E- Source An electronic newsletter highlighting veterinary issues for Illinois veterinarians
October 21, 2004 Volume II, Number 14
In This Issue · ISVMA Spay/Neuter Survey · Dr. Donald Uhlir (1951-2004) · Animal Antibiotic Use Still Falling Contact Us peter@isvma.org	ISVMA Needs Your Input! The ISVMA has created a survey on a very important issue that continues to be debated in the Illinois legislature. An Illinois Senate Task Force has been holding hearings around the state to discuss a statewide Spay/Neuter program for low-income pet owners. This is the same program supported by the ASPCA and opposed by ISVMA during the last legislative session. There have already been hearings in Chicago and Waukegan and a third hearing is scheduled for Springfield on October 27, 2004. Please take 90 seconds to fill out a web survey so we can have your input on this proposal. Go to http://www.isvma.org/spayneutersurvey.htm and click on the SUBMIT SURVEY button to e-mail your responses to ISVMA. Dr. Donald Uhlir (1951-2004) Dr. Donald George Uhlir, a longtime member of ISVMA and partner at the Bloomingdale Animal Hospital died on Saturday, October 16, 2004 at his home after fighting a courageous battle with colon cancer. He had kept active, independent, and was working up until his final days. Dr. Uhlir was a 1976 graduate of the University of Illinois – College of Veterinary Medicine. He was an avid nature lover – he especially enjoyed fly fishing. He was cherished by his many friends, family and four-legged friends. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Susan A. Uhlir of Marengo. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 24, 2004 at the Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 East Grant Highway, Marengo, IL 60152. Interment will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated by the family to the American Cancer Society, the Barn Swallow Manor of Wauconda or the University of Illinois Alumni Association. For information call Marengo-Union Funeral Home at (815) 568-8131. Animal Health Institute – Animal Antibiotic Use Still Falling The volume of antibiotics used in animals in the United States fell nearly 8 percent in 2003 from 2002, the Animal Health Institute of Washington, D.C. reported. The trade group said the decline is evidence of increasingly careful use of antibiotics. Meanwhile, the percentage of veterinary antibiotics produced for therapeutic use, compared to health maintenance purposes, has also increased, from 83 percent in 2001 to 92 percent in 2003. The group does not break down antibiotics prescribed per species, but does by broad class. In 2003, members of the organization produced 20.2 million pounds of active antibacterial ingredients for use in farm and companion animals, compared to 22 million pounds in 2002. The trade group surveys its manufacturer members annually on production figures. Production figures have decreased each year since 1999, when 24.4 million pounds were produced. During that time, total meat production has risen from nearly 82 billion pounds to more than 85 billion pounds in 2003.