Lecture 23: Veterinary Accreditation

What is the difference between a licensed and accredited veterinarian?

• licensed: person licensed by STATE board to practice veterinary medicine

• accredited: FEDERAL; veterinarian approved by deputy admin of veterinary services, APHIS, USDA, and state veterinarian

Most other countries use ______ veterinarians (however defined) to examine animals and issue health certificates.

government

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 tasks can only be performed via 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 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

What is 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?

foreign animal disease

What are the impacts of animal disease?

• Animal Health: Death, illness, loss of production

• Economics: Loss or disruption of trade, Loss of consumer confidence, Movement restrictions

• Human Health: Zoonoses, Mental health

What are the general roles of accredited veterinarian?

• Keep diagnostic skills sharp

• Know which diseases are reportable

• Maintain biosecurity!

• Report suspects to: USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC), State Veterinarian

• DO NOT: Pursue definitive diagnosis, Submit samples for testing

What are the specific standards for accredited veterinarians?

• Personally inspect animals and sign forms

• Issue complete and accurate forms

• ID and verify work of other accredited veterinarians

• 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: PEs, Diagnostic testing (e.g. TB tests) and 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

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

What is the start of an FAD timeline?

unusual sign noted by local veterinarian

What is the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) responsible for?

• early warning system

• disease reported within 24 hrs

• informs countries at risk

• trade shut down until further notice

What does a FAD diagnostician do?

• Visits premise within 24 hours

• Inspects animals

• Consults with State Veterinarian & AVIC re actions: Sample collection, handling, submission, Control measures: movement restrictions & quarantine