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The Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board (VEB) understands that there is a significant amount of concern surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the landscape is rapidly evolving, we want to provide some guidance and credible resources to help you through this difficult time.
Under Wisconsin regulations there is no allowance for establishing a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) via telehealth technologies. However, for patients and clients who have established a valid VCPR, please exercise reason and make medically appropriate decisions on how to most effectively treat your patient based on the VCPR and the condition being evaluated.
Clients should be advised to reschedule nonessential veterinary care if owners display flu-like symptoms. In urgent or emergency situations, clients should be advised to ask a trusted friend or family member to accompany their animal for necessary veterinary care. For at-home or on-farm visits, be sure to take precautions to limit exposure, such as maintaining social distance, washing hands and sanitizing equipment. Practicing good biosecurity on and between farm visits not only protects you and others from COVID-19, but it is good practice for preventing other common diseases including influenza, salmonella and E. coli.
If you are sick, stay home; if staff members are sick, instruct them to do the same. We encourage you to establish reasonable guidance on returning to work if you or anyone on your staff has been sick or plans to travel out of state. Review emergency plans for your practice, including how continuity of services will be maintained if your clinic needs to close. Stay informed and review travel advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
At this time, there is no evidence that pets are a risk or at risk for transmission of COVID-19. There are currently no recommendations to test animals for COVID-19. Please refer to the CDC for current information on COVID-19 and animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also has published guidance for veterinarians to aid in their navigation of the COVID-19 event. It includes FAQs for pet owners, and FAQs for veterinarians and veterinary clinics.
As far as concerns over canceled/postponed meetings and continuing education (CE) requirements, the VEB reminds Wisconsin practitioners that CE requirements may be completed through eligible online trainings. There are no minimum requirements for in-person CE. Further, Wisconsin practitioners have until the end of 2021 to complete CE requirements for the next licensing period.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Division of Animal Health
https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/About_Us/VeterinaryExaminingBoard.aspx
You are receiving this email because you are a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician in the state of Wisconsin. The information provided is official in nature. Please add this email address to your address book so it will land in your inbox.
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