Lecture 23: Veterinary Accreditation

licensed veterinarian

• means a person licensed by the board to practice veterinary medicine

• state

accredited veterinarian

• means a veterinarian approved by the deputy administrator of veterinary services, APHIS, USDA, and the state veterinarian

• federal

what kind of vets do other countries use to examine animals and issue health certificates?

government vets

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

what can only be performed via accreditation?

• issuing health certificates (health papers) → any fairs with out of state animals, import/export

• submit diagnostic samples for certain diseases

• administering rabies immunizations

why is accreditation important for both the veterinary 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

• 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 US and its territories that has a potential significant health or economic impact

impact of animal disease

• animal health → death, illness, loss of production

• economics → loss or disruption of trade, loss of consumer confidence

• human health → zoonoses, mental health

general roles of the accredited veterinarian

• keep diagnostic skills sharp

• know which diseases are reportable

• maintain biosecurity

• report suspects to USDA area vet in charge or state vet

• do not pursue definitive diagnosis or submit samples for testing

specific standards for accredited veterinarians

• personally inspect animals and sign forms

• issue complete and accurate forms

• ID and verify work of other accredited vets

• perform activities according to regulation

• properly identify reactors

• assist with interstate and international movement of animals and animal products

• assess and document animal health through PE, diagnostic testing, diagnostic sample submission, documentation

what do accredited practitioners get in return?

• diagnostic and lab support to your practice

• animal movement facilitation

• exhibition/fair facilitation

• current info on diseases of significance/vulnerability

• get out of jail free card in case of an FAD incursion

detection

unusual sign noted by local veterinarian

world organization 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 animas

• consults with state vet and AVIC re-actions