VN November 2020

Vetnuus |November 2020 4 Roneo. To duplicate a document by forcing ink through waxed-paper stencils on to target paper. The document was typed on the waxed-paper stencil and copies were made onto paper by rolling paper through the machine – a process that invariably left the operator with ink-stained hands. Completely obsolete now, but a must-have machine in the 1960’s and 1970’s – all schools had a number of these machines to copy study material and general correspondence. Why do I mention it? Well, VetNews started as a “roneo’d” newsletter many years ago. With news from the association, about its members and their activities. It was newsworthy to inform all members when a colleague moved from one practice to another. Through the years, it all changed. Some news was always included (like congress reports, or members being awarded) but gradually the pages were filled with some clinical and some general articles. And, obviously, advertisements. The growth in numbers of veterinarians probably made it impossible to keep track of who worked where. Changes in lifestyle, with everyone being busier and thus having less time to share news probably is another reason. In some ways, it is sad that we do not share more. More news and contributions from members are always welcome, but have to be submitted on a voluntary basis. With lockdown, we have had no congresses to report on, therefore even less news in VetNews. That leaves the question – what does VetNews mean to you? What would you like to see published in the magazine. Are we on the right track? Do you want more clinical or more general knowledge articles? Please let us know and please participate in the survey that will be circulated soon. So, let’s hope that there is something for everyone in this month’s magazine. Personally, I was amazed by the examples of microbial art that Maryke Henton included with her article on the topic – I would never have thought that this would be possible! The African cattle breeds with their magnificent horns also are a sight – but maybe not to our colleagues who work with cattle on a daily basis? To colleagues who now are retired from practice – now is the time to jot down some of the things you did, whether it is a good-read story, or more towards a case report. Surely you cannot only be fishing 24/7? Till next month! v Regards, From the Editor Reflections from a DamWall Paul van Dam