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Ruen to Serve on AVMA Steering Committee on Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobials

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has established a committee to collaborate with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on issues associated with veterinary oversight of antimicrobials. Dr. Paul Ruen, AASV Past President, is one of five veterinarians selected to serve on the committee.

The committee is charged with the following:

  • Ascertain the FDA's expectations of the veterinary community and limitations in terms of regulatory and statutory authority as the Administration continues to establish policy on the role of veterinarians 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 to 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 the Executive Board.

The steering committee is authorized to hold up to six meetings at either AVMA headquarters or in Washington, DC as necessary and is expected to sunset at the end of 2012 unless continued by the Executive Board. 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 committee members appointed by the Executive Board chair are: The new members are:

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