Author: wsvma

10 August

Baker Commodities no longer accepting animals euthanized by barbiturates.

wsvma   |   Practice Management

Veterinarians who euthanize horses are being told by haulers that Baker Commodities is no longer accepting horses and other animals that have been euthanized “using any barbiturates, pentobarbital, other chemicals harmful to animals, or prohibited chemicals or drugs.” Baker says the new directives are to protect a safe feed product, protect the public food supply chain, and to comply with FDA regulations. They will accept animals that have been euthanized using acceptable methods of euthanasia including penetrating captive bolt to...

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10 August

WSVMA accepting applications for next year’s class of Power of Ten leaders

wsvma   |   WSVMA News

Attention 2011-2018 graduates! Join the WSVMA for our exciting leadership program! Power of Ten is a WSVMA initiative designed to help recent graduates develop foundational skills in leadership, communication, and business. Ten participants will be selected from the applicant pool to participate in the Power of Ten leadership academy for the coming year. Participants will join a network of peers in a series of learning experiences that commence in November, 2018 and culminate in September, 2019. Power of Ten is...

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10 August

This Week’s Helpful Links

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

Detectives search for serial cat-killer in Thurston County – KIRO 7 Wildtype EHV-1 detected in one Snohomish County horse, quarantine order issued – WSDA Researchers won't take dead orca calf away from mother as she carries it into a 17th day – The Seattle Times AI comes to vet med to read X-rays – Veterinary Practice News Yakima Humane Society ends city contract over pit bull ban – Yakima Herald Agriculture Secretary Perdue Visits Washington State University - AAVMC   Posted August 10, 2018...

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07 August

Wildtype EHV-1 detected in one Snohomish County horse, quarantine order issued

wsvma   |   Animal Health

  The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has quarantined a Snohomish County facility near Arlington after a single laboratory-verified case of equine herpes virus EHV-1, non-neuropathogenic strain, was detected there. This “wildtype” strain of EHV-1 tends to be less contagious than the neuropathogenic type. On August 3, 2018 one horse at the facility tested positive for the virus.  This horse is isolated on the premises and WSDA has quarantined the facility.  Test results for a second, suspect horse are pending.  The quarantine...

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03 August

Virulent Newcastle Disease (vND) outbreak requires vigilance and biosecurity measures

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Agriculture asks local poultry growers to be on the lookout for signs of Virulent Newcastle Disease (vND) and to report any unusually large numbers of poultry deaths or the appearance of symptoms of the disease to the WSDA Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056. The warning comes on the heels of an outbreak that began this May in Southern California, where the virus appeared and spread through backyard poultry flocks in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino...

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03 August

August 15 deadline to complete WSVMA’s Compensation and Benefits Survey

wsvma   |   Practice Management

The WSVMA office receives frequent requests for compensation and benefits information specific to the practice of veterinary medicine in Washington. To answer these inquiries, we are compiling data again this year through our bi-annual Compensation and Benefits Survey. The WSVMA is only a handful of state associations that compile and provide such information to its members. The survey is electronic and the link has been sent to practice owners via email, although a paper survey is available. In order to obtain...

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03 August

Enhance your practice management expertise

wsvma   |   Practice Management

To enhance veterinary practice management, VetPartners has developed Veterinary Practice Management Essentials (VPME), a free digital booklet available for download. The VPME is a free tool developed by veterinarians, practice owners, and management professionals of VetPartners to help elevate financial acumen, business skills and management experience amongst veterinary professionals. The VPME provides an inventory of management and business functions and skills critical to operating a financially viable veterinary hospital. Topics include: Strategic Planning Finance & Accounting Law & Ethics Human...

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03 August

This Week’s Helpful Links

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

Pfizer suspends sales of injectable opioids for veterinary use - VIN Pathogens found in starving orca’s fecal samples – Q13 Fox Pet Insurance Comparison Chart – DVM360 FDA Advises Vets of Percorten™-V Shortage and Alternative Drug Option for Treatment of Canine Addison’s Disease - FDA FDA’s new efforts to advance antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary settings - FDA   Posted August 3, 2018...

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20 July

Averting Problems with a Social Media Policy

wsvma   |   Practice Management

Stories about employees who get fired for their posts on social media have become common in the news. The backlash for companies can be costly when a staff member posts an inappropriate photograph or statement. It’s important to have a social media policy in place for your veterinary practice when staff engage with family, friends, acquaintances and even clients, on social media. While it may not seem like an issue now, a social media policy helps to avert problems by...

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