Veterinarians talk racial discrimination
With current events sparking a huge rise of discussions on race and discrimination, here is an article where veterinarians across the US talk about their experiences with racial discrimination. The article also provides strategies on how to support those who are underrepresented in veterinary medicine.
https://www.avma.org/javma-news/veterinarians-talk-racial-discrimination
Tuskegee veterinary students gifted PPE
Animal health company Zoetris has donated students at Tuskegee university non-sterile masks to help better perform routine procedures.
Ruby L. Perry, DVM, MS, PhD, Dip. ACVR, the college dean said: “Zoetis recognizes the unprecedented change COVID-19 has brought to educational institutions, “The safety and well-being of faculty, staff, and students is paramount as institutions strive to fulfill their missions. The continuation of collaboration among academic, industry, and public communities is critical to navigating and survival through this pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has required and continues to require patience and support of each other as we continue to navigate these difficult times for our Tuskegee University family, community-at-large, and the world.”
https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/tuskegee-u-veterinary-students-gifted-ppe/
The RVC calls for vets to participate in survey to help shape the future of epilepsy research
General practice vets are being called upon by the Canine Epilepsy Research team at the RVC to participate in a survey which could help shape the future of epilepsy research. The survey aims to gain knowledge about how important they feel different areas of epilepsy research are, and how much they think certain new therapies have the potential to impact epileptic dogs’ lives. The last survey of this type was sent out in 2016 and so this will provide an insight into how the general consensus has changed.
Dr Rowena Packer, research lead in canine epilepsy at the RVC, said: “This survey was inspired by similar prioritisation activities undertaken by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) for human epilepsy patients. At the RVC, we believe that the benefits of such an open approach can be truly valuable for veterinary medicine too, and ensure a diversity of views influence future epilepsy priorities.”
Young leaders to champion animal welfare in bushfire affected communities
RSPCA Victoria and Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) are looking to recruit young leaders into their ranks to improve animal welfare and help communities affected by the bushfires. “The Young Activators Program runs for six months and will help participants build capacity within their community to plan, respond, withstand and recover from emergencies and disasters that directly and indirectly impact animals. Participants will be encouraged to explore animal welfare topics important to them and be provided with guidance, advice and mentorship on how to advocate for changes to be made.”
Recent crises call for more trained PTSD dogs
Tamara Wrigley, Australian TV presenter and ambassador for PTSD Dogs Australia has been calling for an increase funding, awareness and training of PTSD dogs. This is due to both the Autralian bushfires and COVID-19 sparking a rise in PTSD cases,
Tamara Wrigley said: “PTSD Dogs Australia has been inundated with requests recently from all over Australia, including those affected by the fires and COVID-19. It takes at least 18 months and costs around $40,000 to train an assistance dog, and we need a larger property now so we can get these dogs in and start training them so they will be ready for the avalanche of screams for help, because they’re coming.”
