December 2011 Issue 35

In this edition of Boardtalk...

President's Report

In September the Board met with the new Minister Mrs Katrina Hodgkinson [Member for Burranjuck] whose portfolio includes the Veterinary Practitioners Board and Department of Primary Industries. In the beautiful and historic venue of Parliament House Sydney, the Board was able to discuss issues conce... [more]

From the Registrar's Desk

The amendment to the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 was assented on 20 September 2011 and is now law.The section reads;... [more]

Complaints Committee

Since the last edition of Boardtalk in May 2011 the Board has determined, after investigation by the Board's complaints committee, seventeen complaints made against veterinary practitioners.... [more]

Inducements

The Veterinary Practice Act is a piece of legislation with several masters: it strives to serve the needs of the veterinary profession, as well as protect consumers of veterinary services, while all the time maintaining the primacy of the welfare of the animals receiving veterinary care. It recalls ... [more]

Continuing Professional Development

In this rapidly changing world we live in there has never been a greater need for professionals to have a commitment to life-long learning programme. We are bombarded with information and therefore a structured approach to our learning, and selection of suitable material, is essential.... [more]

Internet Purchases by Clients

1] An owner can request a script from a veterinarian and is legally allowed to fill it at a pharmacy or, under the Code of Conduct in the Veterinary Practice Regulation 2006, at another veterinary practice.... [more]

University of Sydney News

Since the previous USyd report, as usual, much activity and excitement has taken place within the Faculty. In July `celebrity vet' Chris Brown officially opened the new $4.9 million Stage 4 Nepean Lodge and Nepean Hall student kitchen upgrade at the Camden campus. Nepean Lodge has now undergone sign... [more]

Charles Sturt University

In August 2011 the second cohort of veterinarians graduated from CSU. The graduating class were a modest 37, supplementing the 30 in 2010. There has been a strong recruitment into jobs in rural areas including all of the eastern states and a handful are working in urban areas and overseas. The feedb... [more]

DPI - Emergency Animal Diseases

Department of Primary Industries pays for laboratory investigation of suspected Emergency Animal Diseases... [more]

Occupational vaccination for veterinary staff

A number of vaccines are available that will assist to protect veterinarians and veterinary staff against potential infection with zoonotic organisms.... [more]

Bovine anaemia caused by Theileria orientalis

Benign Theileriosis has been renamed "bovine anaemia caused by Theileria orientalis" to better reflect the impact of the disease without alarming Australia's trading partners! This change of name has been developed by the Theileria Working group a working group of the national Animal Health Committe... [more]

Sedating Animals and Lay Operators

As the activities of lay operators such as equine dental technicians, chiropractors and the role of lay operators in farm practice increases, it is becoming more common for veterinarians to receive requests to sedate animals, particularly horses, for the lay person to carry out these procedures.... [more]

Stock Medicines Update

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has issued a permit to CEVA Animal Health of Glenorie to allow the supply of unregistered Oestrotain® anabolic tablets for greyhounds (ethyloestrinol) for the suppression of oestrus in racing greyhounds.... [more]

Statistics of interest to the profession

Please refer to the publication, , to view statistics regarding Gender Trend, Employment Types, Specialists and distribution of vets.... [more]

Q Fever - Also a Small Animal Zoonotic Disease

The AVA recommends that all veterinarians and veterinary nurses be vaccinated against Q Fever.... [more]

XRAY Registration and licensing

The following article provides information on... [more]

Disease Notification and Export Certification

Veterinarians are reminded of their responsibility to notify the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) if they suspect or diagnose certain significant diseases.... [more]

Paper Trail

Contributed by... [more]

Confidential Helpline for Veterinarians Doctors Health Advisory Service

Independent and confidential service staffed by specially selected and trained medical practitioners who are able to offer personal and health assistance as well as referral to specialists. Veterinary practitioners or their families or their colleagues are able to make calls to the Helpline. Issues vary and all calls are unique but may involve depression, alcohol abuse, drug use, work related stress or marriage difficulties. This is a highly respected and leading health care advisory organization aiming to assist veterinarians to maintain full personal, professional and social capability and the dedicated telephone service is available 24 hours a day.

(02) 9437 6552
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