MDA reminds all horse owners keep their animal’s vaccinations up to date and to take preventative biosecurity measures all year long to keep their horses healthy. Updates about the possible EHV-1 case will be posted as soon as they are available at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Website, www.mda.state.md.us. Information about equine herpesvirus and preventative measures horse owners can take are also posted on this site.

INVESTIGATIONAL HOLD ORDER PLACED ON BOWIE BARN - 1/22/08

BOWIE, MD. 01-22-08---The Maryland Department of Agriculture placed an initial "Investigational Animal Hold Order" pending laboratory results on Barn 7 at the Bowie Training Center today after a horse showed symptoms similar to those of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1). Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as "rhino"), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease.

Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken on the horse this afternoon. Results should be available later this week. The horse in question was relocated into an empty barn on the grandstand side of the road as a precautionary measure.

“We are monitoring the situation and taking the proper precautions,” said Chris Dragone, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “We faced this situation two years ago and wanted to be proactive in communicating what we know.” Courtesy of the Maryland Jockey Club

For more information on the history of EHV-1 in Maryland, please click here

Maryland Department of Agriculture

Maryland Takes Disciplinary Action on Six Veterinary Practice Violations - 12/12/07


ANNAPOLIS, MD (Dec. 12, 2007) - The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) filed the following disciplinary actions between Aug. 16 and Nov. 20, 2007. This announcement is part of MDA's new efforts to make the public aware of the agency's regulatory activities on a routine basis.

Benjamin Harman, D.V.M. (Allegany County) - On Nov. 20, the Board and Dr. Harman finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a resolution of a complaint. A canine owner filed a complaint after her dog was diagnosed as having a gauze square left in its abdomen after surgery performed by Dr. Harman. As part of the Consent Agreement, Dr. Harman was assessed a $1,000 civil penalty and was placed on a six-month probation.

Frederick K. Adams, D.V.M. (Montgomery County) - On Oct. 25, the Board and Dr. Adams finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a resolution of complaints filed by three pet owners. The Board concluded that Dr. Adams violated the Veterinary Practice Act by failing to provide basic care to the pets while under his care, providing false information to pet owners, and failing to take appropriate and timely steps to return pets despite frequent owner attempts to retrieve their pets. As a result, Dr. Adams' license was suspended for six months, which was stayed. He was prohibited indefinitely from boarding and hospitalizing animals, and was placed on three years of probation.

Timothy J. Cujdik, D.V.M. (Baltimore County) - On Oct. 18, the Board and Dr. Cujdik finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a disciplinary action for Dr. Cujdik practicing veterinary medicine without a valid veterinary registration. Dr. Cujdik took steps to renew his registration for the 2006-2007 Licensing Year before the Board took disciplinary action on his license. He was assessed a $250 civil penalty, which has been paid.

Richard L. Springer, D.V.M. (Prince George's County) - On Oct. 17, the Board and Dr. Springer finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a resolution to a complaint filed by a dog owner. The Board concluded that Dr. Springer violated the Veterinary Practice Act by failing to meet record keeping requirements and providing substandard care. His license was suspended for two weeks, which was stayed. Additionally, Dr. Springer was assessed a $1,850 civil penalty and was placed on a six-month probation.

Badr E. Oweis, D.V.M. (Baltimore County) - On Aug. 16, the Board and Dr. Oweis finalized two Consent Agreements concerning separate disciplinary actions. Under the first agreement, Dr. Oweis was charged with failing to meet at least the minimal standards of care in conjunction with a dog's surgery. He was assessed a $1,000 civil penalty, which was stayed in exchange for reimbursement of the pet owner's subsequent veterinary fees. Dr. Oweis' license was suspended for 60 days, which was stayed and he was placed on probation for one year. Under the second agreement, Dr. Oweis was charged with failing to provide appropriate care to a boarded pet, failing to meet at least the minimal standards of care in conjunction with a rabbit's surgery, and failing to comply with record-keeping requirements. Dr. Oweis was assessed a $3,600 civil penalty, which was stayed. His license was suspended for 42 days, of which 14 days were stayed, and he was placed on probation for one year. The probationary period imposed on Dr. Oweis for the two cases is to be served concurrently.

The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in Maryland, which includes filing disciplinary actions against veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and veterinary hospital owners charged with violating the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act and its regulations. In addition to suspending or revoking a veterinarian's license, the Board may impose a civil penalty up to $5,000. The Board also investigates consumer complaints, initiates investigations, and determines whether disciplinary action shall be taken against licensees or registrants.

In 2007, the Board investigated 77 complaints, filed 20 formal disciplinary actions, and issued 26 letters of advice or admonishment. For more information about the Board or to file a complaint, call 410-841-5862 or visit www.mda.state.md.us/animal_health/vetboard.

For more than 30 years, MDA has been protecting consumers and the environment and ensuring fairness in the marketplace through enforcement of the law. MDA strives for swift resolution to violations of the laws in the Agriculture Article and the deterrence of future violations by the regulated community.