COVID-19

17 April

COVID-19 and Pets Study

wsvma   |   COVID-19

Corona viruses are found in multiple animal species and can be zoonotic (transmitted between animals and humans). The SARS CoV2 virus that causes COVID19 is believed to have jumped to humans from a bat reservoir via an intermediate animal host. What is unclear is whether animals in close contact with human COVID19 patients could be involved in the spread of the virus. Isolated reports of dogs and cats testing positive, limited experimental studies documenting successful infection of cats and ferrets,...

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17 April

WSVMA launches free COVID-19 Wellbeing Webinar Series – Hardiness, Resilience and Growth in the Face of Uncertainty and Disruption

wsvma   |   Continuing Education, COVID-19

Beginning next Thursday, April 23 at 12 pm, we offer the first in a series of three webinars aimed at assisting the veterinary community in coping and even thriving during the pandemic and other major disasters. Our keynote is Dr. Carrie La Jeunesse. The COVID-19 pandemic is historic in its scope and impact, and has thrust us all into unknown territory. In the words of a beloved colleague, “we all will be impacted significantly by this crisis, but we do not...

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17 April

New AVMA COVID-19 guidance released on essential services and managing employees with COVID-19 exposure

wsvma   |   COVID-19

COVID-19 triage: Determining which cases are urgent Veterinary practices provide essential services that need to be available during the COVID-19 pandemic. But whenever veterinary teams come into contact with clients, there's risk of COVID-19 transmission. A new AVMA triage resource is available to help veterinary teams identify urgent versus non-urgent cases and determine when in-person examinations are necessary. It includes a downloadable flowchart with recommendations for managing cases that are urgent, potentially urgent, and not currently urgent. Visit the [email protected]

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16 April

An important message from the Employment Security Department

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The WSVMA wants to make sure everyone is aware of the constantly changing information regarding employment and unemployment assistance. To that end, please see the important message below from the Employment Security Department. Dear Employers, During these unprecedented times, we know that you are doing everything you possibly can to support your employees. That’s why we are reaching out to offer our help if needed, as well as ask for your help with our efforts. Note – if you are a sole-proprietor...

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10 April

Call for emergency volunteer health practitioners

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The WA Department of Health is supporting enrollment and activation of emergency volunteer health practitioners for the COVID-19 response. The department can do this under the authority of the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioner Act (chapter 70.15 RCW).  Under RCW 70.15.050, while an emergency proclamation of the Governor is in effect, a volunteer health practitioner who is licensed in another state may practice in Washington without obtaining a Washington license if he or she is in good standing in all...

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10 April

Need more help understanding the CARES Act and SBA loans? Attend Monday’s webinar

wsvma   |   COVID-19

On Monday, April 13, 2020 at 12 pm, the WSVMA will present a webinar by Katz Sapper & Miller’s expert Terry O’Neil, CARES ACT vs. SBA: Which Loan Program Is Right for You? The webinar will help you sort out the differences between the CARES Act and SBA loans and know what’s right for your hospital. Discussion topics will include: Overview of available loan programs U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic loans CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans (signed into...

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10 April

Employers must guarantee worker safety while under Governor’s orders

wsvma   |   COVID-19

Most veterinary practices are adapting to the new environment and working hard to protect employees, clients, and the community. But there continue to be reports that some veterinary practices are breaking the Governor’s Stay at Home, Stay Healthy order and offering full services and putting their employees’ health at risk. The WA Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) requires employers to implement the Governor’s "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order. Employers must only provide essential services and ensure social distancing for...

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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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