The nation’s veterinarians will be meeting this summer in Washington, D.C., for the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 144th Annual Convention. The convention, held July 14-18 at the Washington Convention Center, will feature some of the nation’s leading veterinary experts discussing a wide variety of topics on veterinary medicine and public health, including avian influenza, bioterrorism, pet nutrition, alternative medicine, and much more. In all, more than 1,000 topics will be discussed by 600 world-renowned experts over the 5-day convention.

In addition, the convention will begin with a presentation by keynote speaker Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who will discuss CDC’s focus on diseases spread by animals and the increased importance of veterinarians in public health.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 75,000 member veterinarians engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association’s issues, policies and activities.