News, action alerts, and briefs on critical issues affecting food safety are available through the new AVMA microsite www.KeepOurFoodSafe.org.

The site describes the importance of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank and the need to continue funding the program. Directions are listed on how visitors can take action by contacting their senators or representative.

Other food safety issues covered on the microsite include the shortage of food supply veterinarians, Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act, preservation of antimicrobials as treatment for food animals, Public Health Preparedness Workforce Development Act, and bioterrorism. The media gallery plays related YouTube videos and lists recent news articles on food safety.

Developed by the AVMA Communications and Governmental Relations divisions, the microsite was first promoted in a full-page advertisement in the April 19 issue of the National Journal. The advertisement focused on FARAD and listed www.KeepOurFoodSafe.org for more information.

To help promote the microsite, the AVMA plans to distribute magnets and a brief letter to congressional and senate offices on Capitol Hill. The site will be continually updated with the latest information on food safety issues.