MEMBERSHIP 2004 Veterinary Ireland membership subscriptions are due for renewal from 1 st January 2004.

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1 13 The Courtyard, Kilcarbery Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 22 Tel / Fax vetireland@eircom.net Web-page MEMBERSHIP 2004 Veterinary Ireland membership subscriptions are due for renewal from 1 st January Subscriptions for 2004 are: PRIMARY INTEREST GROUP 330 Each Additional Interest Group 60 VOA/IMPACT/IFUT Members 165* YEAR 1,2 & 3 GRADUATES 150* RETIRED MEMBER 110 STUDENTS (3 Interest Groups) 10 Cap for *Direct Debit mandate must be signed to avail of this rate Membership includes a free 12-month subscription to the Irish Veterinary Journal. For non-members an IVJ Subscription is 155 for For the majority of members - those who have completed a Direct Debit Mandate - no further action is required. Direct Debits will be processed in the normal way and deducted from your account on 12 th February Although this is the preferred method of payment, cheques made payable to Veterinary Ireland are accepted. Members who pay by cheque will receive payment requests later this month. TRADE UNION SUBSCRIPTIONS TAX CREDITS Members should by now have received a Certificate of Tax Credits from the Revenue Commissioners. The Budget for 2004 raised the Tax Relief at the Standard Rate for subscriptions paid to Trade Unions from 130 to 200. This equates to a tax credit of 40. This Relief is due to anyone who is a member of a Trade Union, such as Veterinary Ireland, at any time in the year of assessment, and members should check their Certificate of Tax Credits to see if this Trade Union Credit has been taken into account. Further information or assistance with regard to details on a Certificate can be obtained from the relevant Revenue Office, details as given on the Certificate of Tax Credits. Please don t forget to have your PRSI Number handy when calling. INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE All members employing Staff should be aware that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) increased on February 1 st 2004 from 6.35 to Under 18 s are entitled to 70% of the NMW; new entrants to the job market are entitled to 80% of the NMW in the first year of employment and 90% in the second year; employees on certified training are entitled to 75% in the first period of training, 80% in the second and 90% in the third. CONTACT DETAILS ARE YOURS UP TO DATE? Every year members details change through moving home, taking up new positions or changing mobile or landline phone numbers. Veterinary Ireland records can only remain reliable so long as we have your correct details, so if you change address or telephone numbers, change bank or wish to add or amend your Interest Groups please contact Audrey or Siobhan on , (or by Fax to ), as soon as possible 1

2 DAIRY HYGIENE CERTIFICATION We understand that the Department is sending the new 2004 Dairy Hygiene Certificate and accompanying documents to dairy farmers. The Veterinary Defence Society Ltd (VDS) has been consulted and they have confirmed that members who have VDS cover will be appropriately indemnified in respect of this work provided they adhere to the terms of the Policy. The VDS raised a particular concern about zoonoses and Veterinary Ireland has prepared additional guidelines for our members to deal with this. A copy of these guidelines is enclosed with this issue of VetView. NEW EU PET PASSPORT SCHEME Under the national rabies legislation all pet dogs and cats brought into Ireland, other than those coming from the UK, must undergo six months quarantine. For some years, Irish pet owners have been able to piggy-back on the UK PETs Scheme to take their animals to specified third countries, although in some cases this has meant the re-routing of their journey through the UK. With the aim of harmonising pet travel throughout the EU, a new system for the whole EU has been agreed and is due to come into effect on 3 rd July A list of eligible countries has yet to be finalised, but will include all west European Countries, and most likely Australia, New Zealand and North America. Like the PETs scheme, to qualify pets will have to be identified by microchip, have been vaccinated against Rabies, have been successfully blood tested for Rabies anti-bodies at least six months before entry, and have been correctly treated against tick and tapeworm. Detailed evidence of compliance with the above requirements will be contained in a new Pet Passport, (with optional pet photograph). The Department of Agriculture envisage that owners will apply for such a passport through their veterinary surgeon, once a microchip has been inserted into the animal. Details of the passport and full procedures for taking a pet abroad under this new EU scheme have yet to be finalised, but we will endeavour to inform members as soon as we have the relevant facts. In the meantime, members may wish to note that VICAS, in association with BSAVA, will be holding a one day course on 16 th May 2004 on Companion Animals Travelling Abroad, the schemes, diseases and vaccinations relevant for owners to take their pets abroad, and bring them back safely and easily. Full details available soon. COSMETIC SURGERY ON PETS In response to media queries on the Organisation s position on cosmetic surgery on pets, the following statement was provided, and is reproduced here for the information of members. Veterinary Ireland is the representative organisation for Veterinary Surgeons and one of its key roles is to facilitate the profession in its commitment to improving the health and welfare of the animals under its care. In this regard the organisation considers that any surgery which is not required for the welfare of the animal is unnecessary, according to Veterinary Ireland President, Peadar O Scanaill. Protection of Animals legislation in Ireland states that any person who by any act or by omitting or failing to do any act which results in causing unnecessary suffering to an animal shall be guilty of cruelty. In this context we would recommend that any unnecessary surgical procedures should be deemed to be illegal. Controls should be introduced to ensure that only appropriate surgery on animals is carried out and that it should only be done by suitably qualified veterinarians under conditions of anaesthesia that minimise pain and stress, he said. These views reflect the guidelines as issued by The Irish Veterinary Council, the body which registers and controls Veterinary Surgeons. In its Guide to Professional Behaviour the following are included in respect of surgical procedures and cosmetic surgery. 2

3 A veterinary surgeon shall not perform an act of veterinary surgery on an animal which causes it pain or suffering unless one of the following conditions are met: (i) It is in the interest of the animal or other animals. (ii) It is in the interest of society and the results to be achieved cannot be achieved by other means. A veterinary surgeon shall not perform any surgical operation or medical treatment on an animal, the primary purpose of which is to conceal its true genetic status and/or to enhance, by deception, its value for sale, breeding or showing in competition. In all cases of defects and disease that are known to be heritable, the client should be informed of the fact and the implications for breeding programs discussed. It is not unethical to perform a surgical operation for the correction of an heritable defect or to give medical treatment for an heritable disease, provided that the primary purpose of the operation or treatment is to relieve or prevent pain or discomfort to the animal. SMALL ANIMAL ORTHOPAEDICS SEMINARS This is a new series of Problem-Solving seminars organised jointly by VICAS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, BSAVA, and the Veterinary Clinical Societies. The aim of these seminars is to provide high quality local continuing education with a clear clinical focus throughout Ireland, particularly in regional centres through the Clinical Societies. In the first series Ronan Doyle, Mark Glyde and Shane Guerin are combining to provide a practical, case-based seminar in small animal orthopaedics, covering topics such as managing traumatic and open wounds, and hind limb lameness/weakness in adult dogs. Each seminar is half day/evening, commencing at 1.45pm and concluding at 8.30pm with an afternoon tea and evening meal break included. The problems discussed are practical and clinically relevant, drawing from typical cases encountered in general practice. An interactive practical approach to diagnosis and problem solving is explored and the various options for management of the problems are discussed in group sessions. Each Seminar attracts 6 CVE Credits and in addition to Kilkenny and Kerry held already, future dates are: Wednesday 25 th February 2004: Mid- Western Veterinary Clinical Society. Jury s Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick pm Thursday 26 th February 2004: Cork Veterinary Clinical Society pm, Kingsley Hotel, Cork. PLEASE NOTE: The Cork Veterinary Clinical Society Roadshow is on THURSDAY 26 th February, not Wednesday 26 th as previously advertised. The registration cost for this seminar is 150 for Veterinary Ireland and BSAVA members ( 225 for non-members). This includes afternoon tea and the evening meal. Preregistration is recommended as registration received at Veterinary Ireland 7 days in advance of each seminar attracts a 20% discount and may be made for 120 for Veterinary Ireland and BSAVA members ( 180 for non-members). Payment at the time of booking is necessary and can be done with credit card (telephone, fax or mail) or cheque made payable to Veterinary Ireland. VICAS/BSAVA ORTHOPAEDIC SKILLS IV 5 th 7 th March 2004, UCD Continuing this popular modular course, Orthopaedic Skills IV will address some of the more advanced orthopaedic techniques necessary in general small animal practice. The course will attract practitioners who wish to develop confidence and competence in treating more complex fractures and orthopaedic conditions. As with the other modules, this course combines lectures, wetlabs, radiograph and case study sessions and is very much hands-on and interactive with the emphasis on providing skills that are directly applicable in small animal practice. 3

4 Cost for Veterinary Ireland/BSAVA members is 550 ( 800 for non-members). The full course qualifies for 24 CVE Credits (not 18 as advertised elsewhere). To book a place on this course, please see the enclosed flyer or contact Veterinary Ireland HQ on Spaces are limited so book early. EQUINE GROUP / BEVA REGIONAL MEETING 26 TH FEBRUARY CVE CREDITS A BEVA Regional meeting, in association with the Equine Group of Veterinary Ireland, will be held at Naas Racecourse, Woodland Park, Naas, Co. Kildare at 5.45 pm on Thursday 26 th February Equine Embryonic Loss: Its Prediction and Treatment by John Newcombe, BvetMed MRCVS and Equine Reproduction Practitioners Forum, chaired by Meta Osborne MVB CertESM MRCVS. Cost for Veterinary Ireland members is 57 (including buffet supper). EQUINE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION COURSE 6 TH MARCH 2004, UCD This Course will cover basic mare reproduction, insemination techniques and timing, chilled and fresh semen evaluation, storage and transport, and is intended to benefit Veterinary practitioners who wish to be confident in the use of chilled and fresh Equine semen, through a series of lectures in the morning session, followed by practical sessions in the afternoon. A full programme is contained in the enclosed flyer. The Course will qualify for 9 CVE Credits and will cost 220 for Veterinary Ireland members ( 330 for non-members). Please see enclosed flyer for booking details or contact Veterinary Ireland HQ on Spaces are limited so book early. OFFICIAL VETERINARIAN COURSE The role of the Official Veterinarian under the proposal for a Regulation Of the European Parliament and of the Council, laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for Human Consumption. This part of the Hygiene Package known as Hygiene 3 (see IVJ Interview with Sean O Laoide, Jan 2004) outlines the central role of the Official Veterinarian. He/She carries out audits and inspection activities and takes all relevant decisions. To function optimally in the proposed, risk-based system, the official veterinarian needs specific training. The proposal contains clear requirements in this respect. The proposal also specifies the training requirements for the official auxiliaries that can assist the official veterinarian. In the Irish Context, whereas existing Department Veterinary Inspectors and County Veterinary Officers would be deemed to have already achieved the standard, they would however be required to engage in on-going CVE. New recruits to the Department and Local Authorities would have to do this training unless they had already completed a course meeting all the requirements. It is important for PVPs who wish to pursue CVE in the food safety area to ensure that whatever qualification they achieve will meet the requirements of this proposal. Veterinary Ireland together with UCD and the Veterinary Council, the Department Veterinary Inspectorate and Local Authority Veterinary Inspectorate have formed a steering group to design a course to meet the required standards. It is proposed that this course would be designed in a modular form that could be done over a period. Each module would be accredited by the Veterinary Council and would have CVE Credits allocated. It is important however, before finalising the curriculum to gauge the interest amongst PVPs in attending this course. If you would be interested in attending such a CVE Course over a period of time, please indicate this by completing the relevant section of the attached Quick Response Form and returning it to Veterinary Ireland Headquarters. 4

5 SEMINAR ON RAPTOR HEALTH Sunday 14 th March 2004, Dublin Zoo. Seminar for falconers and vets not familiar with this specialised topic. Cost 70. For full details contact Jack Smith, Treasurer, Irish Hawking Club, or SMALL FIRMS ASSOCIATION BETTER BUSINESS SHOW The Better Business Show is a national initiative organised by the Small Firms Association and Partners, and is travelling throughout Ireland during January to March The concept is to provide free advice and assistance across a range of key cost issues impacting on all small businesses, with an aim to making members businesses more economic, effective and efficient. The Seminars, which are Free of Charge, will take place in locations throughout Ireland and will run in the evenings for 2 hours from pm. Registration is essential and should be made direct with SFA either online at or LoCall When booking, please mention that you are a member of Veterinary Ireland, an affiliate member of SFA. Date Mon 23 rd Feb Tue 24 th Feb Wed 25 th Feb Thur 26 th Feb Mon 1 st Mar Tue 2 nd Mar Wed 3 rd Mar Thur 4 th Mar Venue Hotel Wyatt, Wesport Downhill House, Ballina Sligo Park Mount Errigal, Letterkenny Fairways, Dundalk Dublin Great Southern Newgrange, Navan Green Isle, Dublin KOMPASS PHONEPAGES CD 2004 Kompass produce a PhonePages CD for use on PCs, which contains both Residential and Business telephone numbers in Ireland. The latest, 2004, edition has just been published and is available from , at a cost 50. Depending on numbers ordered, Kompass may be able to make this CD available to members of Veterinary Ireland at a reduced rate of less than 32. If you would be interested in purchasing this PhonePages CD at a reduced rate, then please complete the relevant section of the Quick Response Form and return it to Veterinary Ireland HQ. (NB. Please do not send payment yet). NEW BOOK DESTINATION 5 Robert Lee, formerly Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Dublin s Trinity College and subsequently Professor of Veterinary Parasitology at University College Dublin, has published a book of memories dealing mainly with his experiences overseas. Rob has held positions in Nigeria, Zambia and Tanzania. It was in the latter country, then Tanganyika, that his long involvement with Africa began. His book, DESTINATION 5, chronicles his experiences there, from the time as a young newly qualified vet and later, his revisiting the new Africa in later years as a consultant to development projects. Isolde Moylan (formerly Charge d Affairs, Embassy of Ireland, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) writes: I have enjoyed every word. It is a delightful story, full of humour and sensitivity and with an amazing recall of things long past. Rob Lee s love of the wonderful country and people of Tanzania comes through on every page, as does his devotion to his chosen veterinary calling, even in the most difficult conditions. Professor Sir James Armour, Emeritus Professor, University of Glasgow, writes: Fascinating written in an easy, self-effacing and often humorous style. This book is compulsory reading for any veterinarian or others with an interest in global animal health problems as well as for nostalgic expatriates and indeed all those interested in Africa. DESTINATION 5 is available in bookshops or directly from the publishers, Morrigan Books, Killala, Co. Mayo, for 22 (including P&P). PLEASE SEE THE VETVIEW QUICK RESPONSE FORM TO REPLY TO MATTERS RAISED IN THIS ISSUE OF VETVIEW 5

6 VETVIEW QUICK RESPONSE FORM FEBRUARY 2004 Name: Vet Number: / Address: Tel: Fax: Mobile: Please Tick: Please note my new contact details as given above [ ] - OFFICIAL VETERINARIAN COURSE I would be interested in undertaking a Modular Official Veterinarian Course. [ ] Please keep my details on file and keep me informed of the course details. KOMPASS PHONEPAGES CD I would be interested in purchasing a Kompass PhonePages CD [ ] through Veterinary Ireland at a reduced rate of less than 32 per copy. I would require CDs. NB. Please do not send payment yet. Signed: Date: RETURN BY POST TO: VETERINARY IRELAND, 13 THE COURTYARD, KILCARBERY PARK, NANGOR ROAD, DUBLIN 22. OR BY FAX TO: