Overseas Newsletter - February 2008
News - BVA
Trevor Blackburn Award 2008 – invitation for nominations
This Award was instigated by the BVA Overseas Group in 2006 in memory of Mr J Trevor Blackburn, President of the BVA 1984-85, the Commonwealth Veterinary Association 1988-91 and the World Veterinary Association 1991-95. The purpose of the Award is to recognise the contributions made by a veterinary surgeon in the field of animal health and welfare in a developing country. For further information and a nomination form please contact Helena Cotton HelenaC@bva.co.uk or visit the awards page. The closing date for nominations is 30 May 2008.
BVA Overseas Travel Grants 2008
A reminder that the closing date for applications for BVA, TAWS and Donkey Sanctuary overseas travel grants (for students undertaking projects in developing countries) is 20 March 2008. Applicants must be student members of the BVA.
Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship 2008
The closing date for applications for the Harry Steele-Bodger travel scholarship is 25 April 2008. The award is open to UK and Ireland veterinary school graduates who have been qualified not more than three years, and to penultimate and final year students. Applicants must be BVA members.
BVA Congress 2008 - overseas session
The BVA Overseas Group is organising a session on ‘Human / Animal Interface: the veterinary role within international development’ at BVA Congress (London, 25-27 September 2008). The overseas session will take place on Friday 26 September and we hope to see you there!
Sri Lanka appeal for veterinary equipment
The Overseas Group wishes to thank Andy Hutcheson and Keith Treves-Brown for their kind donations to the Sri Lanka Eastern Province appeal. Their support is much appreciated. And a special thank you to David Catlow who kindly drove to the Sri Lanka High Commission from Preston, his car loaded with boxes of equipment from Andy’s practice.
David Catlow being welcomed by Her Excellency Kshenuka Senewiratne,
the Sri Lanka High Commissioner
You can see a wish list of equipment required by the Sri Lankan authorities. Anyone able to help with the appeal is asked to confirm donations to Deeptha Kulatilleke, Minister of the Commercial Section of the Sri Lanka High Commission, tel: 020 7262 3996 email: trade@slhc-london.co.uk The Government of Sri Lanka will meet the cost of shipping donated items to Sri Lanka.
Jo Arthur helps people and pets in Zambia
Over the past two years Jo has combined her veterinary skills with a desire to help some of the world’s poorest people by working as a volunteer with the Ndola branch of the SPCA as well as supporting Isubilo and The Lifespring Foundation (both Christian faith-based NGOs in Ndola which help to support families affected by HIV/AIDS).
In an article published in the January edition of BSAVA News Jo describes her work with these organisations.
Jo with kittens at the Ndola branch of the SPCA
Laboratory glassware available
London Zoo veterinary department has a supply of staining jars, measuring cylinders and flasks, various chemical and sample bottles which they no longer require. If anyone is interested in these for overseas use then please contact Edmund Flach on 020 7449 6814 or at Edmund.Flach@zsl.org
News - General
New Year Honours
Many congratulations to Peter Roeder, lately FAO Animal Health Officer (Virology) and secretary of the Global Rinderpest Eradication Programme, who was awarded an OBE for services to veterinary science and to Jean Gilchrist of the Kenya SPCA who received an MBE for services to animal welfare in Kenya.
4th Pan Commonwealth Veterinary Conference proceedings
The proceedings from the 4th Pan Commonwealth Veterinary Conference held in Barbados, 4-8 November 2007, are now available.
Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA) adopts Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW)
At its Council meeting during the 4th Pan Commonwealth Veterinary Conference, the CVA formally adopted a resolution of support for the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.
TAWS harness guidelines
TAWS (World Association for Transport Animal Welfare and Studies) guidelines for equine draught harness for developing countries are now available.
Project in the Atlas Mountains
Glen Cousquer MRCVS is currently studying towards an MSc in Outdoor Education at Edinburgh University. He is looking to work with SPANA (probably in May 2008) to conduct a review of the provision for veterinary care of trekking mules in the High Atlas, Morocco. It is hoped that this may then lead to the creation of a set of welfare guidelines for the ethical use of equids on expedition, something that trekking companies and their clients will hopefully take up. Glen is keen to hear from veterinary undergraduates who would be interested in playing an active role in this project. For further information contact Glen at glencousquer@hotmail.com
Ecovet – online resource launched
Advocating a multidisciplinary approach in the field of conservation, ecovet is a new online resource that offers assistance to veterinary professionals pursuing careers in wildlife conservation, preventative medicine, and ecosystem health.
Latest news from FAO
Recent updates from the FAO Newsroom may be of interest
- Fisheries and aquaculture recovery three years after the Asian tsunami
- Rome UN Agencies urge immediate climate action to avert hunger
- Climate change causing species disappearance in mountain areas
Livestock production threatened by HIV/AIDS
Not only is AIDS taking a dramatic toll on human lives but livestock production, a main income earner for rural households, is also being threatened in the most affected countries, FAO has warned in a report. With more than 60 per cent of all people aged between 15 and 49 years living with HIV to be found in sub-Saharan Africa of whom 11.4 million are children orphaned by AIDS, the effect on the all important livestock sector has become a real concern. Livestock make a substantial contribution to the incomes and nutrition of some 70 percent of rural households in developing countries, and in East and Southern Africa, for example, contribute as much as 13 percent to GNP, but proportionately much more to the food security of individual households. Livestock provide income and food in the form of meat, milk and eggs; they also serve other important roles on the farm including draught power, and manure for fertilizer and as a source of fuel. However, with more and more of the working age population affected by HIV/AIDS fewer people are available to tend livestock.
Reuters Foundation AlertNet
Reuters AlertNet is a humanitarian news network based around a popular website. It aims to keep relief professionals and the wider public up-to-date on humanitarian crises around the globe.
Animal SOS Sri Lanka – request for donations
Animal SOS Sri Lanka has a wish list of items of equipment for its work with stray animals (mostly dogs and cats) – and a special plea for anti-parasite treatments. If anyone would like to see a copy of the wish list or could help in any other way please contact Georgie Hyams VN georgiesh@hotmail.com or 07944 452693.
Overseas Postings and Requests for Volunteers
Disclaimer: Please note that inclusion of organisations in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by the BVA.
ACE – Egypt
The British equine charity ACE is looking for a vet to help manage its hospital in Luxor. With responsibility for a team of 3 Egyptian vets with 25 inpatient stables, this would be an opportunity to experience medicine in a developing country, to see a huge range of pathology and to ‘give something back’ to the world. Health insurance, flights, accommodation and a local salary available for a minimum period of 6 months. Please contact Gigi Kay 00 974 656 0815 or gigikay@hotmail.com
Help in Suffering, India (Jaipur & Darjeeling)
Help in Suffering has two vacancies for volunteer veterinary surgeons: one for a new spay-neuter (ABC) project being established in Darjeeling, West Bengal in the eastern foothills of the Himalayas, while the other is for a vet for Help in Suffering, Jaipur, Rajasthan to assist in the work of a busy animal shelter. The latter has projects with equids, camels, elephants though it is expected that the volunteer will spend most time in the ABC project which aims to control street dog population. Both positions would require cultural sensitivity, adaptability, the willingness to share clinical skills with colleagues, the ability to keep accurate records and willingness to become involved in a range of professional duties. MRCVS required. Simple accommodation and food would be provided at both locations. Assistance with air fare may be available. A commitment to at least 3 months work is required. Starting date early in 2008. It is possible that opportunity to exchange between Darjeeling and Jaipur, and to visit and be involved in other projects, may occur. For further information contact Jack Reece at hisvet1@helpinsuffering.org
ASHA Foundation – Ahmedabad, India
The ASHA Foundation in Ahemdabad, which provides shelter services and veterinary treatment for stray animals and birds, would welcome volunteer vets. Contact ashahmedabad@yahoo.co.in
Dog shelter – Calcutta, India
A new animal welfare trust in India is looking for one or (preferably) two vets to help set up and train staff at a dog shelter in Calcutta. Travel and accommodation expenses would be covered. For further information contact Ms Vishakha Doshi at vishakha@lilpoo.com or on 07816 777141.
Esther Honey Foundation – Cook Islands
The Esther Honey Foundation would welcome veterinary volunteers during 2008. Email info@estherhoney.org
Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS)
There are several places available on WVS trips in 2008 for vets, nurses and non-vet volunteers.
Kismet Account
The Kismet Account - a UK group involved in sending veterinary aid teams overseas to help stray and feral animals - needs volunteer vets and nurses throughout 2008. Contact Ian Macfarlaine VN at ianmacfarlaine@yahoo.co.uk
Elephant Nature Park – northern Thailand
Elephant Nature Park is hoping to organising trips for volunteer vets and students to work with local vets to treat sick or injured elephants in Thailand, India, Laos, Burma and Sri Lanka. Contact Janna Schurer at intern@ElephantNatureFoundation.org
Saga Society – Belize, Central America
The Saga Society in San Pedro Ambergis Caye - which controls and monitors the cat and dog populations and educates other underdeveloped areas by sharing expertise and information - is looking for a vet on a full-time basis. Email Valerie Gilbert at valvanhou@yahoo.com
Reminders and Dates for the Diary
6-11 July 2008: XXV Jubilee World Buiatrics Congress - Budapest, Hungary
7-11 July 2008: 4th South African Veterinary & Paraveterinary Congress ‘Coping with Complexity’ - Sun City, South Africa
27-31 July 2008: 29th World Veterinary Congress ‘Celebrate our Diversity’ - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
20-24 August 2008: 33rd WSAVA Congress & 14th European FECAVA Congress - Dublin, Ireland
25-27 September 2008: BVA Congress ‘Vets in a changing environment’ – London, UK
28 September 2008: World Rabies Day
27-29 October 2008: 15th FAVA Conference/OIE Symposium - Bangkok, Thailand
6-9 November 2008: 25th Biennial Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Conference - Dutch Sint Maarten-French St. Martin.
Contact Garry Swanston at sxmvetclinic@megatropic.com or sxmvetclinic@caribserve.net
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