AVMA committee to advise FDA on antimicrobial issues

The American Veterinary Medical Association has established a committee to collaborate with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on issues associated with veterinary oversight of antimicrobials. The pork industry will be represented, as Paul Ruen, DVM, past president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, is one of five veterinarians selected to serve on the committee.

This committee will be involved with the following:

• Ascertain FDA's expectations of the veterinary community, as well as its limitations in terms of regulatory and statutory authority as FDA continues to establish policy on veterinarians’ role and veterinary use of antimicrobials.
• Address the advisability and feasibility of various avenues of implementing greater veterinary oversight.
• Be informed by relevant AVMA policies and, where necessary, provide scientific information and rationale.
• Provide information, as well as solicit, consider and thoroughly analyze feedback from relevant AVMA entities.
• Advise on potential revisions to existing policy, as well as develop and recommend new policies as appropriate to AVMA’s Executive Board.

The steering committee is authorized to hold up to six meetings at either AVMA headquarters or in Washington, D.C. as necessary. It is expected to sunset at the end of 2012 unless AVMA’s Executive Board extends it.

The committee will submit regular reports and updates to the relevant AVMA entities and the executive board. Committee recommendations will be submitted to the executive board following consideration by the pertinent AVMA entities.

The five new committee members that AVMA’s Executive Board chairman appointed include:  

• Thomas  Hairgrove, DVM, DABVP, program coordinator for Livestock and Food Animal Systems, Texas Agrilife Extension Service, Texas A&M System;
• Charles Hofacre, DVM, MAM, Ph.D., professor, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health;
• Paul Ruen, DVM, partner, private practice specializing in swine medicine and production consultation, AVMA immediate past president;
• Joni Scheftel, DVM, MPH, diplomate ACVPM, state public health veterinarian, Minnesota;
• Lorin Warnick, DVM, Ph.D., DACVP, professor of ambulatory and production medicine and an associate dean for veterinary education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University.

Source: AASV