Presidents Message

Dr. Michael Capel

In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion

March often starts with winter like weather and ends with the promise of spring. This year in western New York, March started out with unseasonably mild weather, but recently changed to very cold temperatures and snow. Like the weather, recent events in the cattle industry have not been mild. I would like to change the tenor of my usual president’s message to share thoughts on the emerging disease event in dairy cattle and provide a brief update on the recent AABP Board of Directors (BOD) meeting.

Emerging dairy cattle disease event
An emerging disease continues to spread in dairy cattle in the central and southwest portions of the U.S. AABP has provided member communications throughout this process and has created a landing page where all resources will be placed during this disease event. Visit https://aabp.org/resources/dairy_cow_disease/
for these resources, which is also accessible from the AABP homepage (www.aabp.org).

As veterinarians, it is critical that we remain informed. We cannot control what happens in our lives, but we can control how we respond. When discussing this disease event, avoid propagating rumors and help others to understand the science and the known facts. If you have potentially affected herds, encourage your clients to submit the appropriate diagnostic samples. Review biosecurity protocols with your clients and within your practice. I would like to thank all the private practitioners, diagnostic lab personnel, and industry professionals who are working tirelessly on this issue daily. Your contributions to our industry are invaluable. I would encourage you also to take time to focus on your mental health and well-being as you work through these challenging times.

Spring board meeting update
The AABP BOD had a very productive spring meeting at AABP headquarters in Ashland, Ohio in early March. The group discussed a variety of topics including financial policy, future sites for AABP conferences, and committee membership appointments. Several AABP guidelines and position statements were updated during the meeting. These important documents are publicly available and utilize the expertise of our members to provide direction on critical issues in the cattle industry. They outline best management practices and are used for advocacy. Find all AABP guidelines and position Statements on the website under the About tab. Guidelines and position statements undergo a regular review process that includes an open member comment period, a review by relevant AABP committees, and then discussion and approval by the BOD.

The Castration Guidelines, Joint AABP-AVC Judicious Therapeutic Use of Medically Important Antimicrobials in Cattle Guidelines and the Policy on Industry Support of AABP Meetings and Events were all updated. The Disclosure of BVD PI Animals position statement was renewed. The BOD approved the new Selective Dry cow Therapy Implementation Guideline developed by the Milk Quality and Udder Health Committee. Also approved was the new AABP Guideline for Credentialed Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) in bovine practice. This guideline will help veterinarians expand their working relationship with CVTs. Thank you to all our members and committees who worked so diligently to help with these important documents.

Dr. Michael Capel