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13 May

Avian influenza guidance for veterinarians

wsvma   |   Animal Health

Veterinarians with clients reporting sick birds should focus on getting a full history. WSDA is most interested in morbidity and mortality rates on farms. Usually, avian influenza doesn’t present as a single bird illness or single bird death. If your client is reporting a mass morbidity or mortality event, please refer them to WSDA.  If it’s a single bird, take biosecurity precautions, and prior to scheduling the appointment, please collect this minimal information to make that determination: How many birds do you have? ...

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13 May

Do you want your staff to exceed client expectations? Don’t miss this important training! – Only 2 Spots Left!

wsvma   |   Continuing Education

On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, the WSVMA is offering a valuable educational program to equip teams with the skills and tools they need to keep clients happy and committed to their pet’s health. This program will help staff be more confident and comfortable communicating with clients, with the client’s and patient’s needs in mind, while providing the ultimate client experience. Presented by Terra Shastri, this one-day Boot Camp workshop will cover the following with your staff: Making a great first...

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06 May

Veterinary Board of Governors approves technician program opposed by the veterinary profession

wsvma   |   Professional News

At their May 5 special meeting, the Veterinary Board of Governors (VBOG) voted to endorse a proposed apprenticeship program for veterinary technicians, a decision that has upset several state and national veterinary associations. The proposal was brought forward by Cascade Veterinary Clinics (CVC) in central Washington and the North Central Workforce Development Council (NCWDC) as an answer to the local shortage of veterinary technicians. The Board’s vote concluded a two-year process. Lack of accreditation The main reason for the opposition from veterinary...

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06 May

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Oregon and Washington

wsvma   |   Animal Health

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) have confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – also known as bird flu – in a non-commercial backyard flock in Pacific County. The flock owners reported sick birds and an increased rate of mortality. Samples taken on May 4 were tested for the presence of H5N1 avian influenza virus in the flock on May 5 by state and...

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06 May

WSVMA DVM: Masterclass Webinar – Immunosuppressive therapy in dogs and cats with Dr. Cassandra Brown

wsvma   |   Continuing Education

Join us Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 12pm for our webinar – Immunosuppressive therapy in dogs and cats with Dr. Cassandra Brown and sponsored by Lakefield Veterinary Group. Common immunosuppressive therapies will be reviewed in detail with case discussions. Both oral medications and advanced or in-hospital therapies will also be discussed. Dr. Cassandra Brown attended the University of Wisconsin. Following veterinary school, she pursued a private practice internship and an emergency medicine year in Albuquerque and completed a three-year residency in small...

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