America's Veterinarians Arrive in Atlanta for Annual Convention

ATLANTA, July 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 9,000 veterinary professionals and their guests are arriving in Atlanta for the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) annual convention at the Georgia World Congress Center. The convention runs from July 31 – Aug. 3.

The AVMA Convention is packed with story ideas, interviews and photo opportunities. Veterinary experts from around the world are in attendance to discuss hot topics such as animal welfare, stem cell therapy, public health, food safety, disaster response, complementary therapies, behavior modification, trends in pet ownership and health, and advances in veterinary medicine.

In the exhibit hall, more than 250 companies and organizations of all sizes are showcasing the latest in veterinary technology, educational materials, and products for pets and their owners.

Here are just a few program highlights:

• Rabies in earthquake-ravaged Haiti: As Haitians continue to reel from a devastating earthquake, human rabies cases are on the rise and adding to the nation's ongoing challenges. Haiti's chief veterinarian will address the issue.
• Pet Hospice: While few people were talking about it 15 years ago, hospice pet care is quickly growing into an important aspect of veterinary medicine.
• Dog bite prevention: Animal aggression is the most common behavioral issue facing pet owners and veterinarians, with children the most common victims of dog bites.
• Melamine, pets and people: Even after the 2007 pet food recall, melamine contamination in foods for animals and people continues.

To learn more about the event, visit www.avmaconvention.org, and we invite you to check out our Press Room for the latest media alerts and updates.

The AVMA and its more than 80,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association