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WSAVA Monthly NEWs - December , 2004 In Memoriam - Ray Markus, DVM
Dr. Ray Markus, a veterinary pioneer and long-standing friend of the veterinary profession, passed away on October 28, 2004 secondary to complications resulting from a long-time struggle with cancer. Ray's passing is the final chapter in a remarkable veterinary career that spanned 4 decades. Following graduation from the Ontario Veterinary College, Ray emigrated from Canada to Israel where he was a pioneer in elevating the standards of companion animal medicine, beginning with the establishment of one of the first practices in Jerusalem dedicated to companion animals and providing mentorship to many newly graduated veterinary practitioners who carried on his tradition of practice excellence. A firm believer in companion animal continuing education (CE), he facilitated local meetings amongst colleagues and was a founding member of the Israel Companion Animal Veterinary Association (ICAVA), going on to serve as its President for a number of years. Ray also had a long-standing relationship with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), beginning as the ICAVA representative to the WSAVA Assembly, subsequently chairing the organizing committee of the 1996 WSAVA World Congress in Jerusalem, and being the inaugural editor of the WSAVA website. It was during his time as Congress organizer, that Ray utilized the congress website to facilitate providing wet-lab CE with strong industry support and realized the potential of web-based CE. This led to the establishment of Inno-Vet, one of the pioneer on-line veterinary dedicated CE portals.
Ray had an unbridled passion for veterinary medicine and a clear vision on his role in bettering it, principally through CE and collegiality. He was untiring in his efforts and tenacious in their implementation. He will be missed by all in the WSAVA community and by the profession as a whole, but his legacy lives on. WSAVA Activities and Committee ReportsWSAVA Continuing Education Committee
Three key committee members - Drs. Gabriel Varga, Roger Clarke, and Larry Dee - provided updates on global WSAVA CE initiatives to the WSAVA Assembly on October 5, 2004. The CE project represented the largest WSAVA initiative, both financially and in terms of number of attendees. In 2003 there were 32 meetings in 28 countries with over 5000 delegates attending. Special recognition and thanks were given to the CE sponsors - Bayer, Hills, Intervet, and Waltham - as well as to the speakers who were part of the program. Additionally, thanks were provided to WSAVA member associations from Austria, Norway, and Greece who had also sponsored parts of the program. Areas of focus have been South America, Cuba, Eastern Europe, Iran, India, and Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, China). WSAVA Microchip Committee
In his report to the WSAVA Assembly, WSAVA Microchip Committee chair Marc Buchet highlighted the committee's priorities and ongoing efforts to ensure that the benefits of this useful technology are available to all WSAVA member associations. To this end, various committee members have a seat on the International Standards Organization's (ISO) working group (WG3) which has been given the task of developing global standards for this evolving technology. A common technological infrastrutcture (embodied in two standards - 11784 and 11785) has been developed by 1SO and in place for over 8 years now. These standards have been adopted and implemented in much of Europe, in Australia, Japan, and Canada however competitive forces have limited implementation in the USA, despite widespread user group support. The WSAVA has written letters supporting the efforts of user groups to solve this limitation in technology provision and have offered to assist in any way that may be helpful - and this offer applies to other fledgling countries. One way the committee has assisted user groups is through the provision of factual information on the nature of the technology and benefits of the ISO standards. Additional efforts are being expended to work towards a more global pet recovery system through a common, easy to access, and robust database network. Other projects include refining the current EU legislation governing Pet Passports to ensure that its definition better support unique animal identification, ensuring that microchip readers continue to bridge the gap between old and new technology via the availability of multi-read readers, and assisting the ISO WG3 with the development of standards governing more advanced applications of this technology and performance review criteria (which would provide a valuable consumer advocacy function).
News From Around the World
Japan - In a news report from the Kyodo World Service, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries reported the decision to implement, as of November 6, 2004, new rules regarding the importation of dogs and cats that effectively bans the entry of puppies and kittens less than 10 months of age due to concerns over the importation of rabies virus. Dogs and cats entering the country that are older than 10 months of age will have to demonstrate proof of age, place of birth, and vaccination against rabies (including a booster vaccination) that is linked to the animal in question with microchip identification.
WSAVA/FIAVAC/AMMVEPE 2005 Congress Update
It has been 34 years - 1971 - since Mexico City played host to the WSAVA World Congress and the AMMVEPE has been making plans for their next opportunity to play host ever since. The 2005 Congress will take place at the Centro BANAMEX, the most modern Congress and Exhibit Center in Latin America. This year's host AMMVEPE, has organized a scientific program that features over 110 speakers providing CE in 9 simultaneous rooms resulting in a total of 252 lectures to choose from. All lectures will be provided in simultaneous translation - either Spanish to English or vice versa. Additionally, precongress symposia are planned on the topics of ophthalmology and critical care. And when your appetite for knowledge has been satisfied, relax and enjoy the various social events that highlight each congress evening. Please visit the congress website for further CE and social functions details, as well as registration and lodging information. Don't delay because the Congress is only 5 months away! WSAVA NEWS - November, 2004 29th WSAVA/10th FECAVA/7th HVMS Congress Highlights From October 6 - 9, 2004, close to 2300 congress delegates from 60 countries came together to enjoy Grecian hospitality amidst the blue skies and waters of historic Rhodes while partaking in unsurpassed continuing education. From the opening ceremonies, which featured welcome addresses from many dignitaries followed by a "musical journey in the Mediterranean sea" by Nadia Weinberg and her orchestra, to the closing ceremonies 3 days later, there was literally something for everyone - whether you were a veterinarian, student, or accompanying guest. The true cultural and scientific diversity of our profession was highlighted by a continuing education program that featured over 220 lectures covering 23 different disciplines from almost 100 speakers hailing from more than 20 different countries representing every continent but Antarctica. Social programs highlighted Greek culture including fine Grecian cuisine and lively entertainment. A special thank you from the congress organizers to Gold Sponsors Waltham/Royal Canin and Pfizer. WSAVA Assembly meeting
Dr. Gabriel Varga began his final speech as WSAVA president with a tribute and a moments silence to Professor Akira Takeuchi, a valued colleague and past WSAVA president who had passed away several weeks prior to the assembly meeting. Dr. Varga's speech on the "Globalization of Veterinary Medicine" is aptly reflected by the WSAVA's membership roster which represents 67 member countries and affiliate associations. This year's assembly granted membership to 7 new full or associate member countries, including Bangladesh, Beijing (China), Iran, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Albania, and Jamaica, and the Eastern States Veterinary Association (host of the NAVC) as an affiliate member. Dr Varga's closing comment of "strength by collaboration and friendship" reflected the mood of all present. During the updates on future congresses, there was a rousing round of applause for Dr. Parntep Ratanacorn, chair of the 2003 "East meets West" Bangkok Congress in celebration of having received Thailand's "Best International Conference Award" for 2003. The assembly meeting was highlighted with the 'changing of the guards' that saw Dr. Larry Dee (USA) assume the duties of president and Dr. Brian Romberg (South Africa) move to the position of president elect. Dr. David Wadsworth (UK) was instilled as vice president, turning his seat as secretary over to newly appointed board member Dr. Anne Sorensen (Denmark), with Dr. Terry Lake (British Columbia, Canada) remaining in his position as WSAVA treasurer. 2004 WSAVA Award Winners
WSAVA WALTHAM International Award for Scientific Achievement
This award is based on outstanding contributions by a veterinarian who has had a significant impact on the advancement of knowledge concerning the cause, detection, cure and/or control of disorders of companion animals.
Dr. Marc Vandevelde is a diplomate of the ECVN and currently is director of the Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine of the University of Bern. He has published approximately 200 scientific articles. His special interests include the pathogenesis of infectious diseases of the nervous system, neuropathology, neurovirology, and neuroimmunology. WSAVA WALTHAM Service to the Profession Award
The Award is given to a person who has given exemplary service in fostering and enhancing the exchange of scientific and cultural ideas throughout the veterinary small animal world.
Dr. Oscar Resburgo is director of a private small animal clinic in Buenos Aires and his interest and expertise in hip dysplasia accorded him the distinction of being appointed as the only official radiologist in Argentina by the German Shepherd Breeder Association. He has been a long-standing and active volunteer within the WSAVA, including president of the XXIII WSAVA Congress in Buenos Aires (1998) and providing the Spanish translation for the various WSAVA news items. He is currently the national representative of Argentina at WSAVA. WSAVA Iams Patsaama Award
This award is presented to a clinical researcher for excellence in the field of canine and feline orthopedic medicine and surgery.
Dr. Gail Smith is professor of orthopaedic surgery and Chairman of the Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He has contributed to the literature with more than 150 research articles, book chapters, and proceedings, and founded PennHIP in 1993, an evidence-based method of diagnosing hip dysplasia via radiography. WSAVA Hills Excellence in Veterinary Healthcare Award
This award recognizes the outstanding work of veterinarians in promoting companion animal healthcare and the family pet/veterinary bond through a special sensitivity to both clients and patients using leading edge clinical nutrition and advanced medical and surgery techniques.
Dr. Tony Buffington is Professor of Veterinary Clinical Nutrition at the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital and has authored more than 60 scientific publications and 20 book chapters. Dr. Buffington's research has focused on feline idiopathic cystitis and the role of neuroendocrine and stress factors in the pathogenesis of this condition. Future Congresses
Mexico City, Mexico - May 11-14, 2005
As mentioned in last month's WSAVA News, preparations are well underway for next year's congress, which takes place in Mexico City, Mexico from May 11-14, 2005. The congress will be WSAVA's 30th world congress, the 2nd Iberoamerican (FIAVAC) congress, and the 26th AMMVEPE National Congress. Dr. Raul Carranca. Chair of the congress organizing committee invites everyone to visit the congress website (www.wsava2005.com) to view the preliminary scientific and social programs, and to register online. Dublin, Ireland - August, 2008
As part of the assembly meeting, bids for future congresses are presented and voted upon with the Veterinary Ireland Companion Animal Society (VICAS) winning the opportunity to host the 2008 WSAVA Congress in Dublin. Ireland. As so eloquently stated by those presenting the congress bid, "This congress will carry a special flavour of enthusiasm and individual effort that will make your stay in Ireland not only enjoyable, but one that will further develop your practice skills and knowledge." Additional Congress Locations & Dates to Remember
Prague Congress Centre - Prague, Czech Republic: October 11-14, 2006 (www.wsava2006.cz)
Sydney Convention Centre - Sydney, Australia: August 26-29, 2007
WSAVA Monthly NEWs - October, 2004
WSAVA/FIAVAC/AMMVEPE 2005 Congress Update
While many of us are busy enjoying or, depending upon when this is being read, reminiscing about knowledge gained and fun had during the WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress in Rhodes from October 6-9 of this year, preparations are already well underway for the 2005 World Congress to be held in Mexico City, Mexico from May 11-14, 2005. While the May date is a departure from the traditional fall/October congresses of the past, the 2005 WSAVA/FIAVAC/AMMVEPE Congress promises to live up to the tradition of past meetings for both exceptional continuing education (CE) and lively social events combined with the exceptional surroundings of the host country. The 2005 Congress will take place at the Centro BANAMEX, the most modern Congress and Exhibit Center in Latin America. This year's co-hosts are FIAVAC and AMMVEPE. FIAVAC, or the Iberoamerican Federation of Small Animal Associations, is comprised of associations of small animal veterinarians from Central America, South America, Portugal, and Spain, and includes AMMVEPE as a founding member. It was founded in 2003 and has been the subject of past WSAVA Monthly NEWs articles (see March, 2004). AMMVEPE, or the Mexican Small Animal Veterinary Association, was founded in 1969 by a group of enthusiastic veterinarians dedicated to the practices of small animal veterinary medicine. Since that time, AMMVEPE has been active in promoting CE through monthly CE meetings and having hosted 25 National Congresses to date. In 1998, AMMVEPE was accepted as a WSAVA member.
In making preparations to attend the 2005 Congress, please visit the congress website for further CE and social functions details, as well as registration and lodging information. Call for Abstracts
The WSAVA, FIAVAC, and AMMVEPE welcome proposals for papers to be presented in the oral and poster presentation component of the 2005 Congress taking place May 11-14 in Mexico City, Mexico. Abstracts relating to research into any aspect of clinical small animal medicine and surgery, including exotics, will be considered. The deadline for submission is November 15, 2004. For more information visit abstracts@wsava2005.com.
WSAVA Activities and Committee Reports
In the March, 2004 WSAVA NEWs, a section detailed the support provided by WSAVA to Russian veterinarians in their attempt to overturn a government ban on ketamine, imposed in an effort to avert diversion of this drug into the Russian drug trade. This resulted in an animal welfare issues as there were no other readily available drugs for Russian veterinarians to use in place of ketamine to induce and maintain anesthesia. The lobbying efforts were successful as reported in the following press release obtained via Interfax and dated September 6. "The Russian government has permitted veterinarians to use ketamine (a psychotropic drug used for anesthesia). The administration approved regulations on the use of narcotic and psychotropic drugs in veterinary medicine last week, head of the department at the Federal Veterinary and Phitosanitary Service, Ivan Rozhdestvensky, told Interfax. He said that the Agricultural Ministry and the health Ministry put ketamine on the list of narcotic and psychotropic drugs permitted in veterinary medicine several months ago, but veterinarians could not use it before its authorization. 'Now the government has set the rules for using, storing, and accounting for the drug' he said."
News from China
In August, 2004, the Chinese Science and Technique Association and the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs granted the request from the Chinese Prologue and Veterinary Medical Association to officially recognize the Chinese Small Animal Medical Association (CSAMA), which has now been designated as the primary organization representing small animal veterinarians in China. Congratulations on this momentous occasion! WSAVA Member Association Updates
Korean Animal Hospital Association (KAHA)
In the KAHA annual report, a progressive list of CE topics presented to members and non-members alike in their 'Clinical Academy' series was provided and included topics as diverse as exotic animals, customer service and surgical dermatology, clinical pathology, small animal radiology, and feline medicine. Additionally, the KAHA held a full-day summer seminar on the topic of "approaching methods, diagnoses, and treatment of diseases of aging in dogs and cats." KAHA also announced the formation of the Special Committee for AHT Education Program, which will be devoted to developing an academic accreditation system for AHT educational programs. NEWS From Around the World
Legislation being considered to require veterinarians to disclose the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination
In the state of Maine, USA, a recent case of cancer associated with the administration of a rabies vaccine in a cat, has created a media frenzy that has translated into changes to the state's rabies vaccine requirements and licensing rules and additionally, may result in a new state law that would require veterinarians to disclose vaccine risks to their clients. Changes already implemented include a revision to the vaccine requirements from requiring proof of booster rabies vaccine every 2 years to proof that the vaccine is valid on the day that an owner licenses their pet. This reflects the majority of vaccine manufacturers' recommendations of an every 3 year rabies boosters. The additional legislation being put forward would mandate the receipt of written informed consent that documents a veterinarian has discussed the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination with their clients. The Maine Veterinary Medical Association is working with legislators to address the concerns raised without having to resort to additional legislation governing their members. WSAVA Monthly NEWs - September, 2004 WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress Update
Many of the attendees registered for the upcoming WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress have already reviewed the scientific program and planned the continuing education (CE) lectures they wish to attend - not an easy task considering the quantity and quality of offerings to choose from! While the scientific program runs from October 7 - 9, 2004, the Precongress Day holds additional CE opportunities that are not to be missed, especially if attendees have the opportunity to arrive a day earlier. The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) sponsored by Bayer
• Emergency Medicine: Cases, Pearls, Protocols, and Procedures presented by Rebecca Kirby (USA) DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
• Emergency Surgery: Basic Techniques and Challenging Cases presented by David Spreng (Switzerland) Dr MedVet, DECVS, DACVECC The International Veterinary Ear, Nose, and Throat Association (IVENTA) sponsored by CEVA Sante Animale
• Prevalence and emergency treatment of epistaxis in canine leishmaniosis:
a retrospective study presented by Dr. T.A. Petanidis, et al (Greece)
• Nasal transmissible venereal tumour: A retrospective of 14 spontaneous cases in the dog presented by Dr. L.G. Papazoglou, et al (Greece)
• Diagnosis and treatment in a dog with carcinoma in the nasal septum presented by Dr. G. ter Haar (The Netherlands)
• A case report in ENT presented by Dr. M.A. Tryfonidou (The Netherlands, Greece) Additionally, consider the following CE opportunities taking place during the Congress but outside of the WSAVA Scientific Program The FECAVA Symposium on Friday, October 8, 2004 from 16:15 - 18:30
• Breeding of healthy dogs - a breeders perspective presented by Dr. Astrid Indrebo DVM (Norwegian Kennel Club, Norway)
• FCI approach to health dog breeding presented by Prof. Dr. ke Hedhammar DVM (FCI Sweden)
• The geneticist's view on dog breeding: How can improved health be achieved presented by Dr. Jeff Sampson DVM (the Kennel Club, UK) The International Elbow Working Group on Saturday, October 9, 2004 from 8:30 - 16:45
• Focusing on the topics elbow dysplasia and traumatic elbow disease, including case presentations and featuring various presenters
For a more detailed description of these events and registration specifics, please visit the WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress web site.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone there! Safe travels! WSAVA Member Association Updates British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA)
The BSAVA's Microchip Advisory Group (MAG) has drawn up a 'Code of Practice for Microchip Distributors' that applies to both microchip manufactures as well as to those organizations running databases and provides minimum service standards and best practice recommendations in the areas of equipment, training, and database administration. While the code carries no statutory authority, the MAG does retain the right to suspend membership in the MAG for any members who are found to have breeched the code. The overall goal of MAG is to encourage voluntary adherence to the code of practice and thereby to provide users of microchip identification with known expectations regarding technology performance and service provision. Japan Small Animal Veterinary Association (JSAVA)
In there recent annual report the JSAVA list the following as activities for 2003-2004
1. Further promotion of prevention of zoonotic infection
2. Promote human animal bond
3. Establish and provide CE lectures on the care and management of companion animals in the elementary school curriculum and working to ensure that rabbits, chickens, and/or hamsters were kept humanely for education. JSAVA offered 36 lectures about ethics, handling methods to veterinarians, citizens, school managers, local governments and/or parents
4. Prevention of rabies.
5. Promote prevention of heart worm disease
6. Veterinary use drug control and prevent illegal usage by non-vet user
7. Promote recognition of veterinary ethics
8. Promote postgraduate in local regions
9. Promote publishing scientific books
10. Further involvement of AHT education
11. Promote assist dog acceptance in the society
12. Further cooperation and communication with WSAVA
News From Around the World
Reading Between the Microchips: Coalition Calls for Scanners that Read all Chips to Help Reunite Lost Pets and Families
Leading U.S humane societies and veterinary organizations call for removal
of technical barrier
The following is an abridged version of a recent press release issued in Washington, D.C. on August 2, 2004 - The recently formed Coalition for Reuniting Pets and Families is asking that chip and scanner manufacturers and marketers permit the use of a scanner that can read all microchips, and that such a scanner be made readily available to shelters, animal control officers, and veterinarians throughout the country. Currently, more than two million of the U.S.’s dogs and cats have an implanted microchip that is intended to increase their chances of being identified if they are lost. Competing companies today supply chips with different frequencies that are not detected by all scanners.
The Coalition unanimously supported sending a letter to all of the current distributors and manufacturers of microchips sold in the U.S. urging them to resolve these issues. Additionally, the Coalition called on the manufacturers and distributors to consider The Iams Company’s proposal to donate 30,000 scanners that can read all chips. These scanners would be distributed to shelters, animal control officers, and veterinarians throughout the United States. The Iams offer, valued at more than $5 million, is dependent on all current companion animal microchip manufacturers and distributors agreeing to embrace the mass scanner distribution.
The Coalition’s letter to all pet microchipping manufacturers and distributors asked them to support a more robust nationwide animal recovery system. The proposed system includes mass distribution of scanners that read all chips, establishment of an easily updated national database of microchipped pets, and ongoing pet owner education about the need for registering microchipped pets and continuing to use external identifications (e.g.: collar and tags: tattoos, etc.) to complement the chips.
Equine Influenza Virus Jumps to Dogs in Florida
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida -
The first known case of equine influenza virus in dogs was identified in Florida when 80 racing greyhounds in Jacksonville were diagnosed with the virus or antibodies to the virus in January 2004. It is the first time that the equine virus has infected mammalian species other than the horse, according to researchers at the University of Florida and Cornell University who are investigating the cause and spread of the disease with the Centers for Disease Control. Although the January outbreak was the first incident of equine influenza jumping species from horses to dogs, some researchers suspect that the virus may have made the leap earlier. National outbreaks of kennel cough in greyhounds occurred in 1992, 1999, and 2003, and during those years a large percentage of affected dogs presented with kennel cough symptoms but died of hemorrhagic pneumonia, which while uncharacteristic for kennel cough, is characteristic of the recent canine infection with equine influenza virus. At this time, there are no recommendations for prevention of exposure since researchers do not know either the source of the virus, how it is transmitted to dogs, or how prevalent it is in some communities.
WSAVA Monthly NEWs - August, 2004
WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress Update
The excitement builds as the count down begins to the WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress taking place in Rhodes, Greece from October 6-9, 2004. If more than 220 lectures covering 23 different disciplines by almost 100 speakers from over 20 countries, or 5 separate State of the Art Lectures (SOTAL) providing cutting-edge information on current topics from world-renowned veterinary scientists, or the day-long animal welfare forum on the topic of pain management, or the open communication session featuring abstracts of current research topics from around the globe is not enough to quench your thirst for things to do while in Rhodes, the organizing committee adds a vibrant social program to while away your evenings in this exotic island paradise. Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at 20:00 hrs at the Jupiter Auditorium, Rodos Palace Hotel. This event, kindly sponsored by Iams, will feature a special audiovisual presentation titled "The Treasures of the Aegean Sea" that will be followed by Nadia Weinberg and her orchestra providing a performance titled "A Musical Journey in the Mediterranean Sea - Songs from Mediterranean Countries". Once the opening ceremony is complete, an elegant cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres will be held in the Exhibition area. Greek Night
Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 20:00 hrs at Rodos Palace Gardens and outdoor pools.
This evening, kindly co-sponsored by both Waltham and Merial, is meant to celebrate Greek culture with an informal party featuring roving Greek entertainers and Greek cuisine served from various buffets and grills situated throughout the Rodos Palace gardens. For those with their dancing shoes on, there will be ample opportunity to join in for traditional Greek dancing. Gala Evening
Friday, October 8, 2004 at 20:00 hrs at the dome indoor pool of Rodos Palace.
This very special evening, kindly sponsored by Iams, is a wonderful highlight to the weeklong congress and will provide an elegant venue to socialize with acquaintances and colleagues, both old and new, while enjoying a delicious gourmet meal accompanied by entertainment. Closing Ceremonies
Saturday, October 9, 2004 at 18:30 hours at the Jupiter Auditorium of the Rodos Palace. The congress flag will be handed over to Mexico during the ceremony and afterwards there will be a reception with finger food and wine. Aside from the Gala Evening, the other social events are provided at no additional cost for congress delegates and their registered guests.
My bags are packed, I'm ready to go…. WSAVA Activities and Committee Reports WSAVA Continuing Education (CE) in Malaysia and Thailand 2004
On July 3rd & 4th (Malaysia) and 6th & 7th (Thailand), the WSAVA held two symposia on neurology for veterinarians at the University Putra, Malaysia and Mahidol University, Thailand, respectively. Each seminar ran for 2 days and included interactive demonstrations and workshops on neurology. The WSAVA CE Symposia were given by two well-known and inspiring veterinary neurologists - Professors, Joe Kornegay and Rick Le Couteur. Professor Joe Kornegay has been Dean of the Veterinary Faculty at the University of Missouri – Columbia since 1998 and is well know for his many publications and is the co-author of a new book on neurology with Dr Lorenz. Professor Rick Le Couteur is a well known lecturer for the WSAVA. From 1995, he was Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of California at Davis and is now currently Chair of the Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences at the same University. Both speakers have received the prestigious Bourgelat Award from the BSAVA. The lectures, demonstrations, and workshops that followed, allowed the participants to obtain hands-on experience and to interact fully with the lecturers with the dialogue between them and the audience being both highly educational and entertaining. The lectures were very well attended by enthusiastic veterinarians from all over Malaysia and Thailand and were kindly sponsored by Bayer, Hills, Intervet, and Waltham/Royal Canin. Dr. Roger Clarke Receives Honorary Doctorate Dr. Roger Clarke, long-standing Chair of the WSAVA CE Committee and representative to the WSAVA for the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association received the honorary degree of Doctor of Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne, Australia. In announcing this honor, the University of Melbourne cited Dr. Clarke's significant contributions to the profession at State, National, and International levels, including serving in various capacities (including president) for both the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association and the Australian Veterinary Association, past-president of the of the International Veterinary Ear, Nose, and Throat Association, and his contributions to CE in Asia and the Pacific through WSAVA. In 2002, Dr. Clarke was also awarded the WSAVA's Waltham Award for Service to the Profession.
Congratulations Roger! NEWS From Around the World AAHA Forms task Force to Develop Diagnostic Codes for Companion Animal Practice
In keeping with the American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) ongoing commitment to improve compliance in veterinary practices, the association has formed a task force to develop standard diagnostic codes for the veterinary profession.
“The AAHA Compliance Study indicated that a major barrier to easily measure and track compliance is related to the lack of diagnostic codes used in veterinary practices,” says Daniel S. Aja, DVM, chair of the AAHA Diagnostic Codes Task Force and AAHA president-elect. “Developing a uniformly accepted set of diagnostic codes is a critical first step toward truly accurate assessment of compliance.”
The task force is charged with developing a set of diagnostic codes based on the SNOMED (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine) system, but applicable to private companion animal practice. The task force is currently reviewing the SNOMED codes and anticipates the first version of the veterinary diagnostic codes being available as early as 2005. USA Congress Passes Minor Use, Minor Species Bill
AVMA News Bulletin - Congress passed legislation the week of July 21, 2004 meant to increase the number of approved animal drugs for species and ailments for which treatment options have been traditionally limited. The Minor Use, Minor Species (MUMS) Bill offers pharmaceutical companies incentives to develop drugs for uncommon diseases in major animal species and diseases in minor species. Minor species encompasses thousands of animal species, including fish and sheep. Minor uses are drug treatments for animal diseases that occur infrequently or in limited geographic areas in any animal species. A critical shortage of approved animal drugs for minor species/uses exists because of limited sales opportunities, low profit margins, and the high capital investment necessary to bring a drug to market. Additionally, the bill establishes a category of index drugs that can be used to treat nonfood minor species in cases when conditional approval is not economically feasible. Of most importance, the legislation makes it legal for veterinarians to use such drugs. WSAVA Monthly NEWs - July, 2004 WSAVA Activities and Committee Reports WSAVA CE Events
Spring was a busy season for WSAVA-sponsored continuing education meetings and saw a first for WSAVA - co-sponsoring the first course of the Continuing Education project in Iran with the Iranian Small Animal Veterinary Association. This represents the first WSAVA sponsored CE meeting in the Middle East. The meeting took place on June 20, 2004 at the Tehran Veterinary Faculty and featured Dr. Didier Noel Carlotti, President of the French Companion Animal Veterinary Association and past President of FECAVA, speaking on dermatology in companion animals. Lecture topics for the day-long event included differential diagnosis of skin diseases in dogs and cats, diagnosis and management of canine pyoderma, and management of allergic skin diseases. Approximately one month earlier, WSAVA facilitated another dermatology seminar, with this one occurring in Shanghai and featured Dr. Peter Ihrke of the University of California at Davis (see Figure). As well as a world-renowned veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Ihrke is the American College of Veterinary Dermatology representative to WSAVA. The meeting was co-sponsored by Intervet, with Dr. Veronica Leong of Intervet making all of the local arrangements. Approximately 60 people were in attendance. The WSAVA appreciates and recognizes Bayer, Hills, Intervet, and Waltham/Royal Canin for their ongoing support of WSAVA continuing education programs. WSAVA Gastrointestinal Standardization Group
The WSAVA GI Standardization Group held its inaugural meeting in conjunction with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum from June 8 - 10 at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. Their initial focus will be on establishing clinical, clinicopathological, endoscopic, histopathologic, and immunopathologic standardization of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as endoscopic biopsy guidelines. The group is comprised of the following veterinary scientists:
• Thomas Bilzer, University of Dusseldorf, Germany
• Claudio Brovida, WSAVA representative, Italy
• Michael Day, University of Bristol, UK
• Grant Guilford, Massey University, New Zealand
• Edward Hall, University of Bristol, UK
• Joanne Mansell, Texa A & M University, USA
• Takeo Minami, Pet-Vet Yokahoma, Japan
• Robert Washabau, University of Pennsylvania, USA
• Brian Wilcock, University of Guelph, Canada
• Michael Willard, Texas A & M University, USA
As well, Drs. Robert DeNovo, University of Tennessee, and Albert Jergens, Iowa State University, will represent the American Gastrointestinal Group at WSAVA GI Standardization Group meetings that take place within the USA. The next meeting is scheduled for the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando in January, 2005. The WSAVA recognizes the generous support of Hill's Pet Nutrition, whose funding has assisted in making the valuable work of this group a reality. WSAVA Member Association Updates Tunisian Small Animal Veterinary Association
In their semi-annual report, Dr. Faouzi Kechrid reports that there are approximately 1000 companion animal veterinarians within Tunisia practicing in 150 companion animal dedicated facilities. Among its recent activities, the TSAVA organized a seminar on canine Leishmaniasis that saw the participation of 150 veterinarians and in June, hosted both a cat and dog show that had approximately 1200 participants vying for the titles of the best and most beautiful cat and dog. NEWS From Around the World Formation of Internal Medicine Technician Specialty
At the recent American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the first annual meeting of the Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians took place. This group represents technicians involved in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and large and small animal internal medicine specialty practices. The group plans to petition the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America for specialty status with the hope to offer its first credentialing examination in June, 2007. Austria Enacts Strict Animal Rights Laws
From the Associated Press came the following piece of news from Vienna, Austria.
Austrian lawmakers were cited as approving one of Europe's toughest animal rights laws, a measure that forces farmers to uncage chickens and bars pet owners from clipping their dog's ears or tails. The law, enacted by a unanimous vote in parliament, outlaws the use of lions and other wild animals in circuses and makes it illegal to restrain dogs with chains, choke collars, or 'invisible fence' - devices that administer mild electric shock. Those found guilty of animal cruelty under the new laws would be subject to fines up to $18,000 in extreme cases. Pet Owners Should Have Legal Obligations
And this from Reuters in London: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), was cited as saying that British pet owners should be legally obliged to care for their animals because growing numbers of exotic pets suffer through abuse and ignorance. The story notes that the RSPCA collected more than 2,500 neglected or abandoned exotic pets last year, and that a survey showed pet shops, owners, and veterinarians all lacked the knowledge to care for them. The charity was quoted as saying in a statement that "Under the duty of care, all animal owners would have a legal responsibility to ensure that animals have adequate food and water, appropriate shelter and environment, and access to proper veterinary treatment." WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress Update And the winner is……
In the May, 2004 WSAVA Monthly NEWs, a contest titled All Rhodes [read: roads] lead to the WSAVA Congress was announced and called for WSAVA members to enter their best play on words that had both a Greek and veterinary connection. We are pleased to announce that the winning entry was "Hope to see one of the famous Hellenic cats of Rhodes" submitted by Dr. Peter Sterchi of Switzerland. Dr. Sterchi will receive complimentary congress registration and a bottle of the local 'flavourite' - Ouzo!
The Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society continues to gear up for the WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMs World Congress with 100 speakers (including 5 state-of-the -art lectures), precongress meetings of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) and the International Veterinary Ear, Nose, and Throat Association (IVENTA), an animal welfare congress, and International Elbow Working Group (IEWG) Symposium, and a FECAVA Symposium on The Hereditary Diseases of Small Animals. All of this wonderful CE is rounded out by two great social events - the Greek Night in the open air pool and gardens of the Rodos Palace Hotel and Convention Centre (sponsored by Waltham and Merial) and the Gala dinner in the Dome of the Rodos Palace Hotel and Convention Centre (sponsored by the Iams company). It will be a congress to remember!
____________________
WSAVA Monthly NEWs: June, 2004
WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress Update
What do Drs. Day (UK), Lappin (USA), Wolvenkamp (The Netherlands), Boothe (USA), and Buffington (USA) all have in common? They will all be providing State of the Art Lectures as part of the Rhodes Congress scientific program.
Dr. Michael Day Infectious triggers of immune-mediated disease within the Clinical Immunology tract on Thursday, October 7 from 9:15-10:00.
Dr. Michael Lappin All feline zoonoses issues within the Infectious/Parasitic Diseases tract on Friday, October 8 from 11:30-12:15.
Dr. Pim Wolvenkamp Contrast examination - still necessary? within the Diagnostic Imaging tract on Friday, October 8 from 14:45-15:30.
Dr. Dawn Boothe Neutraceuticals: Myth versus fact within the Clinical Pharmacology tract on Saturday, October 9 from 9:15-10:00.
Dr. Tony Buffington Idiopathic cystitis, a new form of FUS in cats within the Clinical Nutrition tract on Saturday, October 9 from 10:45-11:30.
State of the Art Lectures (SOTAL) are designed to provide the attendee with cutting-edge information on current topics of clinical interest from world-renowned leaders in the specific disciplines involved. And SOTALs are only one part of a continuing education event that promises to not only educate, but provide a wonderful venue to renew old acquaintances and make new ones as well. So, visit the Rhodes Congress website and register online today. WSAVA Activities and Committee Reports
Call for nominations
At the Rhodes Assembly meeting on October 5, 2004, two board positions will become vacant.
• The Honorary Secretary
• The Junior Vice President
For any WSAVA members that are interested, please provide a letter of intent and a copy of your curriculum vitae by August 1, 2004 to David Wadsworth, Hon Sec WSAVA, 94 Norbreck Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 1RP, UK. E-mail: david@wadders.demons.co.uk WSAVA Member Association Updates
The semi-annual reports of the WSAVA member associations are providing insights into the commitment to their members of those involved in an association leadership role and their many outstanding accomplishments on behalf of both their own association and the WSAVA. Highlights revolve around priorities that mirror the WSAVA - the provision of continuing education and a focus on animal welfare. As examples, the Hong Kong Veterinary Association (HKVA) cited that continuing education is their number 1 priority and their efforts were aided by the WSAVA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand last year as they were able to benefit from 3 lecturers that passed through Hong Kong on their way back home. This included Dr. Laurent Garosi, who lectured on practical management of epileptic seizures, Dr. Robert Holmes, who lectured on anxiety related behavioural problems, and Dr.Colin Burrows, who provided his top tips in gastroenterology. The Asociacion de Medicos Veterinarios de Pequenas Especies de Panama (AMVEPE-Panama) introduced a unique forum for continuing education. On January 21, 2004 AMVEPE held its first “Clinical Cases Review Meeting” at the new School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Panama (founded 1996). More than 20 small animal veterinary practitioners and numerous students participated in the discussion of two cases. “An Acute Case of Chagas Disease in a Dog from Chorrera” presented by Drs. Eduardo Calzada and Gustavo Rodriguez and “A Complicated Case of Hypothyroidism in a Dog” presented by Dr. Nicanor Obaldia III. The audience participated with many interesting questions or suggestions in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. The group is planning to meet every two months to continue the discussions of new cases. And in Australia, animal welfare is a major focus of the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA) where, as part of the combined actions of the Australian Veterinary Association, ASAVA, and RSPCA Australia, they have managed to persuade all Australian states and Territories to pass legislation making tail docking of dogs illegal unless it is performed by a registered veterinarian for therapeutic indications - an achievement they are justifiably proud of! Additionally, and according to AVA President, Dr. Jo Sillince, AVA surveys indicate that Australian veterinarians perform a staggering $29.7 million worth of unpaid work each year to benefit stray dogs, cats, farm animals, birds, and wildlife.
NEWS From Around the World
From the January to March, 2004 American College of Internal Medicine Newsletter comes this report, written by Dr. Michael Lappin.
ACVIM Board Endorses Use of the AAHA 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines
At the 2003 ACVIM Forum, the topic of the Infectious Disease Study Group SIG was Whether or not to recommend to the ACVIM Board to endorse the recently published AAHA 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines. Dr. Rich Ford presented an overview of the guidelines and then a discussion was held. Infectious Disease Study group members were asked to review the entire guidelines, state whether they would endorse the use of the guidelines, and to provide feedback for the guideline authors. All 23 reviewers stated that the ACVIM should endorse the use of the AAHA document as guidelines in our practices. Many of the reviewers also offered comments that have been forwarded to the AAHA for use in the next addition of the guidelines.
The ACVIM Board has approved the following statement proposed by the Infectious Disease Study Group:
"The American College of Veterinary internal Medicine believes that all dogs should have a routine health examination by a veterinarian at least yearly. At that time, vaccination needs should be determined and only those antigens deemed necessary should be administered. We currently endorse the use of the AAHA 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines as an aid in determining the vaccination needs of individual dogs."
To view the complete AAHA 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines, AAHA members can access www.aahanet.org, go to the Members-Only section, and enter their login information.
WSAVA Monthly NEWS: May 2004
WSAVA Activities and Committee Reports
WSAVA Continuing Education Committee
With the promotion/provision of continuing education (CE) as a WSAVA priority, especially in developing countries, the CE committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Roger Clarke, has again had an exemplary year. In November, 2003, CE meetings were held in India and Sri Lanka.
The meeting in India was hosted by the Pet Practitioners Association of Mumbai (PPAM) and held in Pune, which is approximately 200 km south of Mumbai. The speakers included Dr. Roger Clarke (from Australia speaking on ear diseases and surgery), Dr. Remo Lobetti (from South Africa speaking on internal medicine and tick borne diseases), and Dr. Gabriel Varga (WSAVA president from Slovakia speaking on urolithiasis in the dog and cat). There were approximately 300 veterinarians in attendance and this was the second WSAVA CE meeting in India. Figure - Dr. Wakankar (president of PPAM), Dr. Gabriel Varga, and Prof. R. Sinha, Dean of the Bombay Veterinary College, outside the entrance to the College founded in 1856. This same program was then presented in Columbo, Sri Lanka during a meeting hosted by the Sri Lankan Small Companion Animal Practitioners Group of the Sri Lankan Veterinary Association with approximately 100 veterinarians in attendance. Most recently, the 3rd WSAVA CE program in China was held on February 16-30, 2004. The speakers included Dr. Gabriel Varga, speaking on canine urolithiasis, and Dr. Wing Tip Wong, an orthopedic surgeon from the University of Melbourne speaking on orthopedic decision making. Meetings were held in Beijing to 250 veterinarians, in Shanghai to 120 veterinarians, and to 180 veterinarians Guangzhou, totaling over 500 veterinarians. All of these meeting were jointly sponsored by Bayer, Intervet, Hills, and Waltham. Call for nominations WSAVA WALTHAM International Award for Scientific Achievement 2005
This award is based on outstanding contributions by a veterinarian who has had a significant impact on the advancement of knowledge concerning the cause, detection, cure and/or control of disorders of companion animals. WSAVA WALTHAM Service to the Profession Award 2005
The Award is given to a person who has given exemplary service in fostering and enhancing the exchange of scientific and cultural ideas throughout the veterinary small animal world. WSAVA Iams Patsaama Award 2005
This award is presented to a clinical researcher for excellence in the field of canine and feline orthopedic medicine and surgery.
WSAVA Hills Excellence in Veterinary Healthcare Award 2005
This award recognizes the outstanding work of veterinarians in promoting companion animal healthcare and the family pet/veterinary bond through a special sensitivity to both clients and patients using leading edge clinical nutrition and advanced medical and surgery techniques.
For further information on these Awards, visit the WSAVA website at www.wsava.org
Candidates for these Awards can be nominated by any person or association that is associated or affiliated with the WSAVA. That person or association should inform the candidate of the nomination, and ask for his or her informed consent. The letter presenting the candidate and the reasons for the submission, a statement of the affiliation of both the presenter and the candidate to the WSAVA, the full CV, and complete list of publications of the candidate should be send to the secretary of the WSAVA, Mr D. F. Wadsworth, 94 Norbreck Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancs FY5 1RP, UK, by September 1st 2004 , preference by e-mail: David@wadders.demon.co.uk WSAVA Member Association Updates
Lithuanian Small Animal Veterinary Association - 2003 Report
The LSAVA had 119 members at the end of 2003 (an increase from 104 at the beginning of the year). The priorities for the LSAVA are continuing education, microchipping & pet registry development, and animal welfare and protection.
The President and representative for WSAVA and FECAVA is Saulius Laurusevicius
The LSAVA board met 6 times over 2003 resulting in:
• A new edition of LSAVA Constitution and that was unanimously accepted by LSAVA at their spring meeting
• The launch of a pet microchipping programme and the planned creation of a Pet Register in 2004 to be done in collaboration with the State Veterinary Service
Continuing education meetings held in 2003 included:
• Reproduction (dr. M. Ptaszynska, Holland; sponsored by Intervet)
• Orthopedics (local speakers, sponsored by Hill’s)
• Anaesthesiology (dr. L. Zilberstein, France; LSAVA Annual meeting)
• Immunology (dr. A.-K. Lieber, Sweden; sponsored by Pfizer) NEWS From Around the World
Here is a recent posting by AnimalNet AP: The European Commission proposed issuing wallet-sized passports for dogs, cats, and ferrets in an effort to make it easier for pets to travel with their owners in Europe. The owners would be able to use a standardized blue booklet listing vaccinations and certifying that the pet is rabies-free. The passports would identify animals by microchip, tattoo, or an optional photograph. The document would replace the current pet travel papers issued nationally by the various EU governments. Veterinarians would be responsible for issuing and detailing each animal's medical history in the passport. WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress Update
As the excitment level continues to build for the WSAVA World Congress, to be held in Rhodes, Greece between October 6-9, 2004, the WSAVA would like to announce a pre-congress brain teaser for everyone to participate in. In honor of both our profession and the Congress's beautiful location in Greece, we are calling for entries into the first annual 'WSAVA Congress play on words' contest, appropriately titled All Rhodes [read: roads] lead to WSAVA Congress. The Organizing Committee has offered the first place winner a free registration with a bottle of Ouzo to the second and third place winners for the best play on words with a Greek/veterinary connection.
eg. Progressive Retsinal [a traditional Greek liquor] Atrophy can be a problem in older Greeks. Suggestions to the Hon sec david@wadders.demon.co.uk by June 1th. The winner and the best of the rest will be published in the July Newsletter. ____________________ WSAVA Monthly NEWS: April 2004
WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress Update
More than 220 lectures covering 23 different disciplines over 4 days in an exotic island paradise! Sound too good too be true? Well its not! Come and see for yourself at the 2004 World Congress to be held in Rhodes, Greece between October 6 and 9. The true cultural and scientific diversity of our profession is highlighted by presentations from almost 100 speakers hailing from more than 20 different countries representing every continent but Antarctica.
Some additional highlights include:
* Animal welfare forum on the topic of pain management including lectures by Drs. Roger Clarke, Jill Maddison, Greg Ogilvie, and Pauline Wong with sessions on perioperative pain management for elective procedures, an overview of the benefits/cautions for various analgesics, pain management for the oncology patient, and the anesthetic implications of analgesic protocols. * Open communication session that will feature abstracts of current and cutting edge veterinary research topics from around the globe. The 'Call for Abstracts' is still open with a submission deadline April 25, 2004 and all submission information is available on the Congress website. Oral and poster presentations relating to research or unique case reports in any aspect of clinical small animal medicine or surgery, including exotics, will be considered. * Social programmes including the Opening Ceremonies and Welcome reception, a Greek Night, a Gala Dinner, and the Closing Ceremonies.
So what are you waiting for? If you haven't already registered, consider doing so soon to ensure your choice of hotel accommodations. The official congress website can be reached through the Congresses button at the top of this page or at www.hvms.gr/rhodes2004.
WSAVA Member Association Updates
A recent report from AVEACA (Asociacion de Veterinarios Especializados en Animales de Compania de la Argentina) details their activities in 2003, with a principle focus on continuing education. On July 9 and 10, AVEACA held their 3rd National Congress in Buenos Aires, sponsored by Eukanuba Veterinary Diets and Royal Canin, which showcased 22 speakers providing 25 lectures on topics as diverse as toxicology, traumatology, parasitology, neurology, surgery, and physical therapy. There were more than 800 attendees, many of which came from neighboring countries. On September 15 in Buenos Aires, the seventh module of the AVEACA continuing education program featured a presentation on fluid therapy and emergency procedures by Drs. Michael Schaer and Beatriz Martiarena with a total of 461 attendees, including 38 final year veterinary students. This CE programme series is generously sponsored by Hills Pet Nutrition, Bayer, Intervet, and Waltham. Additionally, AVEACA has worked together with the Veterinary College of Pampa to organize a series of meetings throughout the year encompassing a variety of educational topics including ophthalmology, cardiology, and dentistry and the Veterinary College of Comodoro Rivadavia to host CE on oncology.
Also, a special thank you to Dr. Oscar Resburgo, the AVEACA WSAVA representative who volunteers his valuable time to translate the WSAVA Monthly NEWs into Spanish! NEWS From Around the World
Through ongoing correspondence, The WSAVA and the International Veterinary Student's Association (IVSA) have been discussing collaborative endeavors to raise awareness among their members of the goals and initiatives (many of which are quite similar) of each others association. The IVSA was founded in 1951 and harnesses the enthusiasm and commitment of the global veterinary student body to promote the international application of veterinary skills, education, and knowledge. The IVSA represents over 40,000 veterinary students spanning 6 continents and is active in 55% of the veterinary colleges worldwide and more than 80% of the veterinary schools in Europe. The IVSA is a nonpolitical, not-for-profit association whose official language is English.
Among their various student-specific activities are: * Organizing student exchange programs * Holding an international congress and symposia with the 52nd IVSA symposium held in Greece last year * Producing various publications * Supporting veterinary education, especially in disadvantaged countries * Supporting student scientific research work * Representing the professional interests of veterinary students internationally by liaising with other national and international veterinary medical associations.
For more information or if interested in participating in their student exchange program, visit IVSA at their website (www.ivsa.org).
____________________ WSAVA Monthly NEWS: March 2004
WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS Congress Schedule Now Available
The preliminary brochure and registration/reservation forms for the WSAVA/FECAVA/HVMS 2004 World Congress in Rhodes, Greece, are now available, either by mail (contacts: Mrs. Elfi Kontodimou efik@triaenatours.gr; Dr. Nikos Kostomitsopoulos nkostom@hol.gr; or Dr. Ben Albalas albalas@lar.forthnet.gr) or electronically via the link on the WSAVA website (www.wsava.org). Featuring 8 tracks providing over 220 lectures (including state-of-the-art presentations) encompassing disciplines as diverse as medicine, surgery, and practice management the brochure also highlights additional offerings that include a commercial exhibit showcasing the latest in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and a social program steeped in Greek island culture. Quite literally, there is something for everyone, whether you are a veterinarian, a veterinary nurse, or an accompanying spouse. The wonderful marriage of continuing education with congress locations rich in cultural heritage has always been a discerning feature of WSAVA congresses and this year's event carries on this tradition well. So plan to join us on October 6-9, 2004 for unparalleled CE and scenery in the birthplace of philosophy and medicine - Rhodes, Greece.
Future Congresses:
* Mexico City, 2005
* Prague, Czech Republic, 2006
* Sydney, Australia, 2007
WSAVA Activities and Committee reports
WSAVA Lends Support to Russian Veterinarians
In the fall of 2003, the Russian government declared war on illicit drugs. As part of this action, officials banned the use of ketamine by veterinarians in an effort to avert diversion of this drug into the Russian drug trade. However, ketamine is widely used by Russian veterinarians to anesthetize animals for various surgical procedures and is one of the few drugs available in Russia for this purpose. As a solution, authorities recommended that veterinarians make use of alternative products when in reality the only other option in many cases were paralyzing drugs that were considered inhumane as single agents. The result of this ban was that many surgical procedures were either delayed or cancelled, including sterilization programs designed to address Moscow's growing pet overpopulation problem. The Russian veterinary profession and animal welfare groups responded with an awareness campaign highlighting their plight and the plight of the animals they were attempting to treat as well as a call for support from their colleagues in other countries. The former resulted in Russian Ministry of Agriculture committing to review their decision and the latter brought support from many national and international veterinary medical associations, including a letter from the WSAVA written by WSAVA president, Dr. Gabriel Varga. To date, the outcome has been a temporary lifting of the ban as authorities review the additional information and meet with representatives of the Russian veterinary profession. WSAVA Member Association Updates
News from the Czech Republic
Through it's scientific committee, the Czech Small Animal Veterinary Association (CSAVA) has been laying the groundwork to host the 2006 WSAVA Congress in Prague, Czech Republic. They are garnering experience through providing an ever-expanding range and frequency of continuing education opportunities for their members, many of which feature world-renowned veterinary scientists. In 2003, in addition to their 3-day, 11th annual CSAVA Congress, two other 1-day CE events were held providing CE on topics ranging from soft-tissue surgery, to ophthalmology for both veterinarians and veterinary nurses with speakers coming from as far away as the USA. The CSAVA has even more ambitious plans in 2004, including an April 16-17 meeting featuring Dr. Alan Rebar from the USA and Dr. Ray Butcher, past-president FECAVA, discussing Clinical Pathology and practice management, respectively, a May 15-16 meeting co-sponsored with WSAVA featuring Dr. Greg Ogilvie from the USA providing both a lecture and wet lab on the topic of oncology, and culminating with their October 22-24 12th congress with Professor David Senior from the USA lecturing on the topic of urology. The combined WSAVA/FECAVA/CSVA World Congress to be held in Prague in 2006 appears to be in very good hands! NEWS From Around The World
Creation of the Iberoamerican Federation of Small Animal Veterinarian Associations (FIAVAC)
On October 6th 2003, FIAVAC was registered in the National Register of Associations at the Spanish Ministry of Internal Affairs, a step that initiated the creation of a federation that includes the associations of small animal veterinarians from the Iberoamerican countries (Central America, South America, Portugal, and Spain). The process of creating this Federation began at a meeting involving the aforementioned countries, which took place at the WSAVA, FECAVA, and AVEPA World Congress in Granada, Spain in 2002.
At present, FIAVAC has eight founding members:
* ASOCIACIÓN DE VETERINARIOS ESPECIALIZADOS EN ANIMALES DE COMPAÑÍA ARGENTINA, (AVEACA), ARGENTINA
* ASSOCIAÇAO NACIONAL DE CLÍNICOS VETERINARIO DE PEQUENOS ANIMAIS-BRASIL(ANCLIVEPA-BR)
* SOCIEDAD DE MEDICOS VETERINARIOS ESPECIALISTAS EN PEQUEÑOS ANIMALES (MEVEPA), CHILE
* ASOCIACIÓN COLOMBIANA DE MEDICOS VETERINARIOS ESPECIALISTAS EN CLINICA Y CIRUGIA DE PEQUEÑOS ANIMALES(VEPA), COLOMBIA
* ASOCIACIÓN DE MEDICOS VETERINARIOS ESPECIALISTAS EN PEQUEÑAS ESPECIES (AMVEPE), ECUADOR
* ASOCIACIÓN DE VETERINARIOS ESPAÑOLES ESPECIALISTAS EN PEQUEÑOS ANIMALES (AVEPA), SPAIN
* ASOCIACIÓN MEXICANA DE MÉDICOS VETERINARIOS ESPECIALISTAS EN PEQUEÑAS ESPECIES, (AMMVEPE ) MEXICO
* ASSOCIAÇAO PORTUGUESA DE MEDICOS VETERINARIOS ESPECIALISTAS EM ANIMAIS DE COMPANHIA(APMVEAC), PORTUGAL
The Society of Small Animal Veterinarians of Uruguay (SUVEPA) is finalizing its entry into FIAVAC and in the near future FIAVAC hopes to include in its membership the national associations from the remaining Spanish-American countries. The headquarters of FIAVAC and its Technical Secretary has been established at AVEPA (Spanish Small Animal Veterinary Association).
The board of directors of FIAVAC is made up of the following:
President: Francisco Florit, AVEPA, Spain
Vice President: Fernando Álvarez, AVEACA, Argentina
Secretary: Gerardo Garza, AMMVEPE, Mexico
Treasurer: Carlos Larson, ANCLIVEPA, Brazil
And the Director of the Federation is Joaquín Aragonés, Spain
Among the objectives of the FIAVAC are the following:
- Improve cooperation between the National Veterinarian Associations of Small Animal Veterinarians in the territory described.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with institutions and international organizations, intergovernmental, and non-government organizations that intend to develop the veterinary science of companion animals, as well as the respect, defence, and promotion of the rights of companion animals.
- Assist in the creation of National Small Animal Veterinary Associations in the target territory area in those countries that do not already have such an association.
- Facilitate the integration of members into other international institutions or veterinarian organizations.
- Carry out work programs with the aim of fortifying and modernizing the members of the Federation.
- Promote continuing education projects for veterinarians, in the target territory.
- Promote projects related to animal welfare or with the promotion of small animal ownership in the target territory.
FIAVAC can be contacted at:
Paseo San Gervasio, 46-48, E-7, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
Tel. +34 93 2531522
Fax. +34934183979
e-mail: secretaria@fiavac.org
web: www.fiavac.org
____________________ WSAVA Monthly NEWS: February 2004 Welcome from WSAVA's new editor
I bring greetings to all WSAVA members as WSAVA's newly appointed NEWS Editor. I am honored to have been given the association's confidence to carry on the legacy of excellence left by my predecessors and am truly humbled by the footsteps I follow in. After 5 years behind the editor's desk, WSAVA's most recent editor, Dr. Maggie Gething, has passed on the editor's pen and I only hope that I can wield it with a similar degree of literary excellence. Regardless, I commit to giving this new role my best efforts, but would like to remind readers that as editor, my role is predominantly one of historian and information dissemination. As such, I need your help because without your input, whether as a companion animal veterinarian, affiliate of a member association, or a WSAVA committee participant, it is difficult to record and spread news about the individual and collective accomplishments of our association. So, while I take on this new challenge, I challenge the WSAVA membership as a whole to keep me informed of all association activities - remember, the NEWS that is reported is only as good as the information received! So, mail, phone, fax, or e-mail me your news at: Walt Ingwersen, DVM, DVSc, Diplomate ACVIM
306 Byron Street North,
Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1N 4N3
Phone: 905-430-2889
Fax: 905-430-4979
E-mail: wjjc.ingwersen@sympatico.ca (Photo Insert: Dr. Walt Ingwersen, incoming WSAVA Editor, with Dharma and Charlie)
WSAVA ACTIVITIES & COMMITTEE REPORTS
WSAVA Gastrointestinal Standardization Group
On the heels of the successful accomplishments of the WSAVA Liver Diseases and Pathology Standardization Research Group, the WSAVA has formed the Gastrointestinal Standardization Group with the goal of obtaining a world-wide standard for the histopathological evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats. This standardization project will provide a wide range of benefits including uniform diagnosis of disease, staging of disease, and the subsequent development of controlled clinical trials for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The group is comprised of 12 individuals with expertise ranging from internal medicine to pathology and represents an international collaborative endeavour with sponsorship graciously provided by Hill's Pet Nutrition.
Microchip Update
Adoption and implementation of the International Standards Organization (ISO) standards for microchip (or radiofrequency technology [RFID]) technology continues to expand into various national microchip markets. Most recently, the ISO standards were introduced into the USA in the states of Wisconsin and Oregon following the upgrading of shelter/humane society scanners to be both forward (ISO) and backward (existing technology) compatible. Expansion into other states is anticipated shortly. This is in keeping with the position statements of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), all of which recognize that global standardization efforts will resolve the historical compatibility problems between various pre-existing technologies and provide the infrastructure to make pet recovery a truly global and seamless service. In Greece, the HVMS/Small Animal Veterinary Branch Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, a WSAVA member association, worked with the national regulatory authority to pass legislation that mandates microchip identification of companion animals with their national Professional Union being the database administrator. Similar legislation is being contemplated in New Zealand and will focus on newly registered dogs as well as dogs deemed dangerous and those impounded in animal care facilities prior to adoption. Additional microchip related information can be accessed on the Microchip Archives section of the WSAVA website (www.wsava.org) including recommended standardized implantation sites for all species of animals. WSAVA MEMBER ASSOCIATION UPDATES
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Recently, the AAHA's scientific journal, the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, changed information dissemination strategies by becoming an online-only journal. This decision was made in response to readership surveys that highlighted member interest for access to timely scientific information online and is being done in association with Highwire Press. Additional benefits include e-mail alerts on newly published articles and a robust archiving and search function. This will improve both accessibility and information manipulation allowing readers to tailor the content to meet their specific interests. While the issue index and abstracts will be freely available to any website visitor, full JAAHA content access will be restricted to AAHA members or on a per-article fee basis. However, this restriction has been lifted with free content access for all at www.jaaha.org until March 8, 2004. The AAHA has recently received accolades from animal shelter/welfare groups on their newly revised animal welfare position statements addressing animal abuse, convenience euthanasia, declawing, devocalization, and ear cropping. These position statements were approved by the AAHA Board of Directors at their October, 2003 meeting and were the culmination of work done by the AAHA Animal Welfare and Ethics Task Force. Both the declawing and devocalization position statements recognize these as veterinary only procedures to be done only as a last resort after all other forms behavioral modification therapy have been tried. For more information visit www.aahanet.org. These AAHA initiatives coincide with the ongoing efforts of the WSAVA in providing global leadership on animal welfare issues, most notably the WSAVA Convention for the Protection of Companion Animals (www.wsava.org). Hong Kong Veterinary Association
In their January, 2004 report to the WSAVA, the HKVA reported that, due to the SARS outbreak last year in Hong Kong, the association had to cancel its annual 3-day conference in May, 2003. However, despite this setback, continuing education finished the year strong with evening CE lectures on anxiety related problems, top tips in gastroenterology, practical management of the epileptic patient, and cranial cruciate ligament repair by a number of renowned veterinary speakers. Also, the HKVA actively supported the successful lobbying initiatives of the SPCA and various animal welfare groups to prevent legislation proposed by the Housing Authority that would have resulted in the removal of all domestic animals from public housing. This had been proposed as an effort to improve hygiene after the SARS outbreak. For more information about the HKVA, visit them online at www.hkva.org. ____________________ WSAVA Monthly NEWS: January 2004
New WSAVA Editor
Dr Walt Ingwersen from Canada takes up his post as WSAVA Editor from 1st January 2004, following the retirement of Maggie Gething who has filled this role since 1999. The job of WSAVA Editor evolved during the early 1990s following the setting up of a Publicity Committee, chaired by the then Vice President, Dr Hans-Klaus Dreier. This Committee's function was to disseminate information on the activities of the Executive Board and Committees to Representatives, and thence to the members worldwide. In 1995 a Past President of the Association, Dr Andrew Edney (UK), was appointed as WSAVA Editor, with the task of supplying written material to a number of widely distributed publications, including the Journal of Small Animal Practice, which continues to be the official journal of WSAVA. Dr Edney also arranged for publication of WSAVA news in some commercial journals, as well as the European Journal of Companion Animal Practitioners (EJCAP) and Trends, the members' journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. The material was supplied to WSAVA Representatives for use in their member association publications. It is easy to forget that such a short time ago, the only way this material could be disseminated was by post! Consequently it was difficult to provide really up to date information to Representatives, as WSAVA funds were only available for quarterly mailings and distribution thence to members was erratic, to say the least. Nevertheless, Dr Edney was able to arrange for increasingly wide international circulation via Waltham Focus, via a regular 4-page coloured section devoted to WSAVA news. It was arranged that all member association Representatives would receive the magazine directly, and permission was given for them to copy the WSAVA pages for distribution to their association members. As Waltham Focus was translated into a number of different language editions, this agreement was a major achievement on Dr Edney's part. Dr Edney also arranged for publication of some WSAVA World Congress State of the Art lectures, an arrangement which was consolidated by his successor, Professor Boyd Jones (Ireland), who took over as Editor in 1998. Professor Jones worked with Dr Claudio Peruccio (Italy) who felt that WSAVA should make more effort to promote itself to the general public, as well to as its own members. In a questionnaire of member associations, Dr Peruccio found strong cultural and economic differences between countries, and consequently suggested that each association should organise a suitable PR campaign in its country prior to each World Congress, something which is now part of the routine build-up to Congress. The possibility of using a developing facility, the 'internet' was also discussed, and in 1998 WSAVA set up its home page under the enthusiastic direction of Dr Ray Markus (Israel) as WSAVA Website Editor. Maggie Gething (Ireland) took over as WSAVA Editor in 1999, and continued to work in parallel with Dr Markus. With the advent of e-mail it was now possible to provide more regular and up to date information for members. The monthly WSAVA News item, which has appeared in JSAP for the past few years, has become more widely circulated to include many interested parties, as well as member association Representatives. It is also available for Editors of any veterinary journal, and can be supplied directly from the WSAVA Secretariat to those who request it. Translations into Spanish and Italian are produced and circulated each month, and all versions appear on the WSAVA website. Less immediate news is still published in Waltham Focus and EJCAP, which have less frequent editions. With the retirement of Dr. Markus in 2003, Dr. Ingwersen's role as WSAVA Editor has been enlarged to include the Website Editor's tasks. Dr. Ingwersen is well qualified for the position of WSAVA Editor, as he has recently retired as editor of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association following a 5-year tenure that saw the Journal's format evolve, both in lay-out and content, culminating in its move to an online-only format as of January, 2004. He has also been an active contributor of content to AAHA's Trends Magazine, the Canadian Veterinary Journal, and the WSAVA website, principally as a result of his long-standing involvement as a representative to the International Standards Organization in the area of microchip technology. This latter involvement has seen him previously hold the positions of chair of the Canadian and WSAVA Microchip Committees. A board-certified member of the ACVIM, Walt is currently a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim Canada, Vetmedica technical services team. He resides in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, a town on the outskirts of Toronto, with his wife June, his daughter Jessica, his son Cory, and their two yellow Labrador retrievers, Dharma and Charlie. Erratum
In last month's WSAVA News we omitted to mention that the work of the WSAVA's Liver and Gastrointestinal Standardisation Groups is generously funded by Hill's Pet Nutrition. WSAVA is very grateful to Hill's for the company's support in enabling the association to facilitate scientific development in these areas
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