8 9 Disease surveillance protected shelter animals during H3N2 outbreak When the highly contagious H3N2 canine influenza entered Ontario in December 2017, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society responded quickly,establishingavaccinationprogramtoprotectthedogsinitscare. The H3N2 canine influenza virus was a “novel virus,” meaning it was not previously seen in Canada. There was no natural protection in the province’s dog populations. Heightened screening was put in place at Ontario SPCA animal centres and a vaccination policy was implemented. The information was shared with Affiliates and municipalities, using shelterhealthpro.com as a source for information. In areas of the province where the virus had been reported, all dogs coming into Ontario SPCA animal centres were, and continue to be, vaccinated against H3N2. “Thissituationisanexampleofhowourhigherleveldiseaseprotection protocols work. We stay vigilant; we’re proactive,” says Dr. Magdalena Smrdelj, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Vigilance is so important and so valuable to protect our animal friends. After all, shelter medicine is about preventative care.” A vaccination program protects dogs from the H3N2 canine influenza. Got a Pet? Get a Vet!™ campaign celebrates veterinarians If you have a pet, get a vet! That’s the message the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is sharing with pet owners. Got a Pet? Get a Vet!™ was launched in 2015 by the Ontario SPCA, in association with the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and participating SPCAs and Humane Societies across Canada. Building a relationship with a veterinarian, and taking your pets for a checkup each year, can help protect against a variety of potentially life-threatening diseases, detect health problems sooner and help you avoid unexpected costs. Congratulations to the 2018 Got a Pet? Get a Vet! Award recipient, Dr. Renne Ferguson of the Mountain View Veterinary Hospital in Langley, BC. Nominated by the public, Dr. Ferguson received 1,700 votes! Animal wellness is a team effort, and your veterinarian plays a critical role in your pet’s well-being. For more information, or to find a vet in your area, visit gotapetgetavet.ca Ontario SPCA spay/neuter services celebrating 10th anniversary and close to 117,000 procedures With over 11,000 animals coming through the doors in 2018, and a 10-year anniversary on the horizon, there’s plenty to celebrate at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s spay/neuter services. In 2019, the Ontario SPCA’s spay/neuter locations will celebrate their 10th anniversary. On the eve of that anniversary, close to 117,000 animals will have been spayed or neutered. These high- volume, self-sustaining operations are open to the public, shelters and rescue groups, regardless of geography or income level. “Animals deserve a better life than wandering homeless on the street,” says Judith Aubin, Senior Manager, Spay/Neuter Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “We’re asking the community to help us end pet overpopulation by spaying and neutering their pets. Book an appointment with your veterinarian, register at the Ontario SPCA’s spay/neuter services or make a donation to help ensure animals in need, who come into our care, won’t be contributing to the issue of homeless pets.” For more information, visit ontariospca.ca/spayneuter Cuddling a warming sock, a cat recovers from surgery through the Ontario SPCA’s spay/neuter services. News Updates in Animal Welfare