Queensland News - Australian Veterinary Association

AVA Queensland News - August 2009President’s WordCongratulations and many thanks to the membersof the Executive for their time and energy taken toimplement and conduct the authorised implantingcourses around the State.It is also timely to remind members of the importanceof reading material sent by the Government. Theprofession is taking on a serious responsibility anda leading role in correct animal identification andmanagement for a civil benefit.It has been somewhat mystifying that some memberscould not see past the placement of the transponderswhen the purpose is to gain an understanding of theAnimal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. Proofof understanding the Act is part of the legislation’srequirements.Our profession is well positioned to provide both themicrochipping service and the education of cat anddog owners on the benefits and legal responsibilitiesfor better pet management.While referring to Government, there has beenpositive feed back from the Infectious DiseaseControl (IDC) Seminars. There is financial supportfrom the State Government via the Department ofPrimary Industries and Fisheries and QueenslandHealth, including presentations by their staff whichare duly appreciated.It is important that veterinarians lead the way forcontinued revision of IDC because zoonotic diseasesare on the rise and affecting global health.Recently, the Queensland Division conducted a mailoutto lapsed members and we have been informedthat the response was very encouraging, so a verywarm thank you to those involved and welcome back.The AVA president Dr Mark Lawrie and the National CEOGraham Catt are presently on a fact finding missionto the American Veterinary Medical Association andcalling on the New Zealand Veterinary Association onthe way home. We look forward to hearing about thistrip at the forthcoming strategic planning weekend inTownsville. The Executive hopes to hear of ways tobring more benefits to our members.On behalf of the Queensland Division, I would remindevery one that at the Queensland office we appreciatebeneficial input from colleagues – so, whether youare in government, industry, academia, the suburbsor the paddock, please keep those e-mails coming.All the best for now.Dr Bruce PottDr Bruce Pott - PresidentEditor’s NoteIn this issue, we are fortunate to have papers fromDrs Brad Gavaghan on diagnosing the coughingdog and the situation on technology in cardiology,Ross McKenzie on poisoning of pets by commongarden plants (and big hairy spiders), and from BruceRemington on the surprising scarity of wild birdssurveyed by the booming free range meat chickenindustry.Dr Gavaghan’s papers are sourced from the annualconference of the Division held at Yeppoon 20-22March 2009. Those interested may obtain a copyof the proceedings from the Divisional office. DrsMcKenzie and Remington’s papers were given atmeetings of the South East Queensland Branch.The papers are reproduced in the News as a serviceto those members who were unable to attend themeetings and to give an idea of activities happeningwithin the Division. If other Branches or SpecialInterest Groups would like articles published in theNews you are cordially invited (exhorted) to send themin, whether they are technically or socially oriented. Iam aware that many groups run their own newsletter.The News is an opportunity to extend information tothe general membership.1