The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is to host a freewebinar for veterinarians globally on Friday 17 April to confirm the latestknowledge on COVID-19 as it relates to companion animals. Speakers Dr VanessaBarrs, Professor of Companion Animal Health at the City University of HongKong; Dr Michael Lappin, Chair of the WSAVA One Health Committee and WSAVAPresident Dr Shane Ryan will also advise on optimal preventative care duringthe pandemic and on the important role veterinarians can play in promoting petwelfare and supporting the human-companion animal bond during this difficulttime.
The webinar is being kindly supported by WSAVA Diamond Partner, the PurinaInstitute, and WSAVA Industry Partner, Zoetis.
Commenting on the webinar, Dr Shane Ryan said: “The Covid-19 pandemic iscausing distress and uncertainty for us all. It also poses a significant andreal threat to companion animal welfare, particularly given conflicting mediareports as to whether pets can spread the virus. While the situation continuesto evolve, we hope that our speakers can bring clarity to all veterinarians sothat they can reassure their clients, their co-workers and their communitiesbased on the evidence available. We hope our recommendations will also helpthem to continue to provide the highest standard of care to their patients.”
“Purina believes that pets and people both belong together, and are bettertogether. Never has their companionship and the health benefits they bringbeen more important than today,” says Dr Lizzie Parker, Global Head of thePurina Institute. “Additional to providing the essential healthcare,veterinarians are also playing a critical role in providing both the facts andreassurance to their clients on COVID-19. We are very happy to support WSAVAand help bring this webinar to the global veterinary community”.
“At Zoetis, we understand that now more than ever, people are turning to theirpets for the important comfort and companionship they provide,” said Dr EileenBall, Global Associate Medical Director for Global Commercial Development,Companion Animal. “We are committed to helping ensure access to veterinarycare and that veterinarians around the world have credible information for theessential work they do to help protect the health and welfare of their animalpatients.”
The webinar will take place at 14.00hrs GMT {10.00hrs (EST); 15.00hrs(London); 22.00hrs (Hong Kong)} on Friday April 17, 2020 and will later beavailable on the WSAVA COVID-19 resource hub. To register, please visit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMCYLATHhzs
The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 113member associations and works to enhance standards of clinical care forcompanion animals. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA GlobalGuidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management,nutrition and vaccination, together with lobbying on important issuesaffecting companion animal care worldwide.
Speaker biographies:
Vanessa Barrs: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/ph/en/staff/Staff_Vanessa_Barrs.html
Michael Lappin:http://www.csuvth.colostate.edu/DirectorySearch/Search/MemberProfile/vth/904/Lappin/Michael
Image: Shane Ryan: https://wsava.org/about/our-people/
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