Public Notice: Detection of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in two calves in Zavala County, Texas. While there are no detections in Arkansas at this time, livestock and animal owners should stay alert and take preventative action.

According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, movement of animals into Arkansas from the affected area in Texas will be restricted according to established federal NWS response guidance and a state entry permit will also be required for those animals.
Additionally, all warm-blooded animals from Texas must be accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (iCVI) dated within 7 days of entry into Arkansas and must include the following statement: “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.” Group-housed food producing animals may be visually inspected in their group settings according to federal NWS response guidance. Individual inspection is required for all other animals."

Upcoming Regional Events with Continuing Education

District II: June 15, 2026 in Mountain Home

Legislative Meet and Greet
Hosted by ArVMA

Date: Monday, June 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM- 6:30 PM
Location: Mountain Home Aquatic & Community Center

Note: Please RSVP for the Meet & Greet and the Dinner/CE separately.

This is a great opportunity to connect with your District II peers and meet our new partners from DBH Management Consultants. RSVP to arkvetmed@gmail.com

Dinner & Continuing Education Immediately following the Meet & Greet, please join us for dinner and a CE session at 6:30pm, sponsored by Merck Animal Health. RSVP to sandra.cooper@merck.com

District IV: June 18, 2026 in Barling

Legislative Meet and Greet
Hosted by ArVMA

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM- 6:30 PM
Location: The BluPoint

Meet & Greet RSVP arkvetmed@gmail.com

Note: Separate RSVPs are required for each portion of the evening.

Connect with local colleagues and meet our new lobbyist team, DBH Management Consultants from 6:00 to 6:30 pm.

Stick around after networking for a sponsored dinner and CE session by Zoetis Petcare from 6:30-8:30.

Dinner/ CE RSVP
whitney.hughes@zoetis.com

May Legislative Meet & Greets

Left: District I Event Center: A State Tour
Right: District III Event

ArVMA's Luncheon with the Governor

A fundraising luncheon for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was held on June 2 at the Red & Blue Events Center in Little Rock, attended by 31 ArVMA supporters.

The event was coordinated in partnership with DBH Management. Through direct donations and contributions to the ArVMA PAC, the event raised over $34,000.

Click here to donate to the ArVMA PAC fund.

DBH Management pictured with ArVMA's Executive Director, Brittny Daubenheyer

ArVMA President, Dr. Sarah Shedenhelm, introducing Governor Sanders before her address to members.

Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, Wes Ward, connecting with ArVMA members.

ArVMA Honor Roll Member, Dr. Hartford Hamilton, with his wife, Mrs. Laurie Black-Pickens Hamilton.

AVMA VCPR Article

For a deeper look into recent veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) discussions, AVMA attorney Philip Goldberg has authored an informational article for JAVMA (linked here). The piece analyzes two key court cases—Hines v. Pardue and Chiles v. Salazar—and outlines critical legal takeaways for practicing veterinarians.

Survey Opportunity

Christi Brunz, RVT, B.S., is in the final phase of completing her Master of Science in Applied Biosciences at Kansas State University. For her capstone project, she is investigating the key barriers that limit participation of veterinary clinics in clinical field trials. Using a mixed‑methods research approach and collaboration with the veterinary community, her study aims to evaluate clinic perceptions, identify common challenges, and translate those findings into practical, actionable solutions to support more efficient development of new veterinary products.

She has designed a survey to evaluate veterinary participation in clinical field trials and identify factors that influence involvement. It gathers anonymous input from veterinarians and veterinary technicians to better understand their experiences, perspectives, and opportunities to enhance engagement. Participation is voluntary and confidential, and the results will help support improvements in clinical research practices.

Survey Link: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3qudlvnjCGx8CH4

Attend SWVS 2026!

Attend SWVS 2026 and help strengthen our association’s impact! Your participation supports CE, advocacy, and member resources in our state.

Early-Bird Registration closes June 30th.

Register Today!