Animal Bytes
January 13, 2012
Veterinarian Accreditation
Veterinarians need a six-digit national accreditation number (NAN) to perform accredited duties.
A NAN is needed to legally:
- Issue certificates of veterinary inspection,
- Vaccinate livestock for brucellosis,
- Test livestock for tuberculosis or brucellosis,
- Vaccinate animals for rabies.
Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association
Annual MeetingThe Minnesota Board of Animal Health will be present in
the exhibit hall at the 2012 annual MVMA
meeting February 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency in
Minneapolis. We would enjoy a chance to meet you and
discuss the latest in animal health.
In addition, one of our veterinarians will be participating in the Rabies Vaccine Discussion Panel on Saturday, February 4 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. We will talk about the issue of rabies vaccine use that has made the headlines recently. We will also be presenting "Foreign Animal Disease - the Impact to Your Business and Clients" on Saturday, February 4 at 3:45 p.m.
We hope to see you there!
Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness
Additional workshops scheduled
County officials in Minnesota have been hosting workshops geared towards agricultural emergency preparedness. Veterinarians and farmers are welcomed to attend to learn more about how Minnesota would respond to a devastating livestock disease, such as footand- mouth disease.
Upcoming workshops are scheduled for the following Minnesota counties:
- Kandiyohi
- Meeker
- Sterns
- Houston
- Mower
- Pope
- Swift
- Morrison
- Otter Tail
- Todd
The workshops are free and include lunch. Please RSVP with the contact person for the workshop you wish to attend.
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program
Shortage area nominations
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is once again offering the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP). The purpose of the program is to offset the cost of educational loans for veterinarians who practice in areas where there is a veterinarian shortage. We are seeking your input to determine shortage areas in Minnesota.
If you know of an area where there is a food animal veterinarian shortage, please email linda.glaser@state.mn.us or call the Board at 1-877-668-2373. For more information on the VMLRP please click here.
Bovine Tuberculosis Certification Training
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health and USDA Veterinary Services are offering a free class on testing for bovine tuberculosis (TB). The class will be held on Wednesday, February 1 on the University of Minnesota's St. Paul Campus from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Room 213 in the Pomeroy Center.
Veterinarians must be TB-Certified in order to conduct official testing for bovine TB in Minnesota. Attending this course is the first step to becoming TB-Certified.
Fourth-year veterinary students and Minnesota licensed/ accredited veterinarians are welcome to attend. The course is free of charge and two hours of continuing education credits will be offered for currently licensed veterinarians.
Space is limited. Please RSVP by emailing animalhealth@state.mn.us no later than January 20. Light refreshments will be served.