AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)

State, district, territory, and allied veterinary associations across the profession are joining the AVMA in voicing strong opposition to creating a new veterinary midlevel practitioner (MLP). In fact, all 50 state veterinary associations, plus those representing DC and Puerto Rico, have now indicated their formal opposition to the MLP. You can learn more about the risks of this position, along with safer and better solutions, by visiting https://lnkd.in/gBVZgZ_x

During one of their trips to the North Pole, AVMA President and official North Pole veterinarian Dr. Sandra Faeh and veterinary technician Jamie Rauscher, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians In America (NAVTA), conducted a full-body examination of all nine of Santa's reindeer, checking for signs of illness, injury, or parasites that could endanger their health or the health of other animals they might encounter during their travels. These checks included x-rays, blood tests and inspections of their antlers, hooves, fur and vital signs. In addition to ensuring the reindeer’s health, the AVMA team provided Santa with the official "North Pole Certificate of Animal Export," which is required for his international flight. This document certifies that the reindeer meet global health standards and can safely cross country borders. Learn more at avma.org/Santa

WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) has an open call for nominations for Chairs and Members of several of its committees. AVMA members are eligible to apply to serve on WSAVA committees. Complete information on these openings is available at wsava.org/vacancies. If a letter of good standing is needed, please contact Dr. Beth Sabin, AVMA Director of Global Outreach, at esabin@avma.org.

Santa contacted AVMA President and official North Pole veterinarian Dr. Sandra Faeh earlier than usual this year after noticing Dasher wasn’t acting like himself. The reindeer, a key leader of Santa’s team, had developed keratitis, or pink eye, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Faeh diagnosed the issue during a preliminary visit and prescribed a treatment plan of eye drops and rest, closely monitored by Santa and his elves. Dr. Faeh and Jamie flew back to the North Pole to conduct a follow-up examination of Dasher, where he received the all-clear to fly Christmas Eve night! “Dasher responded wonderfully to treatment and is back to his energetic leading role,” said Dr. Faeh. “It’s always a privilege to care for these incredible animals, and it’s reassuring to know they’re all in peak condition for their important global journey.”

With the recent discovery of a New World screwworm (NWS) infection in a cow in southern Mexico, U.S. veterinarians – including those working with companion animals - are being encouraged to look for signs of possible infestation. The USDA is encouraging all producers and pet owners to report potential screwworm cases immediately to veterinarians or local animal health authorities. AVMA News shares the latest information on what to know. https://bit.ly/4fu2S1G In addition, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has developed two helpful resources with more information about this pest: ➡️ 'New World Screwworm: What You Need to Know' brochure: https://bit.ly/3P4jFhc ➡️ Pest alert: https://bit.ly/400RB4G

JUST ANNOUNCED: The AVMA has partnered with YM Careers, a leading job board platform, to provide its members with an enhanced career center experience. This collaboration will offer AVMA members and the broader veterinary community a more robust, user-friendly, and efficient platform for job search and recruitment needs. https://bit.ly/402QSjy

#AWJAC2024 took place last month and was a huge success! Thank you to all who participated, as well as presenting partner, Merck Animal Health, for their support of this exciting event. Congratulations to all of our award winners! INTERACTIVE ASSESSMENT – INDIVIDUALS TOP INDIVIDUAL UNDERGRADUATE – JUNIOR ◼️ Alexis Steffens, Iowa State University TOP INDIVIDUAL UNDERGRADUATE – SENIOR ◼️ Julia Greenlee, Iowa State University TOP INDIVIDUAL VETERINARY STUDENT ◼️ Anna Schilling, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine TOP INDIVIDUAL GRADUATE ◼️ Heidi Rinehart, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign INTERACTIVE ASSESSMENT – TEAMS TOP TEAM UNDERGRADUATE – JUNIOR ◼️ University of Vermont TOP TEAM UNDERGRADUATE – SENIOR ◼️ University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Team Red TOP TEAM VETERINARY STUDENT ◼️ Atlantic Veterinary College, Team 1 TOP TEAM GRADUATE ◼️ University of Guelph INDIVIDUAL OVERALL PLACINGS UNDERGRADUATE JUNIOR DIVISION ◼️ Syndey Anglin, University of Tennessee, Knoxville UNDERGRADUATE SENIOR DIVISION ◼️ Brooke Casey, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Team Red VETERINARY STUDENT DIVISION ◼️ Shyanne Hall, University of Minnesota GRADUATE STUDENT DIVISION ◼️ Madeline Winans, The Ohio State University TEAM OVERALL PLACINGS UNDERGRADUATE JUNIOR DIVISION ◼️ Texas A&M University, Team Hullabaloo UNDERGRADUATE SENIOR DIVISION ◼️ University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Team Red VETERINARY STUDENT DIVISION ◼️ Atlantic Veterinary College, Team 2 GRADUATE STUDENT DIVISION ◼️ University of Guelph

"Ho, ho, ho!" Even Santa knows the importance of proper veterinary care! Here's more on the trips AVMA President Dr. Sandra Faeh and veterinary technician Jamie Rauscher, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), took to the North Pole over the last two months to ensure that Santa’s team of nine reindeer were up-to-date on their vaccinations, travel forms, and were healthy enough to make their annual trek around the globe. https://bit.ly/4gfSSut

AVMA President (and official veterinarian of the North Pole) Dr. Sandra Faeh and National Association of Veterinary Technicians In America (NAVTA) President Jamie Rauscher head back to the North Pole to check on Dasher’s eye and examine the rest of Santa’s reindeer. Dr. Faeh and Jamie checked their eyes, ears, antlers, and hooves for any signs of parasites, injuries, and disease or anything in general that could prevent them from making the trip. Joyfully, the two determined each one has been cleared for take off and have all the necessary travel papers to make their Christmas Eve flight - even Dasher! It is sure to be a merry Christmas after all!

Put your best forward when you start your day at VLC – literally! Attend wellbeing and fitness classes, such as yoga or meditation on Friday and Saturday mornings. Classes are appropriate for all experience levels. Learn more at avma.org/VLC. Morning Yoga Friday, January 10 6:30-7:00 a.m. Mindfulness Meditation Saturday, January 11 7:00-7:45 a.m.