Author: wsvma

24 January

Veterinary Board of Governors seeks final input on draft client communication regulations

wsvma   |   State Regulatory

The Veterinary Board of Governors (VBOG) has filed a CR-102 for WAC 246-933-310 Definitions and WAC 246-933-345 (New) Client Communication. This is the final phase of rulemaking before the Board votes to approve it. VBOG is proposing to add a definition related to facilities and practice management standards and to create a new section to establish requirements for veterinarians when communicating with clients regarding evaluation and treatment. The new rule is intended to ensure the care provided promotes the health and...

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24 January

Comments needed on new Draft FDA guidance for Industry #256, Compounding Animal Drugs from Bulk Substances

wsvma   |   Federal Regulatory

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released new draft Guidance for Industry (GFI), titled #256 “Compounding Animal Drugs from Bulk Substances.” In May 2015, the FDA CVM introduced draft guidance for animal drug compounding that did not meet the needs of veterinarians. Following significant feedback from the AVMA, other veterinary organizations, and individual veterinarians, the agency formally withdrew that guidance in November 2017. The FDA intends for its new guidance to balance its concerns regarding safety, effectiveness, and...

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24 January

Partnering for Dairy Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Conference for Farmers and Veterinarians in the West

wsvma   |   Continuing Education

Newer and proposed guidance and regulations from the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) have focused attention on the role of the veterinarian to provide complete oversight of antimicrobial use in food animal production. The Veterinary Feed Directive addressed in-feed antimicrobials and severely restricted uses of these products. In September of 2019, the FDA announced proposed guidance on the use of over-the-counter drugs (OTC), eventually eliminating their use and requiring veterinary prescriptions for any antimicrobial. The state of California passed...

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24 January

Are anti-vaccination attitudes growing?

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared ‘vaccine hesitancy’ as one of the top 10 threats to global health and not without good reason. The WSVMA seeks your assistance in helping ensure U.S. veterinarians have the opportunity to provide input on a global survey. The purpose of the survey is to better understand animal owner attitudes towards vaccination and is being conducted by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). In November 2019, the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group launched, with the...

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24 January

This Week’s Helpful Links

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

A terminally ill rescue dog in eastern Washington became a police K-9 for a day – Q13 Fox Many Washington dairies are struggling after years of trade wars and low milk prices – Seattle Times Questions and answers about a novel coronavirus in Washington –  Seattle-King County Public Health Insider Merck Reports on Veterinary Wellbeing Study – PR Newswire The Myth of Work Life Balance – The Veterinary Idealist Department of Transportation proposes ban on emotional support animals on planes...

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17 January

Washington Legislature convenes and includes mandatory suicide prevention training

wsvma   |   Legislative

The Washington State Legislature convened on Monday, January 13 for a 60-day legislative session. By the end of the first week, almost 1,000 bills have been introduced for consideration. The focus of the first three weeks will be consideration of these bills in the policy committees. Included in the introduced bills are: HB 2411 - Suicide prevention training Last month, the WSVMA was contacted by Rep. Tina Orwall (D-33rd) who expressed her concern about the mental wellbeing of veterinarians and voiced her...

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17 January

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Diagnosed in Clallam County 

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) continues to spread in northwest Washington. Three dead rabbits kept at a property in Clallam County tested positive for the disease in late December. The Washington State Veterinarian expects the areas affected by the disease to continue to expand because it can be spread easily by a wide variety of means including small rodents, birds and larger carnivores. WSDA has quarantined the property where the disease was identified in owned domestic rabbits. Rabbit owners are urged...

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17 January

WSVMA VetMed Matters Conference to focus on economics

wsvma   |   Continuing Education

Veterinary medicine has always been an exciting field and today, it is one that is realizing unprecedented levels of growth. From enhancements in medical technology and services to the corporatization of practices with mergers and acquisitions abounding, to partnerships with on-line pharmacies and the growing role of on-demand telemedicine, our profession is experiencing change, seemingly at the speed of light. The good news is that companion animal owners are increasingly seeking our services and taking steps to improve the quality...

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17 January

Veterinarians and practice managers needed for mock interviews

wsvma   |   Professional News

WSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) is holding mock job interviews for third-year students before they begin searching for their first job. Students will experience one to two mock interviews with practitioners and managers from all over the state. The students need help to put on this exciting event. As a practitioner or office manager please consider participating by giving these mock interviews in person or via Skype. The event will take place in Pullman on...

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17 January

AVMF will match up to $50,000 in donations for Australian fires

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Board of Directors last week approved a $25,000 donation to aid Australian veterinarians who are helping animals impacted by the bushfires ravaging their country. In addition, the AVMA is encouraging its 95,000 members and the general public to consider contributing to relief efforts by donating to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), which will match donations up to $50,000. "People have been calling us, asking how they can help their colleagues in Australia," said Dr....

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