Veterinary accreditation- why should I care

Licensed veterinarian vs accredited veterinarian

State: Licensed veterinarian" means a person licensed by the

board to practice veterinary medicine.

Federal: Accredited veterinarian” means a veterinarian approved by the deputy administrator of veterinary services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the state veterinarian…

What do other countries use mostly to examin animals

Most other countries use government veterinarians (however defined) to examine animals and issue Health Certificates

What are the accreditation requirements

• Graduate with a DVM or equivalent degree

• Attend/achieve Initial Accreditation Training (IAT)

• Attend core orientation

• Submit application for Vet. Accred. VS form 1-36A

• Be licensed in the state of accreditation

• Attend Supplemental Orientation as needed

Accreditation is voluntary but what 3 things can only be done through a accreditation

• Issuing health certificates (health papers)

• Any fair with out-of-state animals, import/export requirements

• Submit diagnostic samples for certain (common)

diseases

• Administering rabies immunizations

• And signing an official Rabies Certificate

Why is accreditation important for both theveterinary profession and our national interests?

• First line of national defense against threats to US agriculture

• Private DVMs act as legal agents of the Federal Government

• As opposed to creating another layer of redundant competition

• Force-multiplier against foreign animal disease incursions

• Expands our network of surveillance, detection and response

• Perform Examinations, Tests, Certifications for local, regulated diseases

• Ensures uniformity of national disease control programs

• Provides material resources and on-going continuing education to

practitioners

Foreign animal disease FAD

• An important transmissible livestock or poultry disease believed to be absent from the United States and its territories that has a potential significant health or economic impact

Impact of animal disease on animal health

Death, illness, loss of production

Impact of animal disease Economics

• Loss or disruption of trade

• Loss of consumer confidence

• Movement restrictions

Impact of Animal disease Human heath

• Zoonoses

• Mental health

What is the general role of the accredited veterinarian

Keep diagnostic skills sharp

Know which disease are reportable

• Likely based on clincal signs and history… not diagnosis

Maintain biosecurity

Report suspect to:

USDA Area Veterinarian in charge (AVIC)

DO NOT

• pursue definitive diagnosis

• Submit samples for testing

standards for accredited vets

Personally inspect animals and sign forms

• It is Your Signature!

• Issue complete and accurate forms

• ID and verify work of other accredited veterinarians

• Perform activities according to regulation

• Properly identify reactors

Specific standards for accredited veterinarians

• Assist with interstate and international

movement of animals and animal products

• Assess and document animal health through

• Physical examinations

• Diagnostic testing (e.g. TB tests)

• Diagnostic sample submission

• Documentation

What do accredited practitioners get in return?

• Diagnostic and laboratory support to your practice

• Animal movement facilitation

• Exhibition/Fair facilitation

• Current info on diseases of significance/vulnerability

• Tailored presentations to veterinary audiences

• Continuing education (required for license renewal)

• ‘Get out of jail free’ card in case of an FAD incursion

World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

• Early Warning System

• Disease reported within 24 hours

• Informs countries at risk

Trade shut down

until further notice

FADD Investigation

Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician

• Visits premise within 24 hours

• Inspects animals

• Consults with State Veterinarian & AVIC re actions

• Sample collection, handling, submission

• Control measures: movement restrictions & quarantine