“You don't have to go away 100%. You can take breaks. You can come back. You can find where you feel more satisfied,” says Melody Martínez, CVT, in this interview with dvm360.

When it’s okay to step away from veterinary medicine

In this video, Melody Martínez, CVT, executive director of the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association, discusses recognizing when veterinary technicians may feel ready to step back from veterinary medicine and seek a new direction. She shares why leaving, taking a break, or finding new ways to stay connected to the profession can be meaningful paths forward.

Below is the video transcript, which has been edited for clarity.

I want to tell people: If you're done with this profession, that's OK, too. I don't want to give [the] advice that you should power through even when you're done, and you can't do it anymore.

There are plenty of people who have shared with me, "I'm looking for my next thing. I want to get out. I don't want to do this anymore. I'm burnt out. It's not the same as it was for me anymore. I don't see a pathway for me to grow in this profession." I think that's OK. I think it's OK to be done. I think it's OK to bless it and release it. Say, "I did this thing for a little while, and it was a lot of who I am. It's part of my identity, but I need to do something else. I need to be paid more. I need to grow. I have a different interest that I want to pursue."

[Veterinary medicine] is not going anywhere. It's always going to be here, right? So I keep my license [updated]. I do my continuing education. I keep my license [updated] even if I'm not always working in a clinical setting because it's important to me that if I ever need to fall back on that, I have it there. But also, I worked really hard to get that, and I want to continue keeping it. I want to continue learning.

I think that if you're done, be done, and let it go, or find a different way to connect. I know, for me, I may not be working full-time as a vet tech anymore, but I work once a week in a volunteer capacity at a clinic that provides increased access to care. For me, [it's] really fulfilling to have work that helps me pay my bills, feeds a different part of who I am, makes me very happy, and [I] still get to do this other work within the profession that means a lot to me and still utilizes my skills....

I want to tell people: If you're done, you can be done. You don't have to go away 100%. You can take breaks. You can come back. You can find where you feel more satisfied.

And the technicians who foster [animals]—maybe they don’t work as technicians anymore. Maybe they’re nurses now, or maybe they do something else—graphic design, restaurant work, [or] something entirely different. They're fostering animals, volunteering with shelters, doing occasional relief work, [and] teaching. They're doing other things that utilize their skills and make them feel fulfilled.

I think it's OK to leave and to figure out [whether] a new role exists for you within the profession. Find out what that is and pursue that instead. If that's where you are, then don't feel bad about it.

Videos

“You don't have to go away 100%. You can take breaks. You can come back. You can find where you feel more satisfied,” Melody Martínez, CVT, said in this interview with dvm360.

When it’s OK to step away from veterinary medicine

The labels of 2 prescription parasiticides for canines have been expanded to include an emerging tick species. New indications for Credelio Quattro (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) and Credelio (lotilaner), both from Elanco, also include the prevention of Lyme disease as a result of killing black-legged ticks.

Credelio was previously indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, as well as for the treatment and control of infestations by lone star ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks. Credelio Quattro previously had the same indications as Credelio, in addition to preventing heartworm disease and treating roundworm, tapeworm, and hookworm infections.

“Our research and development teams are constantly working to anticipate and address emerging threats, ensuring and demonstrating that Credelio Quattro and Credelio continue to provide leading-edge protection for dogs against a complex and evolving parasitic landscape,” Ellen de Brabander, PhD, executive vice president of innovation and regulatory affairs for Elanco, said in a news release.

Drug developer strives to increase global access for 2 products

Credelio Quattro and Credelio share a common active ingredient: lotilaner. In a study recently published in 

, lotilaner demonstrated 100% efficacy against the longhorned tick following 48 hours of infestation and throughout the month. As a result, both parasiticides are now indicated for the treatment and control of longhorned tick infestations.

“The unique biology of the longhorned tick is what makes it a potential public health challenge,” Casey Locklear, DVM, veterinarian and medical strategic lead for parasiticides for Elanco, said in the release.

 “They can establish populations of thousands from a single female because they have the ability to reproduce without mates.”

Lotilaner has also been found to be highly effective in killing the black-legged tick, a vector for the spread of Lyme disease. The labels of both Credelio Quattro and Credelio now claim prevention of Lyme disease in dogs.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) reported 530,685 cases of Lyme disease in dogs in 2024, with 1 in 20 dogs testing positive for infection. These cases represented an increase in canine Lyme disease incidence in 2023. The CAPC reported 465,721 cases of Lyme disease in dogs in 2023, with 1 in 30 dogs testing positive for infection.

“This expanded label for Credelio Quattro and Credelio is exciting for pet owners and veterinarians alike,” Bobby Modi, executive vice president of US pet health and global digital transformation at Elanco, said in the release.

 “Our expanded label demonstrates even more comprehensive protection against some of the most concerning ticks, going beyond for both pet owners and veterinarians and helping dogs live healthier, happier, more active lives.”

Veterinarians widely recommend year-round parasite protection to prevent infestation and pathogen infection. In an 

, Locklear discussed the importance of communicating to clients the capability of parasiticides.

“My general practitioner heart gravitates to preventing the preventable and making a strong medical recommendation so that I can help provide that canine patient with the best health possible and really support the human-animal bond,” Locklear said.

 “It's important for the veterinary team to remember and to convey to pet owners that they really are taking a proactive approach by providing that dog with a broad spectrum coverage, including…coverage on a monthly basis.”

Elanco announces expansion of Credelio Quattro (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) and Credelio (lotilaner) labels, offering protection against Lyme disease and emerging tick species. News release. Elanco. October 27, 2025. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://tinyurl.com/4jdfaunx 

Parasite prevalence maps. Tick borne disease agents, Lyme disease, dog, 2024. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Accessed October 28, 2025. 

https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2024/all-year/lyme-disease/dog/united-states

Parasite prevalence maps. Tick borne disease agents, Lyme disease, dog, 2023. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Accessed October 28, 2025. 

https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2023/all-year/lyme-disease/dog/united-states

Crossley KC, Locklear C. Communicating with clients about parasite protection. 

. March 2, 2025. Accessed October 28, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/communicating-with-clients-about-parasite-protection

Articles

The 2 drugs from Elanco now offer protection from emerging tick species and aid in the prevention of Lyme disease in canines.

Labels for 2 parasiticide products are expanded 

This October, National Veterinary Associates, a global network of more than 1400 veterinary hospitals, specialty practices, and pet resorts, announced a new head of enterprise transformation with extensive experience in data and analytics. Meanwhile, the animal health biotechnology company Gallant, has added 2 new members to its board of directors.

Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

Sean McDonald, head of enterprise transformation, National Veterinary Associates

Sean McDonald, head of enterprise transformation, National Veterinary Associates. (Image courtesy of National Veterinary Associates)

Earlier this month, the National Veterinary Associates (NVA) appointed Sean McDonald as its head of enterprise transformation. In his new role, McDonald is contributing to modernizing the company’s systems, scaling digital capabilities, and accelerating decision-making backed by data.

In his most recent role, McDonald was the chief financial officer for Aon’s Global Enterprise Client Group and Innovation portfolio, where he developed new operating models and implemented governance structures to help drive commercialization. In other prior roles, McDonald worked in investment banking and corporate development at Robert W. Baird & Co., Optum, and Citadel Investment Group.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sean to NVA’s Executive Leadership Team,” John Bruno, CEO of NVA, said in a company release.

 “Sean brings a wealth of experience in leveraging data and analytical insights to drive process and operational innovation that delivers strategic growth. He is a well-respected leader and trusted problem solver, known for unifying teams and inspiring excellence across global organizations.”

Misti Ushio, PhD, Board of Directors, Gallant

Recently, Gallant, which develops ready-to-use stem cell therapies for pets, added Misti Ushio, PhD, to its Board of Directors. Ushio has more than 25 years of experience in biotechnology and is the founding CEO of the startup TARA Biosystems, later acquired by Valo Health, known for developing lab-grown human cardiac tissue for drug development. Ushio has also held leadership roles at Harris & Harris Group, where she led life sciences investments. She has also worked at Merck, where she helped develop vaccines and biologics.

Currently, Ushio is a managing partner at Digitalis Ventures and is a lead investor in Gallant. “Building a new therapeutic category requires talent, technology, and a great deal of passion. Gallant has it all," Ushio said in a news release.

 "As an investor, I've been impressed by how quickly the team is advancing [their ready-to-use 

stem cell therapy for refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis

] through clinical trials and the FDA process, and I'm excited to support them more directly as they prepare to go to market—shifting care from managing symptoms to targeting disease at its source."

Misti Ushio, PhD, and Doug Drew, MBA. (Image courtesy of Gallant)

Doug Drew, MBA, Board of Directors, Gallant

In addition to Ushio, Doug Drew, MBA, also joined Gallant’s Board of Directors. Drew previously served as global president of Mars Veterinary Health, leading the network of more than 3000 veterinary hospitals through a global expansion. During his tenure, he also directed a $500 million initiative at Mars to support workforce career development, diversity, and practice operations.

“Gallant's therapy...fits seamlessly into daily practice and, most importantly, addresses a real gap for pets with many common and underserved conditions. I'm looking forward to contributing to a company that's making regenerative medicine part of routine veterinary care," Drew said in a Gallant news release.

In the same announcement, Gallant’s CEO, Linda Black, DVM, PhD, commented on both Misti’s and Drew’s appointments. “Misti is a veteran biotech executive who knows how to turn complex science into category-defining products, and Doug has spent his career listening to veterinarians and delivering tools they trust. Their voices reflect both sides of what we're building—scientific excellence and practical impact. I'm grateful to partner with them as we move toward commercialization," she said.

National Veterinary Associates Appoints Sean McDonald as Head of Enterprise Transformation. News release. October 1, 2025.

Biotech and Veterinary Innovators Dr. Misti Ushio and Doug Drew Join Gallant Board of Directors. News release. Gallant. October 7, 2025. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biotech-and-veterinary-innovators-dr-misti-ushio-and-doug-drew-join-gallant-board-of-directors-302576626.html

New leadership moves, recognition, and achievement.

Paws and profits: Gallant announces new members to its board of directors

Veterinarians with equine-owning clients should urge late-gestation ultrasounds for pregnant mares. At the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Equine Reproduction Service, specialists are reinforcing the message as foaling season approaches.

After pregnancy is confirmed in a mare early in gestation, veterinarians typically conduct a follow-up recheck shortly afterward to confirm embryo or fetal viability, but additional examinations are often skipped until birth. “In many cases, no further examinations are performed until foaling,” Catherine Renaudin, DVM, DECAR, chief of the Equine Reproduction Service at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), said in a UC Davis report.

 “However, additional ultrasound examinations later in pregnancy are strongly recommended to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the risk of complications for both mare and foal.”

Ultrasounds later in pregnancy can help ensure the foal is in a normal position and act as a screening tool for placentitis—an inflammation of the placenta that can lead to late-term abortion, stillbirth, or premature birth. The process—a transrectal ultrasound—can be brief and non-invasive, while offering valuable information, says UC Davis.

A fetus will typically settle into its final presentation between 9 and 11 months of gestation. By identifying the fetal head or eye, an ultrasound can reveal if the foal is in a normal anterior presentation, with its head first, or if it is in an abnormal position.

A transrectal ultrasound showing the fetal head (a) and eye (b) of a foal in anterior presentation. (Image courtesy of UC Davis)

Veterinarians may detect the foal’s tail, thighs, or spine during the ultrasound if the fetus is in an abnormal position, such as posterior (hindquarters first) or transverse (sideways). According to UC Davis, fetal malpresentation is not common, but when it does occur, it can lead to a difficult birth, called dystocia, which can put the mare and foal at risk.

According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, dystocia is a true equine emergency that requires immediate intervention for improved outcomes for the mare and foal.

 Complications mares may experience associated with dystocia include injury, recovering from anesthesia, a retained placenta, uterine tear, periparturient hemorrhage, and cervical tear. Foals, meanwhile, may suffer from fractured ribs, be born as a “dummy foal,” or sustain other injuries from foaling.

“Early detection allows [veterinarians] to plan appropriately—such having the mare foal out at the VMTH or another facility equipped for assisted delivery or cesarean section—thereby reducing the risks associated with abnormal foaling,” Renaudin said.

In addition to helping detect malpresentation, late gestation ultrasounds can also screen for placentitis, which is the top cause of infectious abortion in mares.

 The condition, according to UC Davis, tends to develop close to the cervix, allowing veterinarians to detect it through a transrectal ultrasound. Mares with placentitis may exhibit thickening of the placenta or partial separation of the placenta from the uterus in the early stages.

“UC Davis recommends monthly placentitis screenings beginning at 7 months of gestation through to foaling. If abnormalities are detected, treatment can be started early, significantly improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of abortion,” wrote the university.

Conducting late-gestation ultrasound exams can help veterinarians identify problems sooner, allowing them to take proactive steps to maintain the health and wellbeing of both the mare and foal, Renaudin concluded.

Warren R. Equine Reproduction Specialists Urge Late Gestation Ultrasound Exams. University of California, Davis College of Veterinary Medicine. October 22, 2025. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/equine-reproduction-specialists-urge-late-gestation-ultrasound-exams

Dystocia in Horses. American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.acvs.org/large-animal/dystocia-in-horses/#:~:text=Dystocia%20is%20when%20natural%20delivery,narrowing%20of%20the%20birth%20canal.

Conducting late-gestation ultrasounds on pregnant mares can spot foal malpresentation and placentitis, UC Davis specialists say.

Experts urge late-stage equine ultrasounds to avoid foaling complications

Although mobility means the ability to walk, it can represent so much more, especially to senior pets, because it is how they interact with the world, make decisions, and take control of their lives. Because it requires integration of sensory, associative, and motor components of the central and peripheral nervous systems, plus the musculoskeletal system, it reflects a pet’s overall health as a final functional system. As pets age, their mobility will decline, and patterns of mobility loss reflect the decline of many body parts. So, how can veterinary teams assist their patients and clients whose pets are going through or are on the cusp of it?

During her lecture, "Paws in Motion: Addressing Mobility Loss in Senior Dogs," at the 2025 Global Hill’s Symposium, Natasha Olby, Vet MB, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM (Neurology), shares how veterinary teams can evaluate, diagnose, and treat senior pets that are losing mobility.

"What does it take to be mobile? Pretty much everything. So you need the whole nervous system, all of it. More about that later. Obviously, you need the mechanical parts. You need bones, you need joints, you need muscle. Muscle is an organ [that is] very, very important if we're going to have all those things work. We need blood flow. We need oxygen. I can put every organ of the body on here, you need them all to supply everything that is needed by the nervous system and by muscle, for example," Olby said in her lecture.

When a dog presents to the clinic for mobility loss, Olby explained, veterinary teams should first start by taking a detailed history of the patient’s general health and mobility. Teams can begin by asking clients when the signs are at their worst, after rest for orthopedic disease, and what happens with exercise. If it improves, that can be a sign of an orthopedic issue, and if it stays the same or worsens, it can signify a neurologic disease. It can also help teams if they ask clients what their pet can no longer do, their pet's sleep quality, signs of pain, and elimination habits.

After the history is fully taken, veterinary teams will next need to perform a physical examination, making sure to do so before a gait evaluation. Olby explained that gait is often overlooked but can be a crucial part in the patient assessment, and she likes to perform it before a hands-on neurological and orthopedic exam. For the gait exam, dogs should walk on a nonslip surface because elderly canine patients tend to be more afraid of slick surfaces, which results in them either refusing to walk on them or walking in a very altered fashion. It can also help if teams bring the patient outside to walk on small slopes, shallow flights of steps if available, and curbs. Teams should view the patient from both sides and then the front and back, and they can also take a short video to be viewed in slow motion prior to the exam.

Following the physical examination, carefully executed orthopedic and neurological exams should be next on the list. Performing these exams can confirm and clarify observations that were made during the gait evaluation. According to Olby, one of the most important tests is the assessment of postural reactions, hopping, and proprioceptive pacing. If there are any deficits in hopping or proprioceptive placing, there is a central nervous system problem.

However, Olby cautions that performing these tests requires appropriate weight support, particularly if the patient also has an orthopedic disease. She also noted that proprioceptive placing can be less reliable in chronic disease cases than hopping, but is still useful if present. The timing of initiation of the hop should also be carefully evaluated when supporting weight for the other 3 limbs, and can serve as an indicator of neurologic disease. Patients should also start to hop the second their weight is centered midline.

Following the assessment, veterinarians should begin to create a list of differentials for each problem and then categorize them in groups of diseases expected to improve greatly with treatment, those that can be treated to minimize or slow down the deterioration, and those with a grave prognosis. Deciding the course of action that is most appropriate also requires veterinary professionals to understand what the client will do about interventions and their ultimate goals. This helps ensure that whatever the diagnosis of the patient is, the client will treat it effectively.

When it comes to managing mobility loss, the key is to be "extremely holistic." Olby explained that it is crucial to identify comorbidities that can be addressed within specific therapy, like a urinary tract infection and endocrine disease, to document the presence of degenerative orthopedic and neurologic conditions. Then, it is important to determine how much pain is a driving factor in the mobility loss.

Environmental factors can benefit patients with mobility loss, provided they engage in appropriate levels of exercise, receive adequate nutrition, manage their pain effectively, and undergo rehabilitation. For environmental factors, veterinary teams can instruct clients to provide nonslip surfaces or use nonslip booties or nail and pad stickers. Clients can also add appropriate sling supports and change the exercise location to a surface such as grass to give these senior pets the maximum sensory input and traction. Elderly canine patients are also more sensitive to cold and heat, so owners will need to plan walks accordingly. Plus, many pets may also lose vision and hesitate to cross boundaries between light and dark, so encouraging pet owners to be thoughtful with lighting can also help their patients.

Clients can also pursue other strategies for treatment, such as massages, appropriate bedding, and interventions provided by a rehabilitation expert.

There are also pharmacological strategies for pain control that veterinary teams and clients can discuss. For both orthopedic and neurological diseases, it is important that the veterinary team consider whether anti-inflammatory doses of prednisone will help the client. Olby provided the attendees with the example of chronic compressive spinal conditions, and spinal and brain neoplasia are likely to show some response to a low dose of prednisone, even if this is somewhat short-lived. In these occurrences, the use of an NSAID is contraindicated, and if this patient is only on an NSAID, a washout period is indicated.

“Typically, if osteoarthritis [OA] and compressive myelopathy coexist, a trial dosing regimen of 0.5 mg/kg prednisone twice a day for 3 to 5 days can be assessed. If there is a response, the dose is halved for 7 to 10 days and then tapered again to the minimum dose that will ameliorate the signs. If it is not helpful after 5 days, it can be tapered off and the response to an NSAID is assessed, or vice versa, depending on the relative severity of orthopedic and neurologic signs. A gabapentinoid is indicated if neuropathic pain could play a part in the signs, but elderly dogs can become sedate and ataxic, and a low dose should be trialed—for example, 3-5 mg/kg gabapentin once to twice a day—and then gradually increased to effect,” Olby said in the lecture.

Using bedinvetmab for OA is indicated, but veterinarians should be cautious if they suspect a neurologic disease because the therapy was created and tested in canine patients with only orthopedic disease, making the consequences of using it with a neurologic disease present unclear at this current time.

Veterinary professionals face challenges in navigating the complexities of mobility loss in elderly patients. By performing thorough gait evaluations, utilizing environmental modifications, and ensuring effective pain control, you can make a meaningful difference. Take proactive steps to support senior pets and improve their quality of life—your guidance truly matters.

Olby N. Paws in motion: Addressing mobility loss in senior dogs.Presented at: Hill’s Global Symposium; October 27-28, 2025; Phoenix, AZ.

As senior pets experience mobility issues, veterinary teams play a crucial role in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing these cases.

My senior patient presented with mobility issues, now what?

Wildlife hospitals are busy places with staff resources often stretched as injured and ill native wildlife species are triaged and treated. Wildlife veterinarian Andrew Hill, BVSc, MVSc, MANZCVS (Avian Health), who works at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital in Queensland, Australia, received a 2024 Churchill Fellowship from the Winston Churchill Trust to travel the globe to investigate methods of high-caseload management for the treatment of native wildlife.

Andrew Hill, BVSc, MVSc, MANZCVS (Avian Health), is a wildlife veterinarian and the recipient of a Churchill Fellowship at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital in Queensland, Australia. 

Hill visited large wildlife hospitals in Canada, USA, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, having chosen his fellowship topic to support the veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and volunteers at wildlife hospitals in Australia who care for increasing numbers of animals each year using limited resources.

“I was seeking efficient methods of treatment to ease their burden and reduce stress while improving wildlife outcomes. By managing wildlife hospitals efficiently, we can also facilitate preventative actions through research, disease surveillance, education, and conservation efforts,” Hill explained to 

“Partnering with wildlife hospitals overseas that had overcome some of these challenges seemed the perfect opportunity as we redesign and scale up our processes. Veterinarians, technicians, rehabilitators, and administrators shared their expertise with an impressive level of detail and openness, providing an array of collective wisdom and a treasure trove of tools to develop,” Hill said.

He learned that rising caseloads are an international phenomenon, and the high-capacity wildlife hospitals have unique challenges and opportunities as they grow. “Understanding the critical developmental pathways of wildlife hospitals at different stages of growth was useful to assist in Australia's future development. The most significant learnings related to hospital design, staffing, and technology. The emergence of infectious disease and the need for disaster responses have changed wildlife hospital design from its companion animal roots,” Hill said.

“Modern designs promote early biosecurity, efficient admission processes, and streamlined triage workflows that significantly reduce fatigue and failure. Responses to avian influenza altered many workflows, and these changes are increasingly reflected in the design of new buildings,” he continued.

Through visiting various wildlife hospitals during his fellowship, Hill found that larger wildlife hospitals created specialist roles, multidisciplinary teams, and departments with clear support structures. “This global wildlife health project began because wildlife workers are so busy at the frontline that we can struggle to engage in long-term solutions. Safe staffing levels are essential to resilience at individual and organizational levels, including appropriate vet-to-case and nurse-to-vet ratios. Scalable technology played a strong role in maintaining communication, enabling efficient record keeping, and improving treatment success through data analysis,” Hill shared.

“The goal is to improve animal outcomes, and reduce staff burdens through efficient and effective practices. There is an immediate need to implement solutions that reduce waiting times and mortality during the Australian summer, and a long-term requirement for structural reform to further develop wildlife medicine and rehabilitation,” he added.

A key recommendation Hill will make in his Churchill Fellowship report publishing November 2025, is for translational research and education facilities to be embedded into wildlife hospitals to drive positive real-world outcomes. “I am very excited that some of my findings will be realized in a new research and education facility at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital thanks to a collaborative $14 million AUD investment by the Queensland branch of the National Trust of Australia, the Australian Government, Queensland Government, the City of Gold Coast, and philanthropic partners. The facility is expected to be completed in 2027,” Hill said.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Hill, BVSc, MVSc, MANZCVS (Avian Health)

The Churchill Fellow (left) thanked fellow wildlife professionals for their support during his global experience, including those whom he learned from. 

“Meeting so many talented wildlife professionals with amazing skillsets and shared challenges was a great encouragement. Learning how to manage surges of 1000 cases a day with Dr Bruno Petri in Sao Paulo [Brazil] was insightful, while exploring research integration with research fellow Dr Olivia Schiermeyer in Virginia was especially useful. Planning efficient triage and treatment approaches with Drs Renee Schott and Agnes Hutchinson in Minnesota was a highlight, and understanding the future needs of wildlife hospitals from directors Tami Vogel, Lori Arent, and Caroline Gould was priceless,” Hill said.

H5 avian influenza suspected on Heard Island

When Australian scientists visited the remote sub-Antarctic Heard Island in October 2025, they observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals on the island, which they suspect could be consistent with H5 avian influenza. Heard Island is part of the Heard Island and McDonald Islands external Australian territory, situated in the Southern Ocean over 4000 km southwest of Perth and 1700 km north of Antarctica.

According to an Australian Government statement, the detection of signs consistent with H5 avian influenza in wildlife on Heard Island is not unexpected, as the virus has previously been found on the French Kerguelen and Crozet sub-Antarctic islands, which are located less than 450 km from the Heard and McDonald Islands. Australia remains the only continent free from the highly contagious strain of H5 avian influenza. At this stage, detection of the disease on Heard Island is not confirmed and would not substantially increase the risk of the disease to Australia.

Australian Antarctic Program scientists who observed the unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals on the island did not observe unusual levels of mortality in other species present on the island, including penguins and other seabirds. Samples were collected and securely packaged, and will be submitted to the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing when the scientists return to Australia in mid-November.

, Wildlife Health Australia’s Chief Operating Officer Tiggy Grillo, PhD, AM, BVMS, said that the report of scientists seeing signs consistent with H5 bird flu in wildlife on Heard Island is not unexpected. “It doesn’t substantially increase the risk of avian influenza to Australia; however, it is a timely reminder of the ongoing threat. Especially during this time of year, when the annual spring migration of wild shorebirds from the northern hemisphere presents the most likely path,” Grillo said.

“To support preparedness to those who provide care to wildlife in Australia, such as veterinary clinics, wildlife hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and individual rehabilitators, Wildlife Health Australia has developed a suite of H5 bird flu resources, including a risk mitigation toolbox,” Grillo added.

These resources, along with further information about avian influenza, can be found on the Wildlife Health Australia website: 

https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Resource-Centre/H5-bird-flu

More news from Australia includes the suspected spread of H5 avian influenza to Heard Island.