Dr. Robert (Bob) Jones has been named Veterinarian of the Year while Dr. Peter Martin will receive the Meritorious Service award when the association holds its awards banquet in February.

The Young Veterinarian of the Year award will go to Dr. Graeme Boender, the Communications award will go to Dr. Cody Creelman, and Cindee Burns will receive the Registered Veterinary Technologist of the Year award. Dr. Kevin Breker will receive the Outstanding Mentor award.

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Parvovirus is a hardy, highly contagious, often deadly virus that’s spread through the feces of infected dogs. It attacks the intestinal tract and white blood cells causing symptoms such as bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Although all ages of dogs can be affected, puppies and juvenile dogs are most vulnerable to severe symptoms. The virus can affect most members of the dog family (including wolves, coyotes, and foxes).

There are several strains of canine parvovirus. The latest one is parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) first detected in 2000 in Italy.

Dogs become infected through oral contact with feces, infected soil (where it can survive for one year or longer), or contaminated items such as kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, leashes, toys. The incubation period is three to seven days. In surviving dogs, the virus may be shed for two to three weeks after they were infected. Bleach is the most effective disinfectant.

Dogs with parvovirus are very depressed and off food. They are nauseous, vomiting, and have diarrhea which is usually bloody. Abdominal pain and dehydration quickly follow. The virus also attacks white blood cells making dogs susceptible to secondary infection. In very young puppies the virus can damage the heart muscle.

Because parvovirus is a life-threatening disease, vaccination is crucial. Puppies receive some immunity from their mothers’ milk but to maintain protection a series of vaccinations are necessary.

There is no specific treatment for the virus and infected dogs must be housed in isolation. The latest strain of parvovirus can infect cats. However, cats vaccinated against feline distemper will be protected.

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Dr. Margitta Dziwenka is the association’s new president. She began her veterinary career in Vegreville and now works at the University of Alberta as assistant director for Health Sciences Laboratory Animal Services. She and her husband have a mixed farm near Vegreville and raise Black Angus cattle.

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Dr. Alastair Cribb is the recipient of this year’s Veterinarian of the Year Award. This award recognizes an association member who has made outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine or veterinary science as a registered veterinarian. The contribution may be over a lifetime, not just the past year.

Dr. Trevor Hook is the recipient of the Young Veterinarian of the Year Award. This award is presented to a new association member who has shown enthusiasm for veterinary medicine and demonstrated emerging leadership in the veterinary profession. This award is normally presented to a veterinarian who has graduated within the last five years.

Dr. Ted Purcell is the recipient of this year’s Communications Award. This award is presented to a member or group of members in recognition of efforts to enhance the image of the veterinary profession.

Jackie Lind is the recipient of this year’s Veterinary Technologist of the Year Award.

The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association also announced Dr. Kevin MacAulay as its new president. He is a companion animal practitioner and owner of Glamorgan Animal Clinic in Calgary.

The Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists also presented two awards at a ceremony last month. Andrea Edwards was presented with the organization’s Appreciation Award and Nichole Boutilier was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award.

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