Author: wsvma

07 April

Tiger tests positive for SARS-CoV-2

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in one tiger at a zoo in New York. This tiger is the first animal to test positive for COVID-19 in the US. Several lions and tigers at the zoo showed clinical signs of respiratory illness and this tiger was tested accordingly. Public health employees believe the large cat became ill after being exposed to a zoo employee who was actively shedding virus. All of the large cats...

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07 April

WSVMA Brochure – Your Pet & COVID-19: What You Need to Know

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The WSVMA introduces a new brochure for pet owners that includes information on what coronaviruses are, how it’s spread and how to protect pets. It also includes frequently asked questions about can pets contract COVID-19 and if people can contract it from their pets. Download the brochure here.   Posted April 7, 2020...

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07 April

Veterinary Board of Governors discussing veterinary practice during the COVID-19 crisis

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The Veterinary Board of Governors (VBOG) has held two meetings to discuss guidance for veterinarians during the COVID-19 crisis. New guidance is not yet finalized but it’s expected that they’ll soon issue policy statements that address establishing the VCPR via the use of telemedicine, continuing education credits, supervision and tasks for veterinary technicians and staff, and dispensing prescriptions. VBOG is meeting weekly to determine best practices for veterinarians while facing the realities of operating under stay at home orders and only...

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07 April

Use of Face Masks

wsvma   |   COVID-19

CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The purpose of the use of face coverings is to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have SARS-CoV-2 and do not know it from transmitting it to others. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those should continue...

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03 April

WSU laboratory begins limited testing for COVID-19 virus

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL), on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, has begun limited testing of animal samples for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent for COVID-19. Currently, the test is only available for agencies and academic institutions. The current testing was not developed with and does not use human health testing resources. No additional personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary for the testing program as designed in a coordinated effort with the nation’s animal disease diagnostic...

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03 April

Spokane County veterinarians asked to donate surplus PPE – National survey indicates veterinary hospitals are low on PPE

wsvma   |   COVID-19

Spokane County's Health Officer has contacted the Inland Empire Veterinary Medical Association with a request for the veterinary community to donate surplus personal protective equipment to aid in the COVID-19 crisis. The County is in critical need of masks, gloves, disposable gowns, and face shields. Donated PPE can be dropped off at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center on the Broadway entrance, Spokane Valley from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Two local veterinary hospitals, Wandermere Animal Hospital and SouthCare Animal Medical...

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03 April

Dr. Sandy Willis elected to AVMA Board of Directors – WSVMA Seeking Nominations for new Alternate Delegate

wsvma   |   WSVMA News

Congratulations to Dr. Sandy Willis who was elected to the AVMA Board of Directors representing District 11 in February. Dr. Willis has represented Washington in the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) since 2008, first as alternate delegate, and then as delegate beginning four years ago. Dr. Willis is a small animal internist with Phoenix Central Laboratory, now a part of Zoetis, and has served in a variety of roles in the WSVMA and the AVMA. She is a WSVMA past...

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03 April

Dr. Katrina Mealey receives Lloyd E. Davis Award

wsvma   |   Professional News

Dr. Katrina Mealey, received the 2019 Lloyd E. Davis Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in research, teaching, and professional service in veterinary pharmacology. She’s an expert in the field of pharmacogenomics and is currently associate dean for research, a professor, and chair in small animal medicine and research at WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. The Lloyd E. Davis Award is presented every other year at the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics Biennial to recognize outstanding lifetime achievements...

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03 April

A COVID-19 message to equestrians

wsvma   |   COVID-19

State Veterinarians across the U.S are concerned about animal susceptibility to coronavirus and possible links between animals and the spread of COVID-19 among humans. For horse owners and people who work with horses, we see little cause for concern about equine susceptibility or transmission; no evidence currently links the virus that causes COVID-19 with disease in horses nor are there any indications that horses can infect humans with the virus. A virus in the coronavirus family, equine coronavirus (ECoV), can cause gastrointestinal disease...

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03 April

This Week’s Helpful Links

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

COVID-19 stimulus package: What it means for veterinary professionals - AVMA Why We Must Suspend S/N During COVID-19: Voices from the Field – Assoc. for Animal Welfare Advancement Brave Veterinary Teams Take Care of Yourself – Catalyst Veterinary Professional Coaches WSVMA COVID-19 Resources   Posted April 3, 2020...

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