Illinois

U.S. Muslims emphasize voting at gathering

American Muslims opened their largest annual meeting Friday, emphasizing the importance of voting as the Muslim community struggles for political recognition.

More than 30,000 people were expected to attend the three-day meeting organized by the Islamic Society of North America, an umbrella association representing Muslim groups nationwide.

Voter registration booths will be set up, and American Muslims who have been elected to public office will discuss their campaigns.

“We are this nation,” said Kareem Irfan, chairman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago.

The conference is the third for the Islamic Society since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and organizers planned to address many of the problems that have plagued the community since then.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

FDA recalls heartworm medication for dogs

ProHeart 6, a twice-a-year time-released heartworm medication used to treat millions of dogs, was recalled Friday at the request of the Food and Drug Administration after thousands of animals suffered adverse reactions.

ProHeart 6 was the first, and only, product approved by the FDA to be administered once every six months to treat heartworm disease in dogs. Its active ingredient, moxidectin, has been administered without problem to horses and cattle.

As of Aug. 4, the drug agency received 5,552 reports of adverse reactions after dogs received the heartworm shots, manufactured by Fort Dodge Animal Health, based in Overland Park, Kan.

Dog owners were urged to consult veterinarians about other heartworm medications.