Gateway Veterinarian News
A new program will help reimburse veterinary clinics near the Gulf of Mexico that provide free services for pets belonging to people suffering financially because of the oil spill.
The program also will provide pet food to some of the animal shelters in the region that have seen relinquishments resulting from the hardships of the oil spill.
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Merial’s Paws to Save Pets program to create the Gulf Coast Pet Relief Program. The AVMF announced the new program during the AVMA Annual Convention.
“Our hope is to ease the pet care challenges families and shelters in the Gulf are facing by providing funding and resources for food and medical care,” said Michael Cathey, AVMF executive director, in a press release.
The pet relief program, which falls under the AVMF Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund, will provide $145,000 worth of funding and food to 90 veterinary clinics and five shelters in the Gulf region.
At a press conference during the AVMA Annual Convention, Cathey noted that the AVMF has heard from other potential partners for the program.
Neil Thompson, Hill’s chief executive officer, said his company learned that the oil spill was indirectly affecting pets after receiving reports of relinquishments from shelters that receive donations of Hill’s pet food.
“Let’s start looking at the other victims of this disaster,” said Dr. Mary A. Bryant, Merial director of professional affairs. Merial started its Paws to Save Pets program after Hurricane Katrina to help pets affected by disasters.
Dr. Douglas G. Aspros, then vice chair of the AVMA Executive Board, inquired at the press conference whether the Gulf pet relief program would receive support from BP owner of the oil, rig that is the source of the spill. Cathey said he believes BP is addressing direct effects of the oil spill, in part by supporting the work of groups trying to save wildlife.
Information about the Gulf pet relief program is available at www.avmf.org/gulfcoastpetrelief. The fact sheet on the website lists veterinary clinics and animal shelters receiving support through the program.
Congress has been asked to mark the upcoming 250th anniv. of veterinary medicine by proclaiming 2011 as World Veterinary Year.
The two veterinarians serving in Congress—Rep. Kurt Schrader and Sen. John Ensign—introduced nearly identical resolutions July 15 honoring the contributions of veterinarians in the promotion of animal and public health.
Because the world’s first veterinary school was established in Lyon, France, in 1761, the international veterinary community is celebrating 2011 as the 250th anniversary of the veterinary medical profession.
“Historically, veterinarians have been the most qualified health professionals to help us deal with zoonotic diseases, bioterrorism, comparative medicine, and food safety issues on the front lines and through research and scientific innovation,” Dr. Schrader said.
“This resolution recognizes and brings attention to the important roles veterinarians have played for more than 250 years,” the Oregon congressman continued.
“Also, veterinarians play an integral role in food safety,” he said. “For this reason, I have asked the Senate to officially bring attention to, and show appreciation for, the veterinary profession by declaring 2011 as World Veterinary Year.”
The resolutions will have to be voted out of committee before being considered by the House and Senate.
The slogan for World Veterinary Year is “Vet for health, Vet for food, Vet for the Planet!” suggested by Dr. Jacques Bruhlet of the General Council of Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas within the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fishing.
The AVMA is working with foreign colleagues on plans to commemorate the anniversary. Event highlights include an opening ceremony Jan. 24, 2011, in Versailles, France, organized by the French Veterinary Academy and the National Veterinary School of Alfort.
The second World Conference on Veterinary Education is scheduled for May 12-16 in Lyon, followed by a closing ceremony Oct. 10-14, to be held in conjunction with the 30th World Veterinary Congress in Cape Town, South Africa.
To learn more about Vet 2011, visit www.vet2011.org/index.php
GSLVMA members who have had USDA-APHIS veterinary accreditation in the past and have missed the August 2, 2010 deadline need to re-apply before July 1, 2011 to avoid a more complicated application process.
Also, if you have not re-applied by the August 2, 2010 deadline your previous certification number is expired.
Previously, when one became a veterinarian they also received their National Veterinary Accreditation number from the USDA-APHIS pretty much automatically. Now, due to increased homeland security measures, all veterinarians need to re-apply initially and then renew their accreditation every three years.
Here’s a brief synopsis of the application process (before July 1, 2011):
1) Complete the core orientation program at the USDA-Aphis office in the state you will be practicing. Office addresses can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices.
2) Be licensed to practice in your state.
3) Submit the NAVP application (VS Form 1-36A). The form, along with an in-depth article, can be found at www.mvma.us at the “Veterinarian” or “Member” home pages. Scroll down to view link.
4) Upon approval of your application, APHIS will send an approval letter that includes your renewal date and your National Accreditation Number. You may not perform accredited duties until you receive an approval letter. Your accreditation authorizes you to perform accredited duties only in the State in which you are accredited.
By becoming accredited, you can offer additional services to your clients. For example, large animal practitioners can certify animal and herd health, which facilitates producers’ access to domestic and international markets. Small animal practitioners can use their accreditation to certify companion animals for domestic and international movement.
Operation Sterile Feral is a low-cost spay/neuter clinic for barn cats and feral cats held at the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center one Sunday out of every month. This program is designed to help reduce euthanasia rates by reducing the number of homeless kittens and cats in the area. Each Sunday clinic utilizes the talents of 3 to 4 veterinarians who graciously volunteer their time. If you volunteer, you will only be expected to perform spays and neuters; you will not be required to handle or anesthetize any feral cats.
Operation Sterile Feral is a great way for new graduates to gain surgical speed and skill, and a great way for seasoned practitioners to use their expertise to benefit the community.
If you are interested in volunteering for Operation Sterile Feral, please contact Katie Willis at (636) 949-7387, ext. 6286 or e-mail her at: kwillis@sccmo.org Your help is desperately needed and greatly appreciated!