Letter
from the chairman
Dear Colleagues,
Once again we have a nice mix of articles with case studies, an article on botulism
and one on cyanobacterial poisoning. We are blessed to be in a profession that
gives us a view into the complex and fascinating world of biology. As we spend time
in this biological world we are compelled to protect it. We desire to understand
diseases and how to prevent and cure them. Global media has focused on the
burning Amazon, the lungs of our planet. It is hard to conceive the narrowminded
destruction of such a precious asset. We are frustrated with what is happening
far away. Yet, we must also take ownership for our role in the destruction of
our natural resources closer to home. We need to look at our lifestyle, our
consumption, travel and the example we set by the choices we make. These
natural resources give us employment, financial rewards, life and great joy.
As vets we are consistently at the interface between humans and animals juggling the needs of both. This week
I listened to Hanli Prinsloo, a famous South African free-diver, talking about her passion getting school kids
into the ocean. Kids that would never venture into the ocean and once they do they discover an unseen world.
It give her great pleasure and makes a difference to the lives of the children and hopefully the future of the
planet.
We must do the same in not losing our enthusiasm for the animals we work with every day and the pass on our
awe to those we meet so that they too can be inspired to protect and cherish the creatures that surrounds us.
Happy vetting.
Greg
2019
ISSUE 01
3