New Year’s resolutions for livestock vets from the state vet’s office

By Dr. Amber Itle, WA State Veterinarian

1. Get to know your regional WSDA field vet: Contact List.
2. Be RAD and use the RAD (Reportable Animal Disease) platform to report diseases of concern, new or emerging diseases, high morbidity or mortality events, or diseases with public health concern.
3. Use free Electronic CVIS on Oregon Veterinary Information Systems.
4. Find some TB suspects on Caudal Fold Tests (estimated 1-3 per 100 animals tested) and review the Tuberculosis Certification Testing for Bovine Practitioners.
5. Get and use Free EID tags.  For more information email the ADT Program
   or call 360-725-5493.
6. Use www.interstate.com for all your export needs.
7. Write a secure food supply plan with your farm clients (or request help from a WSU vet student).
8. Brush up on FAD training and/or secure your Complete your NVAP training accreditation modules to get recertification credit or check out the FARM PPE trainings.  
9. Join the Reserve Vet Corps.
10. Encourage your clients to perform routine diagnostics and necropsies at WSU WADDL.
11. Establish VCPR to comply with new FDA rules eliminating OTC antibiotics
12. Wear PPE (gloves, masks), especially when handling aborted fetuses, exposed to influenza viruses or other diseases of public health concern. 
13. Discontinue feeding antibiotics for growth promotion to comply with WOAH.
14. Test feti associated with abortion storms on farm.
15. Establish a disaster emergency plan with your clinic and clients (floods and fires/ evacuation)
16. Consider disposal concerns before euthanasia.
17. Be aware of policy changes in xylazine classification.
18. Work with the State Veterinarian to nomination your area for the Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program and Veterinary Services Grant Program to qualify for loan forgiveness and grants to buy equipment for your practice for 2025. Know our state’s 2024 NIFA nominated shortage areas and apply between March 1 2024 and April 17 2024.
19. Use this Reporting Guide for Veterinarians Assisting for Cruelty and Neglect Cases and tips for how to testify in court. 
20. Provide feedback on WAC 16-54, Animal Importation, as we prepare to make changes this year, especially with regards to making brucellosis vaccination voluntary.