Update for Vets January 2023
Welcome to our January update. We hope 2023 is off to a good start for everyone.
In this edition, we feature information about the authorisation of Dry Cow Antibiotic Treatment (DCAT), along with a new toolkit we have been involved in creating with MPI and the SPCA for veterinarians dealing with animal welfare issues on farms or lifestyle blocks. There is also a statement from MPI and VCNZ about a recent report of heartworm in New Zealand, which luckily proved false.
Flooding in the upper North Island
Our thoughts are with those affected by the severe flooding in Auckland as well as others around the motu who are impacted by this extreme weather.
As a reminder, professional obligations, including those in the Code of Professional Conduct, come second to personal health and safety. If you or your clinic are unable to meet requirements, such as emergency service provision, due to the flooding, that is understandable. We trust that veterinarians will work together to provide what services they can during this emergency.
If you are affected by the floods and have questions about service provision and professional standards, or if you need other assistance, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help.
General updates and information about the management of this emergency can be found through Auckland Emergency Management .
Authorisation of Dry Cow Therapy
VCNZ has prepared a statement to assist veterinarians to comply with requirements for authorising Dry Cow Antibiotic Treatment (DCAT).
The statement outlines the principles that veterinarians should follow when treating or managing udder health. It also includes the veterinarian’s responsibilities, and systems and procedures that can be used to authorise DCAT.
You can read the full statement on the VCNZ website.
Recently, VCNZ has worked alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to produce a new toolkit for vets dealing with animal welfare issues on farms and lifestyle blocks.
It aims to provide vets with practical guidance such as how to assess animal welfare situations, what happens during an animal welfare investigation, how to talk to clients who become confrontational, and useful contacts.
We encourage all veterinarians to read it.
Scan the QR code below with your smartphone to access the toolkit, or visit https://mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/5758/direct
New Zealand does not have heartworm
Statement from MPI and VCNZ
We are aware that there was recently considerable concern about reports of a positive heartworm test in a New Zealand born dog.
An overseas laboratory has been able to confirm that the initial result was a false positive and the dog has tested negative for heartworm. This means there is no heartworm in New Zealand.
The test was part of the routine process for the export of a dog from Aotearoa.
Thank you
We hope you found this newsletter interesting and informative. If you’d like to provide feedback or send us a topic or story for next time, please email [email protected].
Please also contact us if you have any questions or need support.