COVID-19

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...

Read More
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...

Read More
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...

Read More
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...

Read More
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...

Read More
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...

Read More
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...

Read More
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...

Read More
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...

Read More
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...

Read More