| News Brief Vol 5 Issue 3
FEB 2, 2025 |
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| FROM THE AAFSPHV PRESIDENT
It has been a roller coaster of a new year, especially the last two weeks getting us to today, Feb. 2nd, GroundHog Day. One issue of major concern to me and all of you would be the abrupt suspension of scientific/public health related communication from federal agency employees to the general public and even to their other colleagues. I realize each new administration wants to make its mark, but this one seems to have moved at warp speed with an approach to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. This mandated pause in outside communications, while many say is typical with new administrations, feels like GroundHog Day on steroids. The communications ban, originally meant to be lifted yesterday, on Feb. 1st, did not occur. Conversely, as was communicated via a zoom call yesterday, massive databases have begun disappearing from CDC’s website. This, to me, is alarming.
Long planned recruitment activities have been abruptly cancelled, for example, CDC’s Student Day. This much anticipated event, which had not taken place for several years since Covid, had hundreds of scientists, teachers, and students traveling to Atlanta, GA to participate. The event, due to start on Sunday, January 26th, was cancelled that Friday, January 24th with a loss of time and money and opportunity to network and recruit bright young (veterinary) students into public practice.
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What can we do? What I can tell you is the AAFSPHV is working with other groups to help fill in the communication gaps as needed. Veterinarians in state and local positions can still openly meet and share information with everyone. We share a Zoom platform for our monthly free Continuing Education. This CE is RACE approved through the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) in collaboration with the National Association of Federal Veterinarians (NAFV), the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV), and ourselves, the AAFSPHV. This platform could also be used to communicate disease outbreak information to a broader audience, particularly if the federal communications blackout continues. Both Dr. John Sanders and I are liaisons to the ACVPM CE committee and have expressed our willingness to help facilitate informational webinars there in the future.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as ours are very important conduits for information sharing. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Governmental Relations Division VP, Dr. Kent McClure, has been in communication as has our liaison with the NASPHV, Dr. Laura Rothfeldt. As a retired federal employee, I listened to a NAFV town hall held this Saturday. Dr. Joe Annelli, NAFV EVP, set up the zoom meeting to address the many concerns of his federal veterinary members. There was the hiring freeze memo, the return to office memo, the fork in the road memo, and other orders sent to add to the blitz. Our colleagues in federal public practice and those scientists supported by grants from NIH and other federally funded sources have been paralyzed by the confusion and chaos created by all these vague directives. We are supportive of any help that can be given to our colleagues and members. Make sure we have your PERSONAL EMAIL (not work email) on file. In addition, we suggest that you do not sign anything without legal counsel, and we urge you to write to your Members of Congress.
I cannot conjecture about whether this situation reflects the trend toward public-private partnerships in government, like that used currently in Australia. However, when it comes to public health/food safety, I prefer to think that good science and credible solutions rather than pure profit should be the primary motive. Regardless, we must find a way to do what is necessary to protect public health and ensure food safety in the future. The recently ordered cessation of communications from our federal government officials to the public and amongst their colleagues cannot be underestimated in its seriousness. There is much work to be done. Please join us and recommend a friend. Membership, currently, it is only $50/year. Go to: https://aafsphv.org/membership website to join/rejoin today. We need you!!
Other links for additional information:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuacohen/2025/01/23/trump-administration-halts-public-health-agencies-activities/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg-eDpqyPlU
https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/01/30/comprehensive-guide-to-deferred-resignation-for-federal-employees/?utm_source=fedsmith-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fedsmith-2025-01-31&utm_content=post
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2025/01/trump-administration-offers-most-feds-deferred-resignation-if-they-quit-by-next-week/ |
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I am stepping down March 1 as Interim Editor, and will have served since June 2024. Instead of seeking a new editor, AAFSPHV has revised this position into Communications Specialist (CS). Please check out the job information on this new position in this issue and on the AAFSPHV website job board. I highly recommend taking on the role of CS to anyone who has an average of 2 hours a week to devote to sharing information about food safety and public health. I will be available to train the new person in how to do some basic updates on the website, create social media posts, use the website to publish the newsletter, and how to implement the SOPs on peer-reviewed articles. That said, the CS, does not operate in a void. This is our community and as a member, you can make a difference with content contributions to them. Please support the new Communications Specialist as they are making a huge contribution to the sustainability and vigor of our organization. The job is posted in this issue, as well as online at our AAFSPHV Job Board.
This issue contains Peer Reviewed articles.
I hope you enjoy it.
Donna DeBonis, DVM, MSFS
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Correction in News Brief Vol 5 Issue 2. Public Health in the News article had wrong dates. Dates as follows: -
poultry affected as of 1/14/2024 should be 1/14/2025.
- dairy herds affected as of 1/14/2024, should be 1/14/2025
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| Posted: February 2025
Location: 100 % Remote
Type: Estimate up to 10 Hours per Month
Stipend: TBD
Categories:
Newsletter Editing, Newsletter Publishing, x Social Media Management and advise website updating.
Summary/Objective
We are seeking a dynamic Communications Specialist to serve as a writer/editor who will help drive the growth and strategic development of our American Association for Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV) website, social media, and newsletter as a writer, editor, and administrator. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with attention to detail and the ability to make well-
reasoned decisions, build strong relationships, and influence diverse stakeholders and communities to
further the mission of AAFSPHV. Maintaining membership in AAFSPHV is a plus. The ideal candidate would be a person who seeks deep involvement and mentorship from a wide array of veterinarians working in food safety and public health in industry, academia, federal/state/local government, etc.
The Communications Specialist will
● Work proactively to present innovative ideas that will further enhance the AAFSPHV website, social media, and newsletters.
● Collate submissions and write content for multiple social media platforms and report to the Board on social media analytics.
● Manage association communications to ensure timely and accurate delivery of a high-quality product including newsletters, news updates and webmail communications to members on timely topics.
● Manage special projects and initiatives including, but not limited to, producing podcasts and facilitating the development of other One Health communication issues as needed.
Competencies
1. Knowledge of association news publication production and scientific abstract reviews.
2. Experience in social media and outreach to engage the association’s community.
3. Excellent prioritization of tasks and projects to meet deadlines while collaborating with the
Executive Vice President and AAFSPHV Board members.
4. Experience working with virtual meetings and team collaboration platforms.
5. Knowledge and access of Canva, and website (non-html) editing.
Other Duties
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change over time in consultation with the successful
applicant. Mandatory Training will be provided by Interim Editor over the course of 1 month at a
mutually available time (approximately 3 hours, which can be divided into 2 or 3 sessions).
To Apply:
Qualified interested applicants must send a cover letter and resume to: executivevp@aafsphv.org
To learn more about AAFSPHV, please visit: https://aafsphv.org/
AAFSPHV is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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From Katherine Waters, AAFSPHV Executive VP:
As the leading veterinary public health organization we strive to have board members who represent all aspects of veterinary public health and food safety. Please read over the director positions and consider applying. |
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The AAFSPHV is seeking candidates for Directors. You can click on the Director position link and it will take you to the nomination form, which you can complete and submit on AAFSPHV website.
Director, At Large Director, State and Local Government
The new director will complete a 3 term of office and is eligible to reapply for another 3-year term if desired. AVMA membership is required for our Governing Board members. Self-nominations are encouraged. Members who would like to nominate themselves or another member should fill out the nomination forms online (see links above), or send the following information in an email to executivevp@aafsphv.org
1. Position applying for:
2. Name of person being nominated:
3. Nominator:
4. One paragraph statement to help explain interest and background related to the position
5. Please attach a Resume or CV (brief or full CV) |
FOOD SAFETY IN THE NEWS (Click on the titles of these Peer Reviewed Articles)
Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Raw, Processed, and Cooked Elk Meat, Texas, USA Rebeca Benavente, Fraser Brydon, Francisca Bravo-Risi, Paulina Soto, J. Hunter Reed, Mitch Lockwood, Glenn Telling, Marcelo A. Barria, and Rodrigo Morales Abstract
We describe chronic wasting disease (CWD) prion detection in raw and cooked meat from a CWD-positive elk. We found limited zoonotic potential in CWD prions from those meat products. Nonetheless, risk for transmission to humans is still unclear, and monitoring of circulating and emerging CWD prion strains for zoonotic potential is warranted.
Prions in Muscles of Cervids with Chronic Wasting Disease, Norway
Tram T. Vuong1 , Federico A. Cazzaniga1, Linh Tran, Jørn Våge, Michele Di Bari, Laura Pirisinu, Claudia D’Agostino, Romolo Nonno, Fabio Moda2, and Sylvie L. Benestad
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emerging prion disease in Nordic countries and has been detected in reindeer, moose, and red deer since 2016. CWD sporadically detected in moose and red deer in 3 Nordic countries demonstrated pathologic and strain characteristics different from CWD in reindeer, including an unexpected lack of prions outside the central nervous system as measured by standard diagnostic tests. Using protein misfolding cyclic amplification, we detected prions in the lymphoreticular system of moose and red deer with CWD in Norway and, remarkably, in muscles of both of those species and in CWD-infected reindeer. One moose lymph node and 1 moose muscle sample showed infectivity when experimentally transmitted to bank voles. Our findings highlight the systemic nature of CWD strains in Europe and raise questions regarding the risk of human exposure through edible tissues.
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PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE NEWS |
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This article submitted by Dr. Kelly Vest, AAFSPHV Treasurer, features answers by AAFSPHV member, Dr. Meghan Davis. How serious is bird flu?
As the first bird flu death in the U.S. sparks concern over the ongoing spread of the virus, epidemiologist and microbiologist Meghan Davis explains what to know and do. |
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AVMA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE |
Drs. Jim Weisman (AVMA liaison to AAFSPHV),Waters, Clark, and Abney |
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Dr. Katherine Waters, Kirsten Clark, Pam Abney |
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AAFSPHV was represented at the Conference by President Pam Abney, Executive VP Katherine Waters, and HOD Delegate Kirsten Clarke.
A scholarship of $500 is offered to help defray costs for an AAFSPHV student member to attend the AVMA Annual Convention or other Leadership training opportunity
To be eligible to apply for the AAFSPHV scholarship, applicants must be at the time of application: A current AAFSPHV student member, and A 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year veterinary student (students graduating in May are eligible).
More Info |
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2025 AVMA House of Delegates Report |
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Drs. Waters and Clark at Leadership Convention |
| Greetings AAFSPHV Members!
The 2025 AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) Winter Session was held January 10-11 in conjunction with the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference in Chicago. It was another
productive and successful meeting!
As a reminder, the HOD is the principal body within the AVMA responsible for establishing policy and providing direction for matters relating to veterinary medicine. It is comprised of one delegate and one alternate delegate from each of the Principal Veterinary Organizations (including each state, the District of Columbia, and territories belonging to the U.S.) as well as select Constituent Allied Veterinary Organizations (including AAFSPHV), the Uniformed Services, and the Student AVMA. The HOD meets twice per year—once in January in conjunction with the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference and once during the summer in conjunction with the AVMA Convention.
As always, we want to thank all of you as AAFSPHV members for your valuable feedback in preparation of the HOD meeting – your expertise and knowledge make a difference! In order to maintain this vital representation in the AVMA HOD, a certain percentage of our AAFSPHV membership must also be AVMA members. Therefore, we encourage all of you to be AVMA members so that we can continue to bring this important voice to our profession. |
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Highlights from our 2025 HOD Winter Session include:
Resolutions
All resolutions and bylaws amendments can be found here.
Resolution 1 – Rules for AVMA officer election campaigns. Adopted as amended.
Resolution 2 – Evidence-based biosecurity. Adopted as amended.
Resolution 3 – New policy endorsing research, production, and sales of cellular agriculture animal protein products for food. Resolution failed.
Resolution 4 – Revised policy on removal of antlers (velveting). Adopted as amended.
Resolution 5 – Annual membership dues increase. Adopted as amended.
o While this resolution was approved, there was robust discussion regarding how
this may impact smaller organizations, such as AAFSPHV, and our ability to retain
our vital seat, vote, and voice within the AVMA HOD. There will be further
discussion on this at the AVMA HOD Summer Session and during the interim.
Resolution 6 – Revised policy on complementary, alternative, and integrative veterinary
medicine. Adopted as amended.
Resolution 7 – New policy on license by endorsement. Adopted as amended.
Resolution 8 – Revised policy on guidelines for pet ownership. Adopted as amended.
Veterinary Information Forum (VIF)
The House of Delegates took a deep dive and shared information on two topics that included the following:
Supporting Rural Veterinarians
Several options were recommended to the HOD for the AVMA to explore in support of
veterinarians in rural practice:
1. Data driven resources that identify factors that impact sustaining and retaining
veterinarians in rural practice
2. Potential model programs used by other health professions to support rural
professionals (i.e. AMA, ADA, etc.)
3. Survey of existing programs that have provided substantial support for rural veterinary
practices
4. With respect to the area of emerging technology, augmented forms of AI that AVMA
could provide that meet the unique needs of rural veterinarians
5. Member benefits that exist with AVMA affiliated support groups that seek to address
unique needs of rural veterinarians (i.e. AVMA Insurance Trust, etc.)
Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation is a standards-driven, evidence-based peer review process relying on key quality control measures to ensure graduates have the knowledge and essential skills needed for entry-level practice. The Council on Education (COE) follows the criteria required by the Higher Education Act and seeks recognition as an accrediting body through the US Department of Education. The COE is required to demonstrate that its accreditation decisions are independent of the AVMA and are not influenced by any partner organization or recognized affiliate organizations. Currently there are 53 COE-accredited veterinary schools.
Elections
Two council positions were filled. Dr. Yung-Yi Mosley was elected to the Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents (COBTA) – Immunology and Dr. Jennifer Glass was elected to the Council on Veterinary Service (CoVS) – Mixed Private Practice.
Advocacy Update
AVMA worked tirelessly against Colorado Ballot Initiative 129 which allowed the creation of a Veterinary Professional Association (midlevel practitioner position. This position requires a Masters degree (offered at Colorado State University) and is a 5-semester, mostly online curriculum that will afford this new professional the privilege to practice veterinary medicine, including surgery. While the initiative passed, AVMA was crucial in changing the public perspective and narrowing the margin of victory. The AVMA Government Relations Division is more prepared now than ever to combat such legislation if it develops in other states.
As your AAFSPHV Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the HOD, we are here to serve you and to bring your valuable input on current and emerging topics in veterinary medicine to the forefront. We want to hear from you and truly value your input. You can find our contact information listed below. There is also a variety of AVMA volunteer opportunities available on the AVMA website. Please notify us if you’re interested in having AAFSPHV support your interest in a position with a nomination. We look forward to talking with you!
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen Clark, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
AAFSPHV Delegate
Kristen.Clark@state.mn.us
Katherine Waters, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, CPH
AAFSPHV Executive Vice President, Alternate Delegate
executivevp@aafsphv.org
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Special request to all veterinary student members:
Please go to AAFSPHV social media links below to like, subscribe, and share. Also please invite your veterinary student colleagues to join us. Clinical veterinarians, are encouraged to join us, because they also rely on current information on food safety and public health. |
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AAFSPHV News Brief Vol 5 Issue 3 FEB 2, 2025 www.aafsphv.org
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