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World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (WAVMA) Secretariat
132 Lichfield Road
Stafford
ST17 4LE
UK
Email: secretary@wavma.org President of Association
Dusan Palic, D.V.M., MVSc, Ph.D
Assitant Professor,
Department of Biomedical Sciences
2036 The College of Veterinary Medicine
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
Tel:(515) 294-2571
Fax:(515)294-2315
Email: dulep@iastate.edu
http://vetmed.iastate.edu/users/dulep REPRESENTATIVE
Devon Dublin DMVZ
Leopalace YOU I 208
60-15 Kamedaminato-cho
Hakodate
Hiokkaido
Japan
PHONE + 81 (80) 32670235
e-mail: devdub@yahoo.com
NUMBER OF MEMBERS
230 (April 2011) - anticipated to be at least 300 by 2012
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Brief history of association
WAVMA was formed in 2007 and currently has members in over 22 countries. It provides a listserv for exchange of information between members, a quarterly newsletter, an annual conference on aquatic veterinary medicine and further educational opportunities through its website www.wavma.org such as webinars, presentations and image galleries.
It has established a student scholarship program, a joint promotion and outreach program in conjunction with the AqVMC of AVMA and is a co-partner in the International Aquatic Biosecurity Consortium (www.iabconference.org)
Additional Information – World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association
General Information
WAVMA membership splits approximately 50:50 aquaculture and ornamental fish vets. Currently ornamental fish are largely ignored by the companion animal sector of the profession, yet they represent by numbers the largest group of animal species (around 2000) and in many western countries their population is around 10 times that of cats and dogs combined.
Figures for the UK indicate that around four million households have a pond or aquarium with the total numbers of ponds being around a million and there are around five million aquaria. Estimates of total number of ornamental fish in the UK are around 140 million with 14 million fish imported each year. Despite these large numbers the welfare of these fish can often be poor and veterinary services limited. Current status of care might be compared to that of other companion animals prior to the expansion of veterinary services in this sector during the 1960’s.
WAVMA seeks to be a WSAVA member as membership would help promote the care of ornamental fish to a wider audience.
WAVMA membership in the WSAVA would provide benefits to both organisations. These benefits would include a greater awareness of veterinary involvement in aquatic veterinary medicine for the profession and demonstrate both organisations wish to improve companion animal care.
WAVMA is dedicated to developing improved ornamental fish care and providing a forum for exchange of scientific information between colleagues. Thus WAVMA parallels and fits the WSAVA Vision and Mission.
This is further demonstrated by the purpose of the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association:
To serve aquatic veterinary medicine practitioners of many disciplines and backgrounds by developing programs to support and sustain members, and the aquatic species industries that they serve.
To identify, foster and strengthen professional interactions among aquatic medical practitioners and other organizations around the world.
To be an advocate for, develop guidance on, and promote the advancement of the science, ethics and professional aspects of aquatic animal medicine within the veterinary profession and a wider audience.
To optimally position and advance the discipline of aquatic veterinary medicine, and support the practice of aquatic veterinary medicine in all countries.
Abbreciated WAVMA History & Accomplishments
2004-2006
After several years of discussion WAVMA was formed in 2006 and incorporated as a non-profit veterinary organisation, able to do business internationally, in Illinois, USA (the American Veterinary Medical Association served as the initial Agent of Record). The Executive Board of WAVMA comprises of the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past-President, Secretary, Treasurer and two Directors at large that are elected annually by members. A Parliamentarian and special advisor, and several committees provide input to the Executive Board on numerous issues.
2006 Initial Priorities & Accomplishments:
Setting up of Bylaws;
Setting up of website;
Soliciting membership & support from other aquatic veterinary organisations including FVS, EAVA, ARAV, AAZV, AFVA, and IAAAM. FVS joined as an Allied Organisation;
1st AGM in Washington DC (in conjunction with 2006 AVMA Convention Washington DC)
Initial Sponsorship & Support received from Novartis, Pharmaq, Blackwells, Aquatic Life Sciences/Syndel, Intervet, Aquatic Eco-Systems, AUMS Ltd and NetBusiness.
Provided a high profile initial meeting which was supported from around the world including presentations on the relevance of aquatic veterinary medicine by the Presidents of several veterinary associations, notably the AVMA, WVA, CVMA, BVA, AVA and FAVA, and attendance of the presidents of FVS, EAVA and IAAAM; the meeting was of an excellent standard and indicated that issues WAVMA needs to address are worldwide, raised the profile of aquatic veterinary
medicine with several national veterinary associations, and provided evidence that WAVMA can organise an international meeting and can attract influential people. Excellent publicity followed in trade journals, websites and professional journals.
First newsletter produced as a result of the AGM proceedings.
2007 Accomplishments
WVA discussions lead to aquatic veterinary sessions at the World Veterinary Congress (first time ever) with a theme based of practical veterinary issues which would be attractive to practitioners particularly within Europe and N. America.
Board meeting at Aquaculture America in Orlando, Florida (February) resulted in WAVMA becoming an Associate Sponsor of World Aquaculture Association meetings.
WAVMA President outlines aims of 2nd year – increase membership, and joining of the WVA.
Production of 3 further newsletters
Established initial committees - Communications, Ethics & Governance, Finance, Meetings and Credentialing.
Discussions started for an International Aquaculture Biosecurity Conference with WAVMA one of the organisers for summer 2009.
Survey of member’s interests and requirements.
Acquiring materials and staffing for a WAVMA booth at AVMA and WVC meetings, and held receptions at both meetings.
Further website improvements.
EAVA become a WAVMA Allied Organization Member and FVS renews membership.
WAVMA Comments provides consultation comments to DEFRA on EU Directive 2006/88.
Improved quarterly newsletter (Aquatic Vet News) and very well received by members.
2nd AGM held at WVC, Vancouver – discussion with FAO and OIE members and a clear message that aquatic issues are global
Identified that increased global communication is needed and for the need for basic aquatic veterinary education.
Initial discussion with SAVA on a aquatic veterinary sessions at 2011 WVC in South Africa.
2008 Accomplishments
Surveyed membership on wants and needs resulted in a WAVMA Board Strategic Planning Session in Chicago (October) and a “President’s 5 year strategic goals & plan.
Continued and expanded quarterly newsletter (Aquatic Vet News)
Further development of the website and member listservs
As co-organiser started planning the 1st International Aquaculture Biosecurity Conference (August 2009, Trondheim, Norway) and strengthened relationship with OIE, FAO and several academic institutions (CFSPH -Iowa State, Atlantic Veterinary College UPEI, and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute).
WAVMA invited to speak at Aquaculture Insurance Risk Management (AIRM) Conference ()
AGM held at AVMA Convention (Seattle, WA)
WAVMA booth and promotion at Aquaculture America, AVMA Convention & AIRM meetings
Further discussion with WVA on becoming a member
Developed WAVMA reports for the Fish Veterinary Journal
Met with DEFRA officials in London UK and FVS Committee to promote the role of aquatic veterinarians
2009 Accomplishments
Assisted running a very successful 2009 International Aquaculture Biosecurity Conference (Trondheim, Morway)
Initiated redevelopment of an improved website
Continued to refine the quarterly newsletter with expanded distribution
Use of Dropbox to facilitate information flow between Board members and committees
Development of the 1st WAVMA International Conference in Athens, Greece
Developed and ran an aquatic veterinary workshop held at IAAAM
Developed the WAVMMA/AVMF Scholarship Program to increase involvement of veterinary students and new graduates to become involved in aquatic veterinary medicine
Provided a booth and promotional materials at WAVMA, IABC, IAAAM, SAVMA, AVMA and Aquaculture America meetings
Initiated discussion with First meetings of the Credentialing Committee and discussions with the EBVE on possible Board Certification Programs
Membership increasing by more than 50%
2010 - 2011 Accomplishments
Initiated Development of WVC/WAVMA aquatic sessions in South Africa
Development of two aquatic biosecurity workshops (Norway & South Africa)
WAVMA again invited to speak and attend AIRM 2011
Developed a WAVMA/AqVMC Joint Promotion and Outreach Program
New website goes live
Continued and further expanded the distribution of the quarterly newsletter (Aquatic VetNews)
In consultation with with EAVA, CVMA and other parties, responded to proposed Canadian regulation involving aquatic veterinarians
Provided a booth at Aquaculture America, SAVMA, AVMA Convention, AIRM meetings
AGM held at AVMA Convention (St Louis, MO)
Development and production the first draft of an International Veterinary Aquaculture Concepts Manual (a template for an international standardized approach)
Developed an Aquatic Veterinary Program for CEPD at Aquaculture America 2010
Provided a WAVMA update for the Fish Veterinary Journal
Submitted application as a WSAVA member
Anticipate an application as a WVA member
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