West LaFayette, Ind. - A vaccine that could offer protection from highly pathogenic bird flu and its evolving forms is under development by Purdue University and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) researchers.

ST. Louis — Purina will dish out more than $400,000 to the Delta Society for its animal-assisted therapy.

NASHVILLE, TEN. — Sedation before intracardial injection euthanasia soon will be required in Tennessee after a DVM's highly publicized disciplinary case led lawmakers to push for legislative clarification on the method.

Gainesville, fla. — Construction is under way for the Pathogen Research Facility, slated to house the University of Florida's (UFL) new Emerging Pathogens Institute that aims to improve disease preparedness, prevention and treatment statewide.

Bethesda, MD. — The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) is moving forward to develop the new group, including plans this month to announce leadership council members.

Ames, Iowa— A previously unknown eye disease that can cause canine blindness has been discovered and named at Iowa State University.

Lakewood, Colo. — Created in 1933 to help "pet doctors" boost the standards of companion-animal care, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is marking its 75th anniversary.

Philadelphia — The Penn Vet World Award — created to honor veterinarians who have spurred practice change and profession recognition, and influenced the lives and careers of others — was presented to Dr. Bernard Vallat, director-general of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

Schaumburg, Ill. — Pet health insurance is on the Group Health and Life Insurance Trust's (GHLIT) agenda, with goals to guide veterinarians on current public offerings and tentative plans to provide its own program one day.