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The Colorado State Veterinarian's Office distributed this message on April 10, 2020. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States since 2017. It appears this HPAI strain mutated from a low pathogenic strain that has been found in poultry in that area recently. There are currently no cases of HPAI...

The Colorado State Veterinarian's Office distributed the following announcement on April 15, 2020. On April 13, 2020, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, confirmed a finding of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection (Indiana serotype) on an equine premises in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. A single horse on the index premises has met the case definition of infection with compatible clinical signs and virus isolation positive results. A second equine premises in Sierra County, New Mexico subsequently met confirmed VSV case definition with compatible clinical signs and reverse...

The Colorado State Veterinarian's Office distributed this message on April 14, 2020. RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE VIRUS Serotype 2 (RHDV2) Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas have recently reported cases of RHDV2 in domestic rabbits, wild cottontails, and jackrabbits. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 2 is a highly contagious and fatal disease of domestic rabbits and wild rabbits of the genus Oryctolagus. This disease is considered a foreign animal disease (FAD) and is of high concern at the state and federal levels. The recent involvement of wild cottontails and hares is of particular concern. Clinical signs: Many...

The Colorado State Veterinarian's Office distributed this message on April 13, 2020. On April 10, 2020, the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment was notified that a four-year-old bull cow, raised by bottle and hand fed in the Beulah area, tested positive for rabies. This is the first bull reported to have rabies in Pueblo County. Veterinarians play a key role in the essential components of rabies prevention and control, including public education and vaccination of pets and livestock. Veterinarians are encouraged to monitor rabies data from state and local public...

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has classified veterinary care as an "essential business." Read more about what constitutes an essential business. Are veterinary practices permitted to stay open under any stay-at-home orders? Yes. This order defines veterinary practices and livestock services as "essential businesses." Do I have to keep my practice open if I feel unsafe or have concerns about COVID-19 and its impact on the health of my practice, staff, or community? No. You are not required to keep your practice open. Please use your...

Without a doubt, COVID-19 has impacted many veterinary businesses and their employees. Read more about what support is available to businesses and employees. For employers AND employees Tax Day is now July 15:  The IRS announced announced the federal income tax filing due date has been automatically extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15 to July 15 without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, corporations and other non-corporate tax...

Keeping your staff, clients, patients, and self safe during COVID-19 is crucial. Read below for best practices on how to minimize exposure in your practice. What recommendations does the state of Colorado offer for minimizing exposure in my practice?  In a public health order issued April 27, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) directs veterinarians to follow these steps to minimize exposure to COVID-19. Implement patient scheduling to provide for social distancing, enhanced cleaning, sufficient time to change PPE, and to minimize aerosol contamination. Implement prescreening of clients...

Originally published: April 1, 2020 | Last updated: March 18, 2021 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Here’s what veterinarians need to know about state restrictions and recommendations specifically targeting veterinary services and elective surgeries during Colorado's COVID-19 response. Are veterinarians permitted to do elective surgeries and procedures? Yes, elective surgeries and procedures are permitted per Twelfth Amended Public Health Order 20 29.  What veterinary-specific restrictions are in place right now? The state has rescinded all state requirements for elective veterinary services. Click here to read the full order. This order says it is the "Twelfth Amended" Public Health Order 20-29...

Many veterinarians may have received an email from DORA sent on behalf of Governor Polis asking about personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies throughout Colorado. This was directed by Governor Polis in his March 19 executive order (D 2020 009) ordering the cessation of non-essential surgeries and procedures. Click to read the message sent by DORA on behalf of Governor Polis. CVMA is supporting this effort by distributing this information to CVMA members. During this uncertain time, the veterinary profession will need to do its part. It is critical that veterinarians think strategically about...

The following are recommendations for re-use and conservation of personal protective equipment from the AVMA based on FDA and CDC information. Read the full information on the AVMA website. May disposable, single use PPE be re-used when supply levels are adequate (conventional capacity strategies)? Generally, no.  Most PPE is designed to be used only once by a single person prior to disposal. However, there are exceptions in limited situations identified by FDA, CDC, and OSHA which include gowns, surgical masks, N95 respirators, reusable face shields or goggles. Details for each are...

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