Veterinary Accreditation

Lecture 23

What does the term “licensed” mean?

a person licensed by the board to practice veterinary medicine

What does the term “accredited” mean?

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

What is the mission of the Natinal Veterinary Accreditation Program?

ensure the health of the nations’ livestock and animal population and to protect the public health and well being

Instead of veterinary accreditation, most other countries use what to examine animals and issue health certificates?

government veterinarians (however defined)

What are the veterinary accreditation requirements?

graduate with a DVM or equivalent degree

attend/achieve initial accreditation training

attend core orientation

submit application for veterinary accreditation VS form 1-36A

be licensed in the state of accreditation

attend supplemental orientation as needed

Although accreditation is voluntary, what tasks can only be performed via accreditation?

issuing health certificates

submit diagnostic samples for certain (common) diseases

administering rabies immunizations and signing an official rabies certificate

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

What is defined as 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 (FAD)

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 general roles of the accredited veterinarian?

keep diagnostic skills sharp

know which diseases are reportable

maintain biosecurity

reoport suspects to AVIC, state veterinarian

do not pursue definitive diagnosis or submit samples for testing

What are specific standards of the accredited veterinarian?

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 physical exams, diagnostic testing, sample submission, documentation

What do accredeited practitioners get in return?

diagnostic and lab support to 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

Where do local veterinarians fall on the FAD response pathway?

detection (first step)

What is the early warning system for FAD that requires the disease to be reports within 24 hours and informs countries at risk?

World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)

What is included in a FADD Investigation?

visits premise within 24 hours

inspects animals

consults with state vet and AVIC re actions —> sample collection, handling submission and control measures such as movement restrictions and quarantine