Mei / May 2026 The Monthly Magazine of the SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION Die Maandblad van die SUID-AFRIKAANSE VETERINÊRE VERENIGING Pleural Effusion in Cats: Understanding the Causes and Diagnostic Approach CPD THEME Disaster Management nuus•news Access to CPD Articles: https://www.sava.co.za/vetnews-2026/ VET
June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 13th Int Crustacean Society Mid-Year Meeting 01-04 June Venue: STIAS – Stellenbosch Info: https://tcs2026.com/ NVCG Bush Break 06-07 June Venue: Skukuza, Kruger National Park Info: Vetlink: https://vetlink.co.za/nvcg-bush-break-2026/ RuVASA Congress 2026 08 - 10 June Venue: Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, KZN Info: https://vetlink.co.za/ruvasa-congress-2026/ 56th Annual SASAS Congress 07 - 09 July Venue: Lagoon Beach Hotel, Cape Town Info: https://www.sasascongress.co.za/ SAVA Eastern Free State Congress 10-11 July Venue: Lavender Hill Country Estate, Bethlehem Info: conference@savetcon.co.za Integrative Veterinary Medicine Conference 31 July - 02 August Venue: Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch Info: conference@savetcon.co.za Western Cape Branch of the SAVA Congress 31 July – 01 August Venue: To be confirmed Info: Vetlink on conferences@vetlink.co.za Hill’s Nurses Hybrid Weekend 01-02 August Venue: Cradle Moon, Muldersdrift Info: corne@savetcon.co.za SAVA Free State & Northern Cape Congress 14-15 August Venue: TBC, Kimberley. Info: conference@savetcon.co.za 23rd Annual SASVEPM Congress 19 - 21 August Venue: Sun City Resort, Rustenburg, North West Info: https://sasvepm.org/23rd-annual-sasvepm-congress/ 54th Annual PARSA Conference 31 August – 02 September Venue: Klein-Kariba, Bela-Bela Info: corne@savetcon.co.za Dagboek • Diary Ongoing / Online 2026 May 2026 SAVETCON: Webinars Info: Corné Engelbrecht, SAVETCON, 071 587 2950, corne@savetcon.co.za / https://app.livestorm.co/svtsos SAVA Johannesburg Branch CPD Events Monthly - please visit the website for more info. Venue: Johannesburg Country Club Info: Vetlink - https://savaevents.co.za/ CPD Course: Introduction to Animal Welfare Science Online - self paced. Info: https://scientificveterinaryconsulting.com/courses/ animal-welfare-online-short-course/ CPD Course: Animal Research Ethics Online - self paced. Info: https://scientificveterinaryconsulting.com/courses/ essence-of-the-sans-10386-2021-online-short-course/ Beyond Basics: Mastering the Cardio-respiratory Patient: A Structured Clinical Approach 11 - 12 May Venue: Premier Hotel, Midrand, Gauteng Info: https://vetlink.co.za/beyond-basics/ Eastern Cape and Karoo Branch of SAVA Congress 15 – 16 May Venue: Halyards Hotel & Spa, Port Alfred Info: Vetlink on https://vetlink.co.za/eastern_cape_and_ karoo_branch-2026/ KwaZulu-Natal Branch of the SAVA Congress 30 – 31 May Venue: San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa Info: Vetlink on https://vetlink.co.za/kzn-branch-2026/ 13th Biennial SAVA & Para-Veterinary Congress 13 - 15 April 2027 Venue: To be confirmed (Gauteng) Info: corne@savetcon.co.za SAVE THE DATE
Vetnuus | May 2026 1 Contents I Inhoud President: Dr Ziyanda Qwalela president@sava.co.za Interim General Manager: Ms Sonja Ludik sonja@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Editor VetNews: Ms Andriette van der Merwe vetnews@sava.co.za Accounts / Bookkeeping: Ms Debbie de Beer accounts@sava.co.za/+27 (0)12 346 1150 Reception: Ms Hanlie Swart reception@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Marketing & Communications: Ms Sonja van Rooyen marketing@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Membership Enquiries: Ms Debbie Breeze debbie@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Vaccination Booklets: Ms Debbie Breeze debbie@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 South African Veterinary Foundation: Ms Debbie Breeze savf@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Community Veterinary Clinics: Ms Claudia Cloete manager@savacvc.co.za/ +27 (0)63 110 7559 SAVETCON: Ms Corné Engelbrecht corne@savetcon.co.za/ +27 (0)71 587 2950 VetNuus is die amptelike publikasie van die Suid Afrikaanse Veterinêre Vereeniging (SAVV). Alle regte word voorbehou. Geen deel van hierdie publikasie mag aangehaal, gedupliseer, versprei of aan die publiek beskikbaar gestel word in enige vorm sonder die uitdruklike skriftelike toestemming van die SAVV nie.Hierdie publikasie is uitsluitelik bedoel vir veearts en veearts verwante professionele persone soos deur die Suid Afriaanse Veterinêre Raad erken word. Wyl alles moontlik gedoen word om om die akkuraatheid van die inhoud te verseker, aanvaar nie die redaksie, SAVV of enige van die personeel, lede, werknemers of agente enige regsaanspreeklikheid vir enige verlies, skade of bevooroordeeldheid, hetsy direk of indirek, wat mag spruit uit enige stelling, feit, opinie, advertensie of aanbeveling hierin gepubliseer. Enige advertensie of verwysing na n spesifieke produk is toevallig en word nie noodwending onderskryf of aanbeveel deur die SAVV nie. VetNews is the official publication of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA). All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be quoted, reproduced, distributed, or made publicly available in any form or by any means without the prior express written consent of SAVA. This publication is intended solely for veterinarians and paraveterinary professionals as recognised by the South African Veterinary Council. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the content, neither the editorial board, SAVA, nor any of its office bearers, members, employees, or agents shall be held liable for any loss, damage, or prejudice, whether direct or consequential, arising from any statement, fact, opinion, advertisement, or recommendation published herein. The inclusion of advertising or reference to specific products or services does not imply endorsement by SAVA. STREET ADDRESS 47 Gemsbok Ave, Monument Park, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa POSTAL ADDRESS P O Box 25033, Monument Park Pretoria, 0105, South Africa TELEPHONE +27 (0)12 346 1150 FAX General: +27 (0) 86 683 1839 Accounts: +27 (0) 86 509 2015 WEB www.sava.co.za CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please notify the SAVA by email: debbie@sava.co.za or letter: SAVA, P O Box 25033, Monument Park, Pretoria, 0105, South Africa CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS (Text to a maximum of 80 words) Sonja van Rooyen assistant@sava.co.za +27 (0)12 346 1150 DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS Sonja van Rooyen assistant@sava.co.za +27 (0)12 346 1150 DESIGN AND LAYOUT Sonja van Rooyen PRINTED BY Business Print: +27 (0)12 843 7638 VET Diary / Dagboek II Dagboek • Diary Regulars / Gereeld 2 From the President 4 Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas Articles / Artikels 8 Animal Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction... 16 The mental health impacts of depopulation on veterinarians... 22 Euthanasia of animals... 30 Psychological implications of humane endings... Association / Vereniging 36 SAVA Congress 2027 37 SAVA News Vet's Health / Gesondheid 40 Life Coaching Technical / Tegnies 42 Dental Column 44 Royal Canin Column Marketplace / Markplein 46 Marketplace Jobs / Poste 47 Jobs / Poste 48 Classifieds / Snuffeladvertensies 10 16 Click on the image to access Vetnews CPD articles « nuus•news 22
Vetnews | Mei 2026 2 « BACK TO CONTENTS The past month has once again reminded us of the breadth and intensity of the work facing the veterinary profession in South Africa. From disease control and regulatory engagement to international representation, SAVA has remained actively involved in matters that affect our members, our profession, animal health and welfare, public health and the sustainability of veterinary services. This has been an extremely busy time for the VetHouse team and the Board. I would like to thank the Board of RuVASA and the leadership of the Wildlife Group for the extra hours they have put into engaging on key Foot and Mouth Disease regulatory matters. Their efforts have helped to ensure that the profession remains appropriately engaged and that veterinary expertise is meaningfully considered in key discussions. More importantly, they have helped to ensure that we continue to play an objective role in aligning the scientific and technical aspects of disease control with value-chain realities, to improve implementation and compliance. A major focus during this period has been our response to the Foot and Mouth Disease preemptive vaccination scheme document. The approach taken by SAVA was that vaccination must be implemented within a legally sound, scientifically defensible and practically workable framework. SAVA has therefore engaged constructively but firmly with the National Department of Agriculture to ensure that any proposed scheme respects the role of veterinarians, aligns with the relevant regulatory framework, and strengthens rather than fragments the national disease control response. On the international front, SAVA participated in the International Veterinary Officers Coalition and the World Veterinary Association Congress. These platforms provided valuable opportunities to engage with veterinary leaders from across the world, share South Africa’s perspectives, and learn from the experiences of other countries facing similar pressures. Many of the issues discussed internationally, such as workforce sustainability, transboundary animal diseases, antimicrobial stewardship, One Health, access to veterinary services and the role of veterinarians in building resilient food systems, are directly relevant to our local context. During the IVOC meeting, held from 18 to 19 April 2026, it was clear that many of the challenges presented by member countries remain similar. Shortages and the uneven distribution of veterinarians remain key challenges across many countries. Some member countries are piloting changes in veterinary training that place greater emphasis on practical exposure alongside theoretical learning, with practices being incentivised to accommodate veterinary students. This also includes opportunities for foreigntrained veterinarians to gain experience before sitting for board or licensing examinations in the respective countries. However, concerns were raised that an overreliance on this model may create challenges, particularly where harmonisation of training standards and regulatory requirements is still needed. The mental health and wellness of veterinarians remain high on the priority list of concerns. Various countries presented wellness programmes that include counselling, mentorship and shared activities. In countries where a “federal” system is used to regulate veterinary education and practice, alignment and harmonisation remain ongoing challenges. In the United States, this is further complicated by the number of institutions offering veterinary education across different states. The regulation of para-veterinary professionals and lay persons performing veterinary-related work also remains a challenge, particularly in larger and more sparsely populated countries. In this regard, South Africa’s efforts and achievements in regulating para-veterinary professions are commendable and were provided as an important point of reflection in these discussions. The member countries conducted a further benchmarking exercise on various aspects of the profession, ranging from the structure of veterinary associations and the veterinary workforce to practice ownership. Other areas of concern included the regulation and availability of pharmaceuticals for veterinary use. Member countries are addressing these issues in different ways, ranging from legislative changes, political lobbying and engagement with industry. Discussions on member value propositions and fee structures leaned towards increasing expectations for individual member value, such as the provision of professional liability insurance and assistance in various practicerelated areas. On fees, high corporate ownership has led to the development of models that incentivise large corporates to pay for veterinarians in their employ at preferential rates. Trends in the use of artificial intelligence in veterinary practice were also discussed, including an insightful presentation on the pros and cons of its use in diagnostics. Overall, the interactions were informative and valuable. The World Veterinary Association Congress was well attended, and there were no major issues arising from the AGM. The papers provided were of high quality, and a number of interesting AI solutions in the intensive pig and poultry industries are worth exploring. This past month has also been an exciting period as the Board, together with SAVETCON, has resumed planning for the SAVA Congress next year. We are looking forward to a well-attended congress and encourage members, groups and branches to participate fully in the programme and to save the date: 13 to 15 April 2027, somewhere in Gauteng! As part of formalising SAVA’s engagement with various bodies, the SAVA Board held a meeting with the Alternative Veterinary Forum, represented by Drs Jan Basch and Ockert Botha. Various members from both parties could not attend the meeting due to technical difficulties and other issues. From the President Dear members, A Month of Engagement, Advocacy and Global Veterinary Collaboration
Vetnuus | May 2026 3 Despite this, a fruitful meeting was held, during which the AVF presented its structure, objectives and short-term project focus areas. These are under consideration and will be further discussed at the next Board meeting. In May, we are looking forward to further engagement with SAHPRA and SAVA’s participation in a regulatory technical forum working group. The function of this forum is to serve as a communication platform within its scope, including the following areas: • Guidelines and regulations — regional, continental and international; • New circulars and directives; • Medical devices and IVDs; • Clinical trials; • Pharmacovigilance; • Complementary medicines; • Veterinary medicines; • Orthodox medicines; • Radiation control; and • Any other topic deemed necessary. Currently, there is a radiation control regulatory proposal by SAHPRA. At this stage, these issues do not seem to affect veterinarians directly, but they are likely to impact larger industry players. SAVA has also recently reviewed and released its position statement on non-therapeutic tail docking in canine puppies. At the recent FEDCO meeting, it was agreed that continued engagement with stakeholders on this matter should take place. I would like to thank the members, branches, groups and committees who continue to contribute their time, expertise and energy to these important processes. Much of this work happens quietly and often under significant pressure, but it is essential to ensuring that the profession has a clear, credible and respected voice. v Groetnis, Dr. Ziyanda Majokweni – Qwalela President: South African Veterinary Association STUDY VETERINARY MEDICINE IN CYPRUS DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (DVM) 5-Year Programme for High School Leavers unic.ac.cy/vet EARLY CLINICAL EXPOSURE AND TRAINING in small groups with both large and small animals from year one. CURRICULUM ALIGNED WITH RCVS, AVMA, EAEVE, AND WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH INNOVATIVE, HANDS-ON CURRICULUM designed to offer you the necessary Day One skills required to follow any career pathway in veterinary medicine. COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ANIMAL WELFARE volunteerism and service opportunities with sheltered animals. TALENTED AND DEDICATED FACULTY MEMBERS AND STAFF facilitating and guiding your learning and development as a veterinarian. FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE From the President <<< 2 From the President
Vetnews | Mei 2026 4 « BACK TO CONTENTS International collegial interaction is something that can put a lot of domestic issues into perspective. After just returning from the World Veterinary Association’s World Congress in Janan (the one we presented two years ago), can it be that long?) It has shown again that international congresses are very good for gaining knowledge (and those pesky CPD points), but even more importantly, to talk to colleagues from different countries (if you share a common language) for perspective and understanding of one’s own issues. Issues like funding, leadership, willing to make a change seem to be universal topics, and without becoming a pity party, ideas and workarounds can be enlightening to both parties. But, being in a completely unfamiliar culture and a very uncomfortable time zone, adding to the long flight, it surely takes you away from home and helps you enjoy what the country has to offer. A very enlightening experience indeed. The day we booked into the hotel, there was a 7.5 magnitude earthquake off the shore of Japan, but much higher to the south. Except for some light squeaking in the room, it was unnoticeable, but looking out the window, the swaying of buildings was remarkable. Japan is so used to earthquakes and prepared that there was no hoo-ha about it. A message from somebody in South Africa made us attend. It was quite the talking point for the foreigners like us. The International Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is commemorated on the 8th of May. I asked my beloved husband (who is a bit of a buff on disaster management) to compile an article on the topic. The first concept to understand is the definition of a disaster. In that light, the current Foot-and-mouth outbreak fits snugly into that definition. A couple of mitigating steps are given and can be implemented throughout the sphere of veterinary application in South Africa (and the world). It not only applies to pets, but also to all animals that can suffer under disasters. Natural disasters in South Africa are usually isolated to smaller areas and handled as such, but with climate change and more erratic weather behaviour, it may change, even though we hope it does not. Read the article and discover some gems to apply at work and at home. Disasters (and disease outbreaks like foot-and-mouth, avian influenza, African swine fever and the rest) may lead to mass euthanasia, or depopulation, as the articles have shown by Veterinarians and veterinary-related professions. I picked a couple of articles related to the topic. It may put some emotions and feelings into perspective. A very interesting article I picked up reports on a research study on the veterinarians’ thoughts and attitudes towards assisted dying in humans. A very interesting parallel indeed. The other date in May that is always of significance to me is International Bee Day. It coincides with my birthday, and I have adopted the bee as a super special animal. A year or so ago, I wrote on the correlation of a bee and the 10c coin. I still collect and treasure them. May they both be of significance to you. If you think that is an insignificant principle, spend a night in a warm room with a mosquito. I hope that you have a good May and enjoy the cooler weather, although it looks like the weather is a little disturbed in some areas. Andriette v Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas From the Editor
Vetnuus | May 2026 5 To find out more: You are looking for a be琀琀er way to exit from or sell your practice. You want to become a shareholder. www.companion.partners WhatsApp View Video Download Value Proposition co.mpanion is not a corporate body, it is a professional owned and led veterinary model that is right for you if: Building be琀 琀er practice together. co.llaborative model that gives you the ownership, support and autonomy Image: Dr Werner Odendaal, Shareholder & Team Member,
Vetnews | Mei 2026 6 « BACK TO CONTENTS Introduction to Animal Welfare Science 2 CPD POINTS • 1 HOUR • SELF-PACED ONLINE MODULE With a extended conversation between Dr Bert Mohr (Veterinary Specialist, PhD) and Dr Bevin Meyer (Veterinarian, MSc) SAVC ACCREDITED CPD A look at how animals’ ability to feel shapes our responsibility to promote their wellbeing — and explores evolving societal perceptions of animal welfare and consciousness. SVC_Ad_90x120.indd 1 2025/11/28 12:11 Animal Research Ethics Online Short Course 8 CPD POINTS • 8 HOURS • SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSE Presented by bit.ly/SANS10386 Work with animals in science? This course distils the essentials of SANS 10386:2021, guiding veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals with the core principles for ethical, compliant animal care and use in South Africa. SAVC ACCREDITED CPD SACNASP ACCREDITED CPD DR BERT MOHR VETERINARY SPECIALIST, PHD
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Vetnews | Mei 2026 8 « BACK TO CONTENTS Abstract The escalation in frequency, scale, and complexity of disasters presents a systemic threat to animal health, public health, and socio-economic stability. Despite the recognised but often overlooked role of veterinary services within disaster management frameworks, preparedness remains inconsistent and frequently reactive. This article advances a structured, systems-based approach to animal disaster preparedness, integrating principles of disaster risk reduction, biosecurity, contingency planning, and capacity development within a One Health context. It argues that effective disaster management is contingent not on planning alone, but on institutional coherence, operational readiness, and sustained capacity across all levels of the system. The article proposes a consolidated framework for veterinary disaster preparedness that emphasises prevention, early warning, coordinated response, and recovery, supported by continuous training and intersectoral integration. The central thesis is that resilience is an outcome of deliberate system design, not post hoc response. Introduction The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction defines a disaster as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. The risks of disasters are no longer episodic but structural. The convergence of climate change, ecological degradation, intensification of animal production systems, and increased human–animal-environment interface has shifted disaster exposure from isolated events to persistent systemic risks. Animals occupy a critical nexus within this risk landscape. Their vulnerability during disasters has direct implications for public health, particularly through zoonotic pathways, food security, agricultural continuity and economic stability at local, national and even international levels, as was evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. Veterinary services are therefore not peripheral actors in disaster management; they are core to its effectiveness. However, current preparedness remains uneven, frequently reactive, and insufficiently integrated into broader disaster management systems. This article advances a structured, policy-aligned framework for veterinary disaster preparedness, grounded in three interdependent domains: • Risk reduction and prevention • Preparedness and contingency planning • Capacity and systems integration The Disaster Risk Context: From Event-Based to Systemic Risk The Changing Nature of Disaster Risk Disasters affecting animal systems are increasing not only in frequency but in complexity. They are no longer discrete events but interconnected phenomena spanning environmental, biological, and technological domains. The current Foot and Mouth disease outbreak in South Africa is a classic example where the management of the disease spans from basic disease management to classification and typing of the virus, bureaucracy in importing the vaccines, and cooperation of various departments (One Health approach). Typology of Animal-Related Disasters A functional classification of disasters is: • Natural hazards such as floods, droughts and wildfires. • Biological, Chemical and Nuclear threats such as infectious disease outbreaks, zoonoses, chemical spills, and nuclear contamination of sorts. • Technological incidents such as system and infrastructure failures. Leading Article Dr Paul van der Merwe BVSc; BVSc(Hons); MMedVet(Fer). Director One Health Consulting Animal Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction: A Veterinary Systems Approach to Prevention, Preparedness, and Resilience Figure 1: Types of disasters. The Aishub
Vetnuus | May 2026 9 • Societal disruptions such as conflict, displacements, and war. Disasters can also be classified according to their origin, such as natural disasters, human-made disasters, and Human-Induced Disasters. Operationally, these categories are rarely distinct, as one may overflow into the next. Effective preparedness must therefore be scenario-flexible rather than hazard-specific. The same basic processes will be implemented regardless of the disaster category. Consequence Pathways Animal-related disasters propagate through three primary pathways: • Health pathway through disease emergence, injury, and mass culling/mortality. • Economic pathway by production losses, supply chain disruption and market disruptions. • Social pathway with livelihood impacts and community destabilisation. Preparedness frameworks must explicitly account for these interdependencies. Disaster Risk Management: A Systems Perspective Disaster risk management is best understood as a continuous, integrated system of risk governance, rather than a sequence of discrete actions. This shift requires a transition from event-based response models to systems-based risk management. A linear system model can no longer be used. An expand-contract model is more apt where continuous preparation, prevention and contingency planning actions are done to ensure the correct level of preparedness once a disaster occurs (Figure 2). Core Functional Objectives Effective systems must be capable of: • Anticipating and reducing risk • Detecting emerging threats early • Responding rapidly and coherently • Recovering while strengthening future resilience The Centrality of Preparedness Preparedness is not a phase; it is an enabling condition across all phases. Weak preparedness invariably manifests as delayed responses, resource inefficiency, especially coordination between various professional groupings and governmental departments (One Health) and the escalation of otherwise manageable events. Risk Avoidance as a Policy Outcome A “culture of risk avoidance” is not rhetorical; it should be the outcome of institutional alignment, public awareness, operational capability, and contingency training. In the absence of these, risk reduction remains aspirational. Veterinary Services as a Core Disaster Management Function Institutional Positioning Veterinary services must be formally embedded within national disaster management architectures. This requires that veterinary services have defined mandates (Veterinarians are now acknowledged by the WOAH and WHO as Health Professionals), the necessary legal authority to act, be formally integrated into command structures and have access to dedicated resources. Without this, the veterinary response will be ad hoc and reactive, often escalating or complicating a disaster, such as the evacuation of pets during the height of a disaster. System Responsibilities Veterinary services must conduct continuous risk analysis, develop and maintain disaster plans, be operationally ready for response and recovery, and ensure coordination with public health, environmental, and emergency services. (See Figure 3 as an example) Multisectoral Integration Disaster management effectiveness is directly proportional to the degree of integration across health professionals, government departments, public and private sector stakeholders, veterinary and animal health stakeholders and the communities. Fragmentation is a primary failure point in disaster response systems. Leading Article Figure 2: Source: Coburn, A.W., Spence, R.J.S. & Pomonis, A., 1994a, Disaster mitigation, 2nd edition., Cambridge Architectural Research, Cambridge Photo Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images >>>10
Vetnews | Mei 2026 10 « BACK TO CONTENTS Leading Article Figure 3 Source: www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/animals
Vetnuus | May 2026 11 Leading Article Figure 5. Overview of the four pillars of the Early Warnings for All Initiative. Acronyms are GPC: Global Producing Centre; RSMC: Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre; NMHS: National Meteorological and Hydrological Services; NDMO: National Disaster Management Office. Source UNDRR (2024a) While most clusters operate during the response phase, the United Nations Development Programme UNDP, as a guideline, has established the Early Recovery cluster that focuses on the more long-term needs related to recovery. Through this cluster, UNDP links humanitarian efforts with development work. This cluster aims to gradually turn the dividends of humanitarian action into sustainable crisis recovery, resilience building and development opportunities. Prevention and Preparedness: Structural Requirements Core Elements of a Prevention Framework A functional prevention system requires:Risk identification and prioritisation • Institutional frameworks with clear accountability • Early warning and surveillance systems • Resource allocation mechanisms • Public education and awareness • Routine simulation and testing Each element is necessary; none is sufficient in isolation. Early Warning and Detection Early warning systems are the most cost-effective intervention point in disaster management. Their effectiveness depends on surveillance coverage, data integration, rapid communication channels and defined response triggers. Delayed detection converts manageable incidents into crises. Figure 4
Vetnews | Mei 2026 12 « BACK TO CONTENTS Biosecurity as Risk Containment Biosecurity operates as the primary barrier against biological disasters. Its effectiveness is contingent on compliance, monitoring and enforcement. Biosecurity failures are rarely technical; they are typically systemic. Contingency Planning: From Documentation to Execution Structure of Effective Plans A credible disaster management plan comprises: • A preparedness framework • Scenario-based contingency plans • Standard operating procedures • A recovery and rehabilitation strategy Plans that do not translate into operational clarity are functionally irrelevant. Scenario-Based Planning: Chemical Incident Case As an example, a complex incident involving a chemical spill illustrates the following key operational requirements: • Immediate establishment of controlled zones (hot, warm, cold) • Parallel and coordinated human and animal response streams • Dedicated veterinary decontamination and triage capacity • Integrated command and communication systems The defining feature of an effective response is coordination under pressure, not technical sophistication alone. Critical Success Factors Across scenarios, consistent determinants of effectiveness include clarity of roles and command. pre-defined communication protocols, availability of trained personnel and prior testing of plans under simulated conditions. Leading Article Figure 6: https://www.lafcarr.com/en/early-warning-system-definition/ Figure 7: Arndt, Edith & Schneider, Karen & Bland, Lucie & Robinson, Andrew & Gibert, Anaïs & Camac, James & Kompas, Tom. (2024). A conceptual framework for measuring and improving the resilience of biosecurity systems. Journal of Applied Ecology. 61. n/a-n/a. 10.1111/1365-2664.14707.
Vetnuus | May 2026 13 Leading Article Figure 8: https://www.ie.edu/insights/ disaster-risk-management/ preparedness/effectiveemergency-response-the-roleof-contingency-planning/ Capacity Building: The Determinant of System Performance Capacity as a System Property Capacity is not an attribute of individuals; it is a property of the system. It reflects skills distribution, institutional readiness, resource availability and coordination capability. Functional Skill Categories Capacity development must address the following four tiers: • Foundation: focusing on awareness and basic competencies • Feeder: to assist and drive risk identification and reporting • Integration: ensuring cross-sector coordination • Execution: responsible for the operational response Weakness at any tier compromises the system. Training and Simulation Training must be continuous, scenario-based and multidisciplinary. Simulation exercises are not optional. They are the primary mechanism for validating plans and exposing system weaknesses. Community as a Force Multiplier Communities are important to extend response capacity, but only where awareness exists, their roles are defined, and trust in disaster institutions is established. Unprepared communities increase system strain and could easily become a risk factor in themselves. Operational Contexts in Veterinary Preparedness Companion Animal Systems Preparedness priorities in companion animal systems are owner education, evacuation planning and identification and traceability of animals. Failure in this sector rapidly translates into human welfare and public health issues. Livestock Systems Livestock systems are vulnerable to disasters due to the scale of operations, often involving large numbers of animals, mobility constraints in rapidly evacuating them, and dependency on infrastructure, especially housing. Preparedness must focus on continuity, not just response. Wildlife Systems Disaster impacts on wildlife are often underestimated. Veterinary roles include surveillance, rehabilitation of injured animals and risk management. Infrastructure repair, such as fixing washed-away fences, may become a priority. Neglect in this domain increases long-term ecological and disease risks. Communication and Coordination Communication failure is one of the most consistent predictors of disaster response breakdown. Internal Systems Effective internal communication requires defined command hierarchies, standardised reporting structures and real-time information flow. External Systems Externally, communication must balance accuracy, timeliness and public reassurance. Poor communication amplifies both risk and perception of risk. Recovery and System Reinforcement Recovery is not only a return to baseline, but it is an opportunity for system strengthening. >>>14
Vetnews | Mei 2026 14 « BACK TO CONTENTS Figure 10: The Veterinary Action integrated system for disaster management and risk reduction, implemented on 9 April 2009, following the earthquake in L’Aquila (Abruzzo, Italy) 3 days earlier, by the director of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” as co-ordinator of veterinary activities: https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2025.2566100 Leading Article Veterinary Responsibilities Post-disaster veterinary functions include: • Ongoing clinical care • Disease surveillance • Re-establishment of services Feedback into System Design All recovery processes must feed into: • Plan revision • Policy adjustment • Capacity enhancement Systems that do not learn will fail repeatedly. Structural Constraints Persistent barriers include: • Resource limitations • Inadequate training • Institutional fragmentation • Low public preparedness These are not incidental; they are systemic and require structural solutions.
Vetnuus | May 2026 15 Leading Article A Consolidated Framework for Veterinary Disaster Preparedness A functional system must integrate: Planning • Risk assessment • Scenario development Preparedness • Training • Resource allocation Response • Coordinated deployment • Operational execution Recovery • Rehabilitation • System improvement This cycle must be continuous, not episodic. The One Health Imperative Disaster preparedness is inherently a One Health issue. The separation of human, animal, and environmental health systems is operationally inefficient and strategically flawed. Veterinary services are uniquely positioned to bridge these domains. Their exclusion weakens the entire system. Conclusion Disaster preparedness within veterinary systems is not a technical challenge; it is a governance and systems challenge. Effective preparedness requires: • Institutional integration • Operational clarity • Sustained capacity • Continuous evaluation The central proposition is straightforward: resilience is engineered, not improvised. Veterinary services must therefore be positioned, capacitated, and mandated as core components of disaster risk management systems. Without this, preparedness will remain partial, and response will remain reactive. To manage disasters successfully, a One Health approach should be followed, ensuring collaborative coordination by all stakeholders. v Figure 11. Implementation strategies for One Welfare/ One Health in Emergency Management through an animal lens: https://doi. org/10.3390/ani11113141
Vetnews | Mei 2026 16 « BACK TO CONTENTS ABSTRACT Background “With every big outbreak, we lose staff”: The mental health impacts of depopulation on veterinarians Depopulation, involving the mass euthanasia of livestock, is an established practice in the agricultural industry to ensure animal welfare, human health, and economic stability by preventing disease spread. There is evidence that veterinarians involved in animal-disease management and depopulation experience significant and long-lasting mental health impacts. Objective This study examined the mental health impacts of depopulation on veterinarians and the ways to build their resilience to these stressful events. Procedure Using qualitative methods, 11 veterinarians and industry experts from Alberta participated in semistructured, one-on-one interviews between April 2023 and April 2024. Results Analysis revealed 3 main themes and 6 sub-themes: ongoing workmental health tensions (including professional bond versus emotional labor, disease control versus moral distress, sense of duty versus trauma of the event), emotional detachment, and occupational distress (including emotional exhaustion, decreased job satisfaction and turnover intentions, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms). These themes were used to adapt the emergency-management framework for veterinarians involved in depopulation, to support their mental health and well-being. Conclusion and clinical relevance The pervasive behavioral and mental health challenges associated with depopulation highlight the necessity for education, training, support, and policy adjustments to safeguard veterinarians’ mental health and wellbeing. INTRODUCTION Mass euthanasia of livestock is part of a complex process in the agricultural industry called “depopulation,” a process of quickly and efficiently killing an entire herd or flock of animals in response to an emergency and doing so as quickly and as humanely as possible (1). Although depopulation may be necessary due to emergencies such as the temporary border closures that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic (2), it is often used for animal-disease management. There are 31 reportable diseases in Canada that can affect an animal or be transmitted by an animal to a person and are required to be reported to a veterinary inspector (3). Despite improvements in biosecurity (4), Canada reported 149 cases of herds or flocks affected by a reportable disease in 2023 (5), mostly avian influenza (AI, n = 133), followed by chronic wasting disease (n = 8), equine infectious anemia (n = 7), and bovine tuberculosis (n = 1) (5). For perspective, . 11 million birds from poultry operations have been depopulated due to AI since 2021, affecting 415 farming operations (5). At the forefront of depopulation are veterinarians who work with their farmer client and report a suspected case, or those who work for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to confirm a case and assist with depopulation orders (3). Even when the rationale for depopulation is understood (6,7), veterinarians often experience negative effects (8,9). For example, some veterinarians reported experiencing moral distress, characterized as grief, sadness, and stress and believed to stem from the “killing-caring paradox” in which veterinarians struggle to reconcile their compassion for animals with their professional obligation to euthanize them (10,11). Others reported the additional workload of providing emotional support to farmers going through depopulation (12). For example, during the footand-mouth disease outbreak in the United Kingdom, farmers preferred seeking support from veterinarians than community caseworkers or government staff (12). Animal shelter workers and veterinarian nurses directly involved in euthanasia reported high levels of work stress and diminished job satisfaction (13). Another study of veterinarians involved in depopulation of swine reported elevated rates of burnout (6). Whereas veterinarians involved in depopulation have recognized the importance of mental health services (6), research shows that few use these services (6,9,14). Low mental health service use has been associated with beliefs that counselling would be ineffective (6,9,14), concerns about taking time off from work (7), and the cost of the services (6,9). Rather, veterinarians and animal service workers reported coping by separating themselves emotionally from their work (2,15). Although such approaches may provide temporary relief, they may give way to subsequent poor health outcomes (16). For example, 55.7% of the veterinarians who assisted in the 2010 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Japan reported mental distress 6 mo after the outbreak was controlled (17). As depopulation may be associated with significant and long-lasting mental health issues (15) and livestock epidemics are challenging to control or eliminate (18), it is essential to understand how veterinarians are affected, to ensure their mental health and well-being needs are supported. The mental health impacts of depopulation on veterinarians Rebecca J. Purc-Stephenson, Deanna K. Hood, Jenessa M. Doctor
Vetnuus | May 2026 17 Article Further, there is no published study examining veterinarians’ experiences during depopulation events in Canada. Recognizing this gap, we used qualitative methods to i) explore the mental health impacts of depopulation on veterinarians and ii) identify ways to build their resilience to these stressful events. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using descriptive phenomenology, which is an inductive approach to explore and describe an individual’s experience of a phenomenon without imposing preconceptions or interpretations (19). This method is often used when there is limited knowledge about a topic (19). Unlike interpretative phenomenology, which aims to understand the meaning of experiences within participants’ sociocultural contexts (20), this method aims to generate knowledge and provide an authentic portrayal of the phenomenon (20). Our sample included 11 participants (9 veterinarians and 2 industry experts) from Alberta. To be included, all veterinarians needed to have experience with at least 1 depopulation event. Five of the veterinarians had worked for or were currently working for CFIA. The industry experts were representatives from species-specific commodity groups and were part of an emergency response team involved in the coordination and support of depopulation events. Participants had been employed for 24.09 y (SD = 15.90), ranging from 4 to 44 y. They ranged in age from 36 to 67 y (M = 53.64, SD = 12.64) and had experience with cattle, swine, poultry, elk and deer, and/or sheep and goats. This research was approved by the University of Alberta’s (Edmonton, Alberta) ethics review board (Pro00126250). We recruited participants through notices posted to our study website and social media channels (e.g., Facebook, newsletters) between April 2023 and April 2024. Those interested contacted the principal investigator (PI) to schedule an interview. Participants completed an individual, semi-structured interview with the PI, either virtually or by telephone, lasting 40 to 90 min. Participants were asked 4 background questions (e.g., age, gender, job description, and animals they worked with) and 5 open-ended questions about their depopulation experience: i) Can you describe a depopulation event you were involved in? ii) In what ways, if any, did the experience impact you? iii) How did you cope during and after the experience? iv) Was there anything helpful that prepared you for the experience? v) Since being involved in depopulation, how has the experience changed your job satisfaction? Participants received a $50 gift card for an online retailer. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Before analysis, all identifying information was removed from the transcripts. Participant names were replaced with pseudonyms. Next, transcripts were independently analyzed by the 3 authors. Our analysis was guided by Colaizzi’s 7-step process (21): i) review the transcripts to become familiar with them, ii) identify significant statements and phrases relevant to the topic, iii) describe the meaning of the statements and phrases, iv) merge statements to create themes and sub-themes, v) provide a full description of the topic, vi) identify the core framework that characterizes the topic, and vii) validate findings with subject-matter experts. Although we acknowledge that new meanings can always emerge from data, our decision about when to stop coding and move to the subsequent steps in the analytic process was based on our interpretative judgments (22). Specifically, we ceased coding when no new ideas were being identified and we stopped analysis when the generated themes were relevant and coherent in addressing our research question (22). Three industry experts (1 veterinarian and 2 industry experts) reviewed our findings and provided feedback that our results reflected their experiences. As descriptive phenomenology requires researchers to generate knowledge without preconceptions and biases, we used bracketing (23). Bracketing involves acknowledging and setting aside one’s preconceptions to allow the topic to be understood more authentically from the participants’ viewpoints. For this study, 2 of the researchers (JD, DH) had limited knowledge of depopulation and veterinary practice, whereas the PI (RP) had been researching the topic for several years. All researchers discussed their personal and professional connections to the topic. All data were double-coded by the 3 authors, and we met regularly to review the goals of the study, compare interpretations, discuss differences, and reach a consensus. RESULTS Our analysis revealed 3 major themes and 6 sub-themes. Each theme is described below using verbatim quotes. Ongoing work-mental health tensions Initially, we identified 3 distinct work-related themes and 3 mental health strains. Upon deeper analysis, we observed how these themes were interrelated, reflecting a broader concept. Specifically, depopulation disrupted work roles and goals, imposing strains that spilled over into participants’ personal lives, affecting their well-being. Each sub-theme is described below. Professional bond versus emotional labor. Years of working closely with a farmer client had fostered a deeply trusting professional bond, whereby the veterinarian became a farmer’s “go-to source” for education and an important figure in their life. One veterinarian explained, “We’re part of the family. I’ve been invited to family dinners, weddings, and even funerals… It’s not like other professions, and that’s what I tell my students. We treat people, too”(Vicky, veterinarian). During depopulation events, the support they provided to their farmer clients intensified. Even if these veterinarians were not directly involved in the depopulation order, many felt they were “brought along for the journey.” For example, a veterinarian was often the first person their farmer client contacted when they suspected their animals were sick and was the one to deliver test results. Although many described wanting to support farmers and felt it was their duty, they acknowledged how this additional work made them feel emotionally extended and pulled away from whatever they were doing. As 1 industry expert explained, “These phone calls are happening any time of the day… You put yourself out there to support them, and you kind of live in this with them. And you’re in trauma when you leave the call because you’re going through this with them, you’re feeling their pain and it’s hard. It’s hard to go back to whatever you’re doing after that.” (— Ryan, industry expert) Most expressed genuine empathy for farmers going through depopulation. One veterinarian shared, “I was just at a conference with somebody who’s going through [avian influenza], and nobody sat next to him” (Chris, veterinarian). These veterinarians often called their farmer clients daily to check on how they were coping. Even veterinarians directing depopulation orders who did not know the farmers also provided this type of emotional labor. One participant explained, “If it was a really big case that took months to clear, you could be working very closely with a farmer, without having known them before, in an incredibly stressful personal situation… You’d be caught up dealing with them daily through probably the worst emotional crisis they’ve ever had in their life. So that was very intense… I was also the person who was one-onone supporting them through all of this.” (— Janet, veterinarian) Disease control versus moral distress. Participants described struggling to balance the satisfaction that came from controlling the spread of a disease and keeping people healthy with the moral distress of euthanizing animals. >>>18
Vetnews | Mei 2026 18 « BACK TO CONTENTS The mental health impacts of depopulation.... <<< 17 Article Many found relief in their involvement by reminding themselves that the purpose and methods were supported by science. As 1 participant explained, “Some of the successes come from helping producers. I was quite proud to be able to facilitate eradicating this very nasty disease out of 27 different farms through a process that’s science-based. There’s moments like that” (Jim, veterinarian). Conversely, all struggled with their professional identity as their job required them to kill entire herds or flocks of animals. One participant described, “Well, if you’re directly involved as a veterinarian where you have to destroy animals, that wasn’t the reason you came into the world and it’s very hard… You know, you’re here to help them and save them… It’s hard” (Ronald, veterinarian). These feelings were particularly acute when seemingly healthy or young animals had to be killed. Several participants also mentioned that killing mammals was challenging. One participant explained, “I’ve done lots of depops on poultry and I don’t enjoy any of it. But I was never damaged from it. Pigs are like dogs, and they make eye contact. So, I gotta tell you, the number of pigs that I killed, when they look right in my eyes… It just hits different.” (— Alex, veterinarian) Veterinarians involved in some of the first AI cases described feeling morally distressed because the processes and methods were not established, but acknowledged that processes had improved with subsequent outbreaks and that, now, “CFIA has got a pretty tightly run ship” (Chris, veterinarian). Others who participated in swine depopulation warned that the industry was not prepared for African swine fever. Sense of duty versus trauma of the event. Many expressed a strong sense of duty to fulfill their job responsibilities yet struggled to euthanize so many animals. They coped by focusing on work tasks, ensuring the humane treatment of animals, and following professional guidelines. One veterinarian explained, “So you compartmentalize your job because it’s your job. You have to do it. I looked at it scientifically” (Janet, veterinarian). Others focused on the potential strengths their profession offered to public health and animal welfare. For example, “I don’t want to see sick kids from contaminated eggs. I don’t want to see sick kids from dirty milk. I don’t want to see barns full of birds dying. And so that, by itself, helps me, and I think if I didn’t have to do too many at once, I’ll be okay.” (— Dorothy, veterinarian) The quote above highlights the challenge of the actual task. Participants found the actual day of euthanasia traumatic and exacerbated by knowing the farmer, long hours, limited breaks, small team size, and working consecutive days. Many noted that their drive to “just get it done” led to euthanizing a large number of animals in a single day but contributed to emotional strain, fatigue, and even physical injuries. One participant explained, “So, I think we killed almost 500 [animals] in a day. It was a very small crew. It was a very long day… It was [spring] so it was pretty cool and wet. And I just remember we were all just, like, catatonic by the end of the day.” (— Alex, veterinarian) Emotional detachment Participants described coping by emotionally detaching and focusing on completing the task. Some felt unsure how to manage their emotions or those of others, citing how their training prioritized teaching techniques and physical safety. Others described feeling guilty expressing emotions because it seemed incongruent with their professional role. One participant explained, “[I have] lots of training on the practical [and] the physical safety of things. I have zero training on mental health, either for me or my staff, or for the people we’re dealing with… Now with some people, they’ve been so distraught that they just need to talk to somebody and so they’ll talk to me because I’m there. And you know, you listen and you do what you can, but I have to maintain my status as a regulatory vet. I am required to enforce policies, programs, or laws.” (— Dorothy, veterinarian) This coping mechanism, however, exacerbated participants’ struggles over time. One participant highlighted how unresolved emotions from past outbreaks contributed to their enduring mental health challenges, “I didn’t cope well. We finished everything off. I took a little bit of vacation time [but] I was very, very sick, physically sick from it… I think my body was catching up to what my eyes had seen” (Alex, veterinarian). Nearly all mentioned that they felt unprepared to cope with the depopulation and the pressures placed on them. One participant explained, “I think sometimes when we talk about mental health, the veterinarians are sometimes forgotten about because they’re the professionals” (Megan, veterinarian). Occupational distress Prolonged exposure to unmitigated stressors led to emotional and occupational consequences. We termed this theme “occupational distress” to reflect the ongoing strain arising from high stress, moral distress, and traumatic events of the work. Emotional exhaustion. Participants described how the prolonged stress and workload associated with depopulation and supporting farmers made it challenging to juggle other work responsibilities and attend to their own needs. Participants described reaching a point of emotional exhaustion. Contributing to this were the frequent and intense interactions with farmer clients during depopulation that blurred boundaries between professional and personal life, leaving veterinarians feeling unable to “switch off” their professional role at home. As one participant explained, “I try to process but the problem with being an agriculture vet…is that you’re on 24/7, right? My work phone is my personal phone” (— Chris, veterinarian). Job satisfaction and turnover intentions. Direct involvement in depopulation often resulted in reduced job satisfaction due to the persistent pressure, moral distress, and limited resources. One participant explained, “You feel kind of like the doctor just giving bad diagnoses… It’s really hard” (Ryan, industry expert). Another participant explained the difficulty of retaining staff by stating, “I can see why people would not do it. With every big outbreak, we lose staff, because they just say, ‘we can’t do this’” (Dorothy, veterinarian). For several participants, their experience with depopulation prompted a reevaluation of their career path to protect their own mental health. For example, 1 participant described a negative depopulation event and simply stated that they quit their job “because of the depop” (Alex, veterinarian). For another participant, the persistent worry that they might one day have
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