Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia), discusses the upcoming VMX workshop on mechanical ventilation, which she will co-present with Tami Lind , BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), and Darci Palmer , LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia).

Mechanical ventilation lab coming to VMX 2025

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia), director of training and staff development at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey, and a founder of the Anesthesia Nerds organization, discusses the upcoming Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) workshop on mechanical ventilation, in an interview with 

. McNerney will co-present the workshop with Tami Lind, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), and Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), for a VMX audience of veterinary professionals who are new to mechanical ventilators or who are considering a ventilator purchase in the future. It will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025; 8 am to 12 pm, at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida. 

The following is transcript of the video:

Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia)

: The mechanical ventilation lab is going to be really interesting. It's taught by myself, and then 2 other VTS techs, Tammy Lind, [BS, RVT, VTS (ECC),] out of Purdue [University], and then Darcy Palmer, [LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia),] who is out of Tuskegee [University]. Pretty amazing, amazing faculty. 

So, we are going to walk people through a case-based approach to when am I going to need to use a mechanical ventilator. I'm watching this patient under anesthesia. At what point do I say, 'hey, this patient needs more support than what I can just give manually.' And when should I throw on that mechanical ventilator? 

Then, we're going to take it a step further, and we're going to look at different types of mechanical ventilators, because you might go into one practice, and they may have a very basic, volume-driven mechanical ventilator, but then you might go into, say, our downstairs [at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital], and you may have a very advanced mechanical ventilator that has 6 different settings and different modes. And how do you choose one over the other? When do you increase your tidal volume. When would you increase your respiratory rate?... 

Because Tammy is a VTS in emergency and critical care, we're also then going to be exploring long-term mechanical ventilation and how that long term mechanical ventilation plays in the ICU. So she's going to be going over the ICU ventilator in particular, and how, again, you can change different settings based on the way your patient is presenting to you.

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Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPM, VTS (Anesthesia), discusses the upcoming VMX workshop on mechanical ventilation, which she will co-present with Tami Lind, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), and Darci Palmer, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)

Guiding technicians using mechanical ventilation in patient care

(Image courtesy of The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)

After the recent discovery of New World screwworm (NWS) infection in a cow located in Southern Mexico, the United States federal government has begun to take action to prevent NWS from entering the country. The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released $165 million in emergency funding to protect pets, livestock, and wildlife in the US.

NWS can infect any living mammal, including humans, and birds in rare cases. The infestation occurs when a female fly lays eggs on a host’s open wounds and other vulnerable areas. The larvae then burrow themselves into the flesh, causing severe damage, infection, and in many cases, death.

In 1966, the United States declared that NWS had been eradicated through sterile insect techniques, which involves the release of sterile male flies to disrupt reproduction and gradually reduce the pest population.

 There was one outbreak since this, which took place in the Florida Keys in 2016 but was limited to only the Key islands 

Although eradicated in the US, screwworm is endemic in Central and South American countries, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and has recently spread rapidly throughout Panama and into Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Then, in November 22, 2024, The chief veterinary officer of Mexico notified APHIS that the country had a positive detection of NSW in southern Mexico, near the Guatemalan border.

“The current outbreaks in Central America demonstrate the need for USDA to increase its investment in NWS eradication and prevention,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA under secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, in an APHIS release.

 “If NWS were to spread to the United States, it would result in significant economic losses and threats to animal health and welfare. This funding will allow for a coordinated emergency response to control the outbreak and prevent NWS from spreading to the United States.”

The funding from APHIS will help support intensified surveillance, animal health checkpoints, and working with Mexico and Central American countries to help establish a new barrier on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as well as reestablish the Panama Barrier. The measures will also involve eradicating areas affected by NWS through the sterile insect technique.

Along with funding, APHIS will tighten restrictions on imports of animal products originating from, or transitioning through, Mexico. APHIS is also urging livestock producers located on the US southern border to monitor their animals for signs of NWS, which include enlarging or draining wounds, discomfort, and the presence of larvae or eggs near superficial injuries.

The USDA is encouraging pet owners and producers to report any potential cases to their local animal health authorities immediately and any person who suspects they have a screwworm infection should seek immediate medical attention.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Screwworm maggots inflict significant damage to its host by tearing its tissue with the maggots sharp mouth hooks.

 When compared to normal maggots that only feed on tissue that is either dead or dying, the screwworm feeds on healthy living tissues. If infected, more larvae hatch and will continue to feed, potentially expanding and deepening the wounds that can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, harm. If these infections are left untreated, NWS-caused myiasis can be fatal within 7-10 days.

NWS-infested wounds usually include discharge of blood and serum, drainage, suppuration, and has a distinctive odor. Secondary infections are also common, and a close examination could show shingle-like deposition of fly eggs in marginal or peripheral masses.

The third day of infection is when the larvae are visible and are positioned head-down with their posterior ends at the surface of the wound.

 If the wound is deep, pocket-like, and the opening small, minor movement within the wound could be the only indication of infestation.

Anyone interested in learning more about NWS should visit the APHIS website.

USDA Approves Emergency Funding to Protect U.S. Livestock and Animals from New World Screwworm. News release. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. December 13, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-approves-emergency-funding-protect-us-livestock-animals-new-world#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20December%2013%2C%202024%20%E2%80%93,and%20to%20increase%20USDA's%20ongoing

Nolen RS. Mexico screwworm case triggers US emergency response. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published December 20, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/mexico-screwworm-case-triggers-us-emergency-response

Articles

Veterinarians in the United States are asked to be on the lookout for signs of possible infections 

Screwworm case in Mexico prompts emergency response in the United States

The Veterinary Hospital Management Association (VHMA) has launched a new scholarship program to support veterinary management professionals who aspire to earn the organization’s Certified Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) credential. The Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program also honors the founder and visionary behind the certification.

In 1981, Opperman founded the VHMA, which has grown to serve more than 5000 members with training, education, and resources. He led the efforts to create the CVPM certification program, which was launched in 1989. The CVPM certification is only available through VHMA, and is highest credential that a veterinary practice management professional can achieve, according to the association.

“We hope to continue Mark Opperman’s legacy by paving the way for more practice management professionals to attain the CVPM certification,” Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA executive director, said in a news release.

CVOM: VHMA’s new veterinary management certification program

Prior to taking the CVPM exam, applicants need to meet practice management experience requirements and demonstrate that they have earned sufficient formal education and continuing education credits, according to VHMS. The CVPM exam is rigorous, testing management knowledge in the areas of human resources, law and ethics, marketing, organization of the practice, and finance. Candidates can access the exam electronically throughout North America.

Recent CVPM credential earners were announced by VHMA last month. The following 15 individuals were named to the certification class of November 2024: Brooke Aicher, Erik Amador, Crystal Bear, Justina Cutler, Lauralee Dorst, Scarlett Fox, Diane Franklin, Maggie Holcomb, Becca Hollis, Jennifer Knap, Abbey Oldani, Nancy Schwartz, Danielle Wholey and Rebecca Wilson.

Each year, the Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program will recognize 1 practice manager and financially assist them by covering the cost of its application fee. The annual deadline to apply for the scholarship is September 1 with applications submitted through the VHMA 

To qualify for the award program, candidates must be a paid VHMA member in good standing, meet the current CVPM program qualifications, have active employment as a practice manager for a minimum of 3 years within the last 7 years, have completed 18 college semester hours in management-related courses, provide 4 letters of recommendation and submit a 250-word essay on mentorship. Applicants who have already taken and passed the CVPM examination do not qualify, according to VHMA.

VHMA announces the Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program. News release. Veterinary Hospital Management Association. January 16, 2024.

Veterinary practice managers earn prestigious CVPM designation. News release. Veterinary Hospital Management Association. December 12, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

https://www.vhma.org/blogs/vhma-admin/2024/12/12/cvpmnovember2024class

The Mark Opperman Scholarship Award Program honors the association's founder and visionary behind the CVPM certification.

New scholarship program for practice managers is launched

Purina announced it has selected the 5 pet care startup finalists from across the United States for its 9

 annual Pet Care Innovation Prize out of almost 150 applicants. Each of the chosen finalist represented startups across from the pet care industry will receive $25,000 and Purina will provide them mentorship support.

"At Purina, our commitment to enriching the lives of pets and their people is strengthened through collaboration with innovative startups, such as the incredible cohort of this year's Pet Care Innovation Prize finalists," Patrick Mullen, co-lead of Purina's 9 Square Ventures group and vice president of strategic planning at Purina, said in a news release.

 "These passionate pet care entrepreneurs are tackling challenges in a variety of areas that all have the opportunity to help pets and those who are passionate about them thrive. We are excited to partner with these companies to foster their growth and success in the continuously growing and competitive pet care landscape."

: An artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to predict disease, generate diagnostic plans, and support nutrition for longevity. The company also is working to solve workflow and documentation challenges for staff and reduce the number of clicks it takes to finish exams, allowing teams to focus more on patient care.

: Maven is a veterinary-recommended health sensor that is capable of continuously monitoring a patient’s wellbeing as well as identify early, and clinically relevant, changes.

: Ten Lives produces clean animal protein for cats. The company uses microbes to convert sugar to protein to develop the same proteins that are found in prey naturally, such as fish, lamb, and rabbit. Ten Lives is also made without any animals in human-grade precision fermentation facilities.

ShopDot Pet is a platform allowing neighborhood pet care providers, such as veterinarians, groomers, and trainers, to generate additional revenue by spelling pet essentials with no heavy cost of inventory shipping. The platform allows pet service business and pet brands to sell more and collaborate.

 Yak9 Chews is a pet brand dedicated to long lasting and all-natural cheese chews for dogs.

According to the release, in addition to the $25,000, each winning startup winner will also receive mentorship from the Pet Care Innovation team at Purina and Active Capital.

 Each winner will also participate in an accelerator boot camp in St. Louis, Missouri at Purina’s headquarters which will feature sessions with top pet experts at Purina as well as influential voices across the pet care industry.

In March 2025, each winner will compete for an additional $25,000 during a pitch competition at Global Pet Expo and each startup will present to Purina executives, industry influencers, and investors. Last year's finalists included Swiftpaws, BetsyBnD, Arch Pet Food, RYERCAT, and VetChip.

Purina Awards $125,000 to Five U.S.-Based Pet Startups through 2025 Pet Care Innovation Prize. News release. Nestlé Purina PetCare. January 15, 2025. Accessed January 16, 2025. 

https://newscenter.purina.com/2025-01-15-Purina-Awards-125,000-to-Five-U-S-Based-Pet-Startups-through-2025-Pet-Care-Innovation-Prize

dvm360 staff. 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize finalists announced. 

. January 9, 2024. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/2024-pet-care-innovation-prize-finalists-announced

These United States-based companies were the selected winners of Purina’s 2025 Pet Care Innovation Prize 

Five pet startups awarded $125,000

From a young age, I’ve felt a deep connection to animals. Whether I was caring for my pets or volunteering at shelters, I always knew my life’s purpose was to help animals and improve their well-being. That passion has guided me through every step of my journey, shaping both who I am and the professional I aspire to be.

I began my academic career at Auburn University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in animal science. My time there gave me a strong foundation in animal health, biology, and critical thinking. I loved every moment—studying late into the night, gaining hands-on experience, and diving deeper into the science of animal care. Those experiences solidified my commitment to veterinary medicine and prepared me for the next chapter of my journey.

Now, as a DVM candidate at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, class of 2028, I am working to turn my passion into expertise. My interests have become more focused on small animal medicine and emergency care. There is something incredibly rewarding about being able to help animals in their most critical moments. Whether it’s stabilizing a patient in crisis or guiding a pet owner through a difficult decision, I strive to provide both technical excellence and compassionate support.

Veterinary school has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling. The rigorous coursework—mastering drug dosages, fluid therapy, anatomy, and more—has pushed me to grow academically and professionally. I thrive on understanding the intricacies of veterinary medicine, and the hands-on clinical experiences have been invaluable. Every long night of studying is worth it when I think about the impact I will one day make in the profession.

As an African American woman in a profession where diversity remains limited, I understand that there will be challenges. Representation matters, and I am proud to be part of a growing community of underrepresented professionals in veterinary medicine. I am ready to meet those challenges head-on, not just for myself but for those who come after me. I want to show others, especially young women and minorities, that they, too, can pursue their dreams in this profession and make a difference.

What truly drives me, however, is the connection I share with animals and their owners. I am passionate about providing not only the best medical care but also reassurance and empathy to the families who entrust me with their pets. Veterinary medicine, to me, is as much about communication and understanding as it is about science. I strive to ensure every client feels supported and informed.

I also take pride in supporting my peers. Whether it’s collaborating on challenging topics, breaking down complex concepts, or sharing study strategies, I enjoy fostering a sense of teamwork and helping those around me succeed. Veterinary medicine is a collective effort, and I believe that by uplifting one another, we can make a greater impact in the profession.

Looking ahead, I envision myself working in a fast-paced emergency hospital, where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their families. I am drawn to the critical, high-stakes environment of emergency care and thrive under the pressure of solving complex problems. My goal is to combine my technical skills, compassion, and commitment to lifelong learning to provide the highest standard of care.

Veterinary medicine is not just a career for me, it is a calling. I am honored to be on this journey and look forward to contributing to the profession, breaking barriers, building connections with clients, and improving the lives of animals for years to come.

Maya Burgess is a veterinary student at Tuskegee University (Class of 2028) with a focus on small animal and emergency medicine. An Auburn University alum with a degree in animal science, they are dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine through knowledge, hands-on experience, and a commitment to animal well-being.

A dvm360 student ambassador shares their journey as a veterinary student, highlighting their experiences in the profession as an underrepresented student

My journey to becoming a veterinary professional

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently shared a new tool that connects trained veterinary first responders with state officials in need of their assistance during disasters and emergencies. This new resource—the veterinary first responder registry—expands upon the AVMA Axon Veterinary First Responder Certificate program, according to the organization.

The AVMA Veterinary First Responder Certificate program is designed to ensure that veterinarians and veterinary students are prepared to respond effectively to disasters and animal health emergencies. “The program serves as a framework for ensuring veterinarians and veterinary students have the knowledge and skills to serve as first responders,” wrote the AVMA in its program description.

Participants must complete a series of approved courses and educational materials that cover core competencies, including disaster preparedness and situational awareness with solutions to health concerns, biosecurity, euthanasia techniques, reporting and responding to zoonotic and foreign animal diseases, and more. Upon completion, learners must submit proof of completion to AVMA reviewers, and, pending approval, will receive an AVMA Veterinary First Responder certificate.

Once participants have earned the certificate, they will be added to the veterinary first responder registry, which will allow authorized state officials to reach out to them and inform them of opportunities to assist. Certificate holders who prefer not to be included in the registry can opt to have their information withheld.

Only veterinarians and veterinary students who have completed the AVMA First Responder Certificate program can be included in the registry. Requirements can be met through approved veterinary colleges and coursework from the AVMA, according to the organization.

“The Veterinarian’s Oath” pledges all veterinarians to use our scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society,” wrote the AVMA in the release.

 “Serving as a veterinary first responder is one way in which we are able to do so. So is joining the AVMA, which empowers the Association to create and maintain tools that aid this work, like the first responder registry and the certificate program.”

 met with the team at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey and talked about things veterinary teams can 

 with their clients regarding disaster preparation for their pets.

“If you have to evacuate because there's a fire coming, with cats, especially, that can be hard to do. So, having their crate or their carrier of some kind out fairly frequently, so they get used to it. Put bedding in there, put treats in there. So, [that] they know it's kind of a safe space and if you have to put them in there, it's not going to be a big shock,” said Karen Roach, RVT, VTS (ECC), a team trainer at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital, in an interview with 

“If you have animals that you can't just throw in your car, you might need to just let them loose. Let them get out of the way on their own and find them later. I know we don't often microchip our horses and goats, but that might not be a bad idea—to have some kind of [identification] on if you have those kind of pets or livestock,” she continued.

 from emergency care experts to help prepare clients and veterinary teams for disaster situations. The report includes information on disaster preparation, pet emergency kits, and what to do during a disaster, including how to provide emergency care, with a focus on situations involving fires.

Additional resources from the AVMA for veterinarian and animal owner disaster preparation and response can be found at avma.org/Disaster.

Our oath in action: New AVMA tool supports disaster response. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. January 8, 2025. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/blog/our-oath-action-new-avma-tool-supports-disaster-response?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-blog

Veterinary First Responder Certificate Program. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://axon.avma.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=198

Roach K, Coppock Crossley K. Preparing animals for emergency evacuation. 

. January 8, 2025. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/preparing-animals-for-emergency-evacuation

Coppock Crossley K. Tips to help prepare clients and the veterinary team for a disaster situation. 

. January 10, 2025. Accessed January 15, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/tips-to-help-prepare-clients-and-the-veterinary-team-for-a-disaster-situation

Veterinary professionals and students who complete an AVMA first responder certificate program will gain access to the veterinary first responder registry