Author: wsvma

13 May

Okanogan and Whatcom join counties with confirmed bird flu cases

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Washington state now has eight confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The latest two come from Okanogan and Whatcom counties. State veterinarians are urging flock owners to be hyper-vigilant in ensuring there is no farm-to-farm transfer of the virus from infected flocks and to eliminate exposure of domestic flocks to wild birds as much as possible. The two most recent cases of HPAI were in non-commercial backyard flocks and were confirmed yesterday afternoon, May 12. Flock owners contacted the Washington...

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13 May

Backyard flocks infected with avian flu total six, more under investigation

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Two more detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, this time in Clallam County, make six affected flocks in Washington state. With a half-dozen cases since the first confirmed detection less than a week ago, biosecurity has never been more important for bird owners. State veterinarians are urging flock owners to be hyper-vigilant in ensuring there is no farm-to-farm transfer of the virus from infected flocks and eliminate exposure of domestic flocks to wild birds as much as possible. “With so...

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13 May

Avian influenza guidance for veterinarians

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Veterinarians with clients reporting sick birds should focus on getting a full history. WSDA is most interested in morbidity and mortality rates on farms. Usually, avian influenza doesn’t present as a single bird illness or single bird death. If your client is reporting a mass morbidity or mortality event, please refer them to WSDA.  If it’s a single bird, take biosecurity precautions, and prior to scheduling the appointment, please collect this minimal information to make that determination: How many birds do you have? ...

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13 May

Do you want your staff to exceed client expectations? Don’t miss this important training! – Only 2 Spots Left!

wsvma   |   Continuing Education

On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, the WSVMA is offering a valuable educational program to equip teams with the skills and tools they need to keep clients happy and committed to their pet’s health. This program will help staff be more confident and comfortable communicating with clients, with the client’s and patient’s needs in mind, while providing the ultimate client experience. Presented by Terra Shastri, this one-day Boot Camp workshop will cover the following with your staff: Making a great first...

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06 May

Veterinary Board of Governors approves technician program opposed by the veterinary profession

wsvma   |   Professional News

At their May 5 special meeting, the Veterinary Board of Governors (VBOG) voted to endorse a proposed apprenticeship program for veterinary technicians, a decision that has upset several state and national veterinary associations. The proposal was brought forward by Cascade Veterinary Clinics (CVC) in central Washington and the North Central Workforce Development Council (NCWDC) as an answer to the local shortage of veterinary technicians. The Board’s vote concluded a two-year process. Lack of accreditation The main reason for the opposition from veterinary...

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06 May

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Oregon and Washington

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) have confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – also known as bird flu – in a non-commercial backyard flock in Pacific County. The flock owners reported sick birds and an increased rate of mortality. Samples taken on May 4 were tested for the presence of H5N1 avian influenza virus in the flock on May 5 by state and...

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06 May

WSVMA DVM: Masterclass Webinar – Immunosuppressive therapy in dogs and cats with Dr. Cassandra Brown

wsvma   |   Continuing Education

Join us Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 12pm for our webinar – Immunosuppressive therapy in dogs and cats with Dr. Cassandra Brown and sponsored by Lakefield Veterinary Group. Common immunosuppressive therapies will be reviewed in detail with case discussions. Both oral medications and advanced or in-hospital therapies will also be discussed. Dr. Cassandra Brown attended the University of Wisconsin. Following veterinary school, she pursued a private practice internship and an emergency medicine year in Albuquerque and completed a three-year residency in small...

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22 April

Washington pets in need being helped by new veterinary fund

wsvma   |   Foundation

Last fall, the Washington State Animal Health Foundation launched a new resource intended to help you better serve your clients who struggle with affording important veterinary treatment – The Vets Helping Pets Fund. The Vets Helping Pets Fund allows WSVMA members and their associates to advocate for clients in need and receive financial support to be able to provide needed care and treatment for their beloved animal companions. Many families struggle to afford care and our goal is to create a robust...

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22 April

Healthy mind platter – supporting mental wellness as part of thriving

wsvma   |   Wellness

When we consider our healthiest selves, daily investment of love, attention, and energy investment are required.  There are 8 dimensions in the holistic wellness wheel (reference….).  Depending upon our needs and available resources, the amount of time and care focused on these 8 dimensions varies from day to day. As part of fortifying the Mental Wellness realm in this ‘wellness wheel’, we are going to explore utilizing the “healthy mind platter.” In 2011, the USDA replaced the healthy nutrition food pyramid into a...

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22 April

WSVMA 2021 Awards – deadline to submit nominations

wsvma   |   WSVMA News

Each year, the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) conducts an awards program to honor individuals whose service has contributed significantly to the veterinary profession in Washington State. The 2022 awards that will be presented include Veterinarian of the Year, Distinguished Achievement, Outstanding Veterinary Service, WSU Faculty Member of the Year, Distinguished Veterinary Staff, Humane Animal Welfare, and Allied Industry. It only takes a few moments to submit the name of your deserving colleague. Please submit nominations to the WSVMA office using the...

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