board update - Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria

IF YOU SUSPECT A PET HAS BEEN POISONED – WHO DO YOU CALL?
from Department of Primary Industries Chemical Standards
Veterinary practitioners are almost always the first
port of call when an individual suspects their pet
may have ingested a poison. The Department of
Primary Industries (DPI) Chemical Standards has a
regulatory role in investigating the misuse of
agricultural and veterinary chemicals. The most
common chemicals involved in poisoning of
domestic pets are strychnine, fox baits containing
1080, and certain organophosphate or carbamate
insecticides.
Although experienced veterinarians are often
confident in recognising the signs of poisoning
due to chemicals such as 1080, strychnine and
organophosphates, DPI has encountered
difficulty in conducting investigations due to the
subjective nature of clinical diagnosis, and the
lack of samples being taken. In any investigation
it is vital that evidence is gathered to determine
the true cause of the poisoning, that other causes
are ruled out, and that all evidence is preserved
intact. Some past investigations have been
compromised by lack of samples, or poor
practices such as the storing of samples, ie animal
stomach contents, in used coffee jars or shopping
bags.
The following points may help veterinarians to
assist DPI investigators:
• Conduct a necropsy, collect relevant samples,
and contact DPI officers as soon as possible.
• The type of sample(s) collected will depend
upon the animal and what type of chemical you
suspect has been the cause of the poisoning.
Samples of the stomach contents and urine are
of particular value and should be collected as
COMPLAINTS OFFICER
Part-time position 3 days per week
Responsible for the day-to-day handling of
complaints lodged with the Board against registered
veterinary practitioners. Hands-on position will suit
someone with knowledge of disciplinary process in a
health related field, who possesses patience,
diplomacy, good writing skills, proficiency in
soon as possible.
• Make sure samples cannot be tampered with
– the principle of continuity of evidence is
critical in an investigation, especially when it
proceeds to prosecution.
• Ensure samples are sealed in leak-proof
containers and cannot be contaminated.
Samples should ideally be stored in clean,
sterile containers to rule out contamination
from past storage items. Each sample should
be clearly labelled with the nature of sample
(s) and date collected. Freezing may better
preserve the samples.
• Keep notes relating to the clinical signs of the
animal in question. Background notes can
help guide an investigation in the right
direction by narrowing down the field of
possible chemicals.
DPI Chemical Standards has Chemical Standards
Officers located throughout the state who
investigate poisonings involving the suspected
misuse of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
Animals may be poisoned by chemicals that fall
outside the range of interest of the DPI, however
veterinary practitioners are encouraged to contact
their local Chemical Standards Officer to discuss
any issues they may have.
If you have an animal that may have been
poisoned by the misuse of an agricultural or
veterinary chemical, please call the DPI customer
service centre on 136 186 and ask to speak to the
Chemical Standards Officer nearest to your
location.
Microsoft Office suite and who has had
experience working as part of a small team in an
administrative support environment. Registered
veterinary practitioner or experience in the
veterinary profession may be an advantage. Copy
of the position description may be obtained by
telephone or email to contacts below. Written
applications addressed in confidence to the
Registrar, will be received by mail, facsimile or
email up to close of business Friday 16 December
2005.
Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria
11/470 Collins Street Melbourne Vic 3000
Facsimile (03) 9620 7044
Email registrar@vetboard.vic.gov.au
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