Day: August 8, 2008

Some small animal practitioners face slower growth or falling revenues alongside rising expenses Home foreclosures. Rising fuel prices. Rising food prices. Job losses. Losses in the stock market. In the current economic climate, small animal practitioners may fear that pet owners have less discretionary income or are less willing to spend on veterinary care. Practices also must account for some of the same cost increases as households. Although statistics on practice revenues and expenses in 2008 are generally not available yet, veterinarians with expertise in economics believe most small animal practitioners are weathering the slowdown or downturn—varying

The Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has posted answers to frequently asked questions about implementation of the feed ban to prevent the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The FDA recently published the BSE final rule, “Substances Prohibited from Use in Animal Food or Feed.” The relevant FAQ is at www.fda.gov/cvm/bse_QA.htm. Individuals with additional questions can contact Shannon Jordre, Division of Compliance (HFV-230), Office of Surveillance and Compliance, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, MPN IV Bldg., Room 113, 7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855-2773;telephone, (240) 276-9229. The BSE final rule appeared in the