Author: wsvma

26 February

President’s Message – 2021 is here! Are we off to a great start?

wsvma   |   WSVMA News

The Ides of February has passed and we are well into 2021. I think it’s safe to say that most of us are delighted to have 2020 in our rear-view mirror. What a crazy year it was. We anxiously awaited the arrival of 2021 with joy and excitement, certain that the new year would be a distinct improvement over the year just passed. Here at the WSVMA, we have been working on a number of initiatives intended to support our profession...

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26 February

WSVMA DVM: Masterclass Webinar – Integrative Medicine: How Acupuncture and Herbs Enhance Patient Care

wsvma   |   Continuing Education

Join us Tuesday, Mar. 16, 2021, at 12 pm for our webinar Integrative Medicine: How Acupuncture and Herbs Enhance Patient Care with Nell Ostermiere, DVM, CVA, FAAVA. Are you curious about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture? Are you thinking of integrating these modalities into your current practice? Or, would you just like some information on how these tools can help your patients so that you can refer with confidence? Those are the questions Dr. Ostermiere will answer during this...

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26 February

Veterinary shortage application process open

wsvma   |   Professional News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared 196 veterinary shortage areas in 41 states for 2021, although none in the Pacific Northwest have been declared. To address these shortages, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) provides veterinarians up to $25,000 a year for student loan repayment in exchange for at least three years of service in one of the USDA-designated shortage areas. The program is overseen by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Applications are now being accepted for the VMLRP through...

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26 February

This Week’s Helpful Links

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

Reports of sick birds continue in Washington after call to remove feeders – KING5.com Strangles alert for Snohomish County – EDCC Yakima Sheriff warns of Yorkie puppy 'scam'– KOMO News WSU research shows the importance of dogs in women’s lives – The Seattle Times Warming seas could wipe out Snake River chinook by 2060, scientists predict – The Seattle Times COVID-19 is circulating in some animals. What does that mean for us? – ABC News 1st clone of US endangered species, a ferret, announced – APnews.com COVID-19...

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19 February

Health equity continuing education may soon be a requirement

wsvma   |   Professional News

A bill is winding its way through the Washington State Legislature that if passed, will require each health profession, including veterinarians and veterinary technicians, to complete health equity education training at least once every four years. The goal of Senate Bill (SB) 5229 and the health equity courses is to teach skills that enable a health care professional to care effectively for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities, varying in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, religion, age, ability, and...

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19 February

AVMA State Legislative Update

wsvma   |   Legislative, Uncategorized

This issue of the State Legislative Update includes select summaries of bills and regulations introduced in January and tracked by the AVMA Division of State Advocacy. With a majority of state legislatures convening this month, we expect considerable activity in the weeks ahead. COVID-19 State policymakers continue to propose legislation in attempts to answer questions that have arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut CT SB 560 would establish a task force to study the feasibility of using scent dogs to identify persons...

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19 February

WSVMA 2021 Awards – nominate outstanding veterinary professionals

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 2021 awards that will be presented include Veterinarian of the Year, Distinguished Achievement, WSU Faculty Member of the Year, Distinguished Veterinary Staff, Humane Animal Welfare, and Allied Industry. New Outstanding Veterinary Service Award The WSVMA Awards Committee developed a new award that recognizes a WSVMA member veterinarian who has been an excellent representative...

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19 February

This Week’s Helpful Links – February 19, 2021

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

WA vaccine locator – WA Dept. Of Health Gray whales learn daring feeding strategy in Puget Sound: Digging for ghost shrimp at high tide – The Seattle Times Seoul offered free coronavirus tests for pets and soon found its first case in a lethargic, vomiting cat – The Washington Post New documentary details WSDA’s hunt for the Asian giant hornet – WSDA News RHDV found in 4 Mont. rabbits – Montana Public Radio The ShakeAlert system will send earthquake...

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11 February

State Veterinarian alerts poultry flock owners to potential avian influenza threat

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) will offer a free webinar to help poultry owners protect their birds from avian influenza as cases continue to increase worldwide. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reports ongoing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, in 26 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. HPAI can spread rapidly and kill entire flocks. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently reported the current rates of HPAI in Asia...

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11 February

COVID-19 vaccine distribution update from the WA State Dept. of Health

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The WA State Dept. of Health (DOH) reports that they continue to make progress with COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration efforts. As of Feb. 6, more than 940,000 doses of vaccine have been given across the state, which is nearly 80% of the 1,195,207 doses that have been delivered to providers and long-term care programs. Washington is currently averaging 26,857 vaccine doses given each day. This information can be found on the DOH data dashboard under the vaccines tab, which is...

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