NEW ITEMS - October 23, 2021 Update: Please scroll down.
1) One Health Day Conference 2021
2) CbVMA Conference 2021
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| Click above to go to the One Health Day Conference Page |
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FOR THE CbVMA CONFERENCE 2021 SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME
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JAMAICA ON ALERT AS AFRICAN SWINE FEVER STRIKES THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
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July 2021
The Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, the veterinary community and the pig industry are on heightened alert as the highly contagious and dangerous disease African Swine Fever has broken out in the neighbouring Dominican Republic.
PLEASE NOTE: African Swine Fever has NOT been found in Jamaica or other Caribbean countries at this time. It is an OIE-reportable emergency disease with potentially devastating effects in pigs, and by extension, affecting food security and causing economic disruption. The virus does NOT infect humans.
Various stakeholder personnel and organizations, including veterinarians, livestock industry players, Customs, the Police and Military, Jamaica Post, NEPA and public health personnel, have been brought to increased vigilance.
For a recent news item covering information from the VSD, click HERE.
For the OIE’s latest information on ASFV please CLICK HERE.
ALL SUSPICIONS OF AN UNUSUAL ANIMAL DISEASE OF ANY TYPE SHOULD BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE VETERINARY SERVICES DIVISION 876-977-2492, 876-977-2489, 876-927-0595 email: vsd@moa.gov.jm
HELP KEEP JAMAICA EMERGENCY DISEASE FREE! DO NOT IMPORT ANIMALS OR ANIMAL PRODUCTS WITHOUT A VALID VSD PERMIT!
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| Delegates at an African Swine Fever Seminar |
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For a detailed look at African Swine Fever, presented by Prof. Chris Oura of the UWI School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Augustine, Trinidad, please Click HERE
Note: Prof. Oura is one of the world's premier experts on ASFV. We are fortunate to have him in our region.
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2021 NATIONAL AWARDS: ORDER OF DISTINCTION, OFFICER CLASS FOR DR. GRACE McDONNOUGH LYON
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WORLD VETERINARY DAY 2021
"Veterinarian Response during the COVID-19 Pandemic"
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| ASSOCIATED EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
SATURDAY APRIL 24, 2021 WORLD VETERINARY DAY:
World Veterinary Day at Caymanas Park!
- All races run in honour of Veterinarians who work with horses at the track. For the Race Card listings Click HERE.
- RACE 8: 1:30 PM : 2021 Jamaica Racing Commission World Veterinary Day Trophy Race
- 4 long-serving Equine Veterinarians to be honoured: Drs. Clifford Bradford, Aston Marsh, Patrick Graham, St. Aubyn Bartlett.
TUESDAY APRIL 27, 2021
World Veterinary Day Feature in the Tuesday Gleaner - messages and articles on veterinarians and other related aspects of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Please visit our Social Media Pages by clicking on the links at the top of this page.
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REGIONAL RESPONSE TO THE ERUPTION OF LA SOUFRIERE VOLCANO IN ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
CARING FOR ANIMALS
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On Tuesday April 6, 2021, Dr. Coleen Phillips, Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA) Councillor for St. Vincent & the Grenadines posted in the CVA's Whatsapp group that the La Soufriere volcano in the north of the island of St. Vincent was preparing to erupt. Preparations for and explosive eruption, the likes of which had not been seen for over 40 years, were underway and although the safety of human beings was paramount, someone had to look out for the animals.
As news spread, virtual hands reached out from around the region. Feed for animals of all types, water, medication, shelter, storage containers were urgently needed.Support from World Animal Protection was sought and online meetings were held. Preparatory advice was given, outreach was made to various organizations for funding and logistical support. The region mobilized. St. Vincent prepared.
The threat level was raised to red on Thursday April 8 and evacuation of the "red zone" in the north of the island was ordered.
Then it happened. On the morning of Friday Aprl 9, La Soufriere exploded. A massive column of flaming ash and smoke billowed skyward into the atmosphere. Ash rained down from the sky, blanketing the island under inches. Upper level winds carried in mainly westward towards Barbados which soon found itself also being blanketed by falling ash. Day turned to night....
In the ensuing days, repeated explosive events followed. St. Vincent's veterinarians and their support staff braved the dangers to go out to help animals in need - whether they had been moved to safer locations or had been left in the red zone. Many had died. Others were covered in ash, without food or water. Those that could be helped were helped, but much more was needed.
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| Truck being loaded with supplies for animals in St. Vincent at the JSPCA on Tuesday April 13, 2021. |
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| Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Osbil Watson helping with the loading process. |
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| Minsister of Agriculture & Fisheries Hon. Floyd Green (centre) converses with Dr. Osbil Watson (left) and Mrs. Pamela Lawson (right), Managing Director of the JSPCA. |
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From Guyana in the south to Belize in the west to the Bahamas in the north and so many islands and countries in between, veterinarians and animal welfare personnel, government agencies, universities came together to mobilize and send assistance. Hay, molasses, grain, pet food, water, storage containers, medication of various types were on the way.
In Jamaica, the JSPCA spearheaded the collection of supplies, the JVMA and the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries joined in and together, with help from ODPEM, they were able to get a truck-load shipped to St. Vincent aboard a Royal Bahamas Defence Force ship that had berthed in Jamaica briefly.
The JVMA wishes to thank everyone who has contributed cash or kind to this effort so far. More will be needed over time.
In times of need, we must be there for each other. Animal health and welfare is crucial to human health and welfare. In the name of the past project, it is indeed One Health, One Caribbean, One Love.
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DR. SIMONE JOHNALLY IS THE JVMA'S VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR 2020
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| 2020's Vet Of The Year Dr. Simone Johnally |
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At the December 2020 General Meeting of the JVMA, Dr. Simone Johnally was named as the Association's Veterinarian of the Year 2020. The meeting was held virtually via GoToMeeting on December 20.
Dr. Johnally was selected by membership vote in an online poll conducted prior to the meeting. Her Citation was read by Nominations & Membership Committee chair Dr. Denise Cole, and was graciously accepted by the deserving recipient.
The meeting included a presentation by Dr. Robert Thomas on "Some Perspectives on Preserving our Physical and Mental Wellness" and a second on "Fever of Unkown Origin" by US-based Mella Pet Care. Both were very well received.
To read the Citation for Dr. Johnally, please click HERE.
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FIRST FEMALE CHAIRMAN OF THE JAMAICA VETERINARY BOARD APPOINTED
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Dr. Clover Mattocks is the new Chairperson of the Jamaica Veterinary Board - the first woman to hold that post. The appointment was made by Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries the Hon. Floyd Green. Three other Board Members were appointed from a field of nominees presented to the Minister by the JVMA - Drs. Michael Motta, Julie Anne Small (JVMA President) and Trudi Stewart-Gaynor. The fifth seat on the Board goes to Dr. Osbil Watson, Director of Veterinary Services or his representative, under the provisions of the Veterinary Act.
The Board held its first meeting on January 29, 2021 at which four 2020 veterinary graduates completed their formal registration to practice veterinary medicine in Jamaica, having passed the National Examination for the Registration of Veterinarians last year. These were Drs. Steffony Green, Lydia Hutchinson, Szarianne Khan and Kyler Vernon, all graduates of the University of the West Indies School of Veterinary Medicine (UWI-SVM), St. Augustine, Trinidad.
They brought the total veterinary graduates registering in Jamaica for 2020 to nine, five others having been registered in August 2020. These were Drs. Brandon Clarke, Jhanelle Dennis, Gavin Hall and Briana Schwapp, (all UWI-SVM) and Dr. Sarah Thompson, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
The JVMA congatulates all Board Members and new registrants!
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| Dr. Clover Mattocks - the first female Chairperson of the Jamaica Veterinary Board |
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| JVB members and newly registered veterinarians, January 2021: L-R Drs. Michael Motta (JVB member), Szarianne Khan, Steffony Green (registrants), Julie-anne Small (JVB member), Kyler Vernon, Lydia Hutchinson (registrants), Clover Mattocks (JVB chairperson).) ) |
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NEED TO CONSULT A VET? FIND A VET NEAR YOU! Click HERE.
For the Jamaica Veterinary Board's List of Registered Vets Click HERE.
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VETS CONTINUE TO WORK FOR THE HEALTH OF OUR ANIMALS AND PEOPLE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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COVID-19 & DOMESTIC ANIMALS & PETS
Are there concerns?
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The world is now caught in the grip of a new and spreading human disease caused by a Coronavirus that is now called SARS CoV2, short for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 to distinguish it from another virus that caused the SARS outbreak in 2003 (SARS CoV1). The disease it causes is designated COVID-19 short for Coronavirus Disease 2019.
This new virus is believed to have originated in bats and may have been transmitted to humans via contact with another wildlife species such as the pangolin. The association with snakes has been discounted as coronaviruses are only known to infect mammals and birds.
There are many types of Coronaviruses, so called because their outer coat has spikes on it that, when viewed microscopically, give them a crown-like appearance (“Corona” is Latin for crown). Several cause diseases of concern in domestic animals, but these in particular do not infect humans. There are four human Coronaviruses that cause the common cold, and now three that can cause serious, even fatal lung disease – SARS CoV1, MERS CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and now SARS CoV2.
Persons may be concerned about SARS CoV2 and any effect it may have on our domestic animals. While there is still more to learn about this virus, thus far transmission of the virus to pets and other domestic animals remains rare. With an evolving situation, we nevertheless must be cautious.
There have been a few cases in Hong Kong, in Belgium and most recently, in New York in which dogs and/or cats have tested positive for the virus. Some cats, including a tiger, have had signs of illness, while others have not. All have recovered. No dog has thus far shown any illness from SARSCoV2 and they do not appear to shed live virus. ALL the animals were exposed to a human suffering from COVID-19, the infection caused by SARS CoV2. There has never been even a suspected case of a human contracting the disease from a pet.
IDEXX Laboratories, a major US-based veterinary diagnostics company, which has developed a test for SARS CoV2 in animals, tested over 4,000 pets from 17 countries during its test validation process without finding any positives.
At this time virologists believe that positive results are due to human to animal transmission (also known as anthroponotic transmission) but it appears extremely unlikely that the affected animals can re-transmit the virus to humans (zoonotic transmission).
| We encourage owners to do the following:
- REMEMBER, that during times of "physical distancing" and staying at home which can lead to social isolation, our pets are great companions and can help ease the stress of the current situation.
- If you are ill with symptoms that could be COVID-19 related, you should consider staying away from your pets, in particular cats to avoid anthroponotic transmission.
- Get someone else to care for your feline pet if possible. They should practice good hygiene when doing so.
- If that is not possible, wear a mask or face covering and wash/sanitize your hands thouroughly before and after handling your pet.
- Regularly sanitize your pet's food and water bowls and keep its environment clean.
- If you have COVID-19 and your cat shows any sign of illness, contact your veterinarian by telephone or other messaging method for advice.
- All animal owners are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices such as hand washing before and after interacting with animals or things they come in contact with.
Dogs do develop acute-onset respiratory diseases that cause coughing, collectively called “Kennel Cough”. These can be caused by a bacterial infection (Bordetella bronchiseptica) and a number of viruses such as Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Adenovirus, Canine Distemper Virus and Canine Influenza Virus (the last has not been identified in Jamaica), none of which pose a threat to humans.
Cats may get viral respiratory infections such as Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus, neither of which infect humans.
Should a dog or cat develop a cough or other respiratory signs, veterinary consultation is advised so the needed treatment can be given/prescribed. The same applies to other types of animals.
Everyone is advised to seek accurate information on COVID-19 from reliable sources.
For on COVID-19 from the World Health Organization please click HERE .
For information from our local Ministry of Health & Wellness, please click HERE.
For information from the World Organization for Animal Health, please click HERE .
UPDATED: April 24, 2020
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JVMA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2020-21
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by Dr. Simone Johnally
On June 28th 2020, the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Associaton (JVMA) met for its Annual General Meetng. Amongst relevant matters discussed, a new Executive body was elected. Dr. Julie-Anne Small was elected President, replacing Dr. Nigel Elliott after the completon of three successful terms. We are pleased to announce the complete list of officers and committee chairpersons and liaison councillors as follows:
Persons serving on the Executive for the first time are noted.
- President: Dr. Julie-Anne Small
- Vice-President: Dr. Judian Maye
- Assistant Secretary- Dr. Roxann Hayles
- Treasurer: Dr. Kevin Walker
- Immediate Past President: Dr. Nigel Elliot
Committee Chairpersons:
- Public Relations: Dr. Simone Johnally
- Nominatons & Membership: Dr. Denise Cole-Avril
- Rights & Welfare: Dr. Kashena McCarthy (new)
- Discipline & Ethics: Dr. John Josephs
- Educaton & Research: Dr. Jason Wright (new)
- Judicial & Parliamentary: Dr. Lenworth McCalla
Liaison Councillors:
- Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association Councillor: Dr. Gabrielle Beckford
- Commonwealth Veterinary Association Councillor: Dr. Paul Cadogan
We thank the outgoing Executive for an excellent year and welcome the new Executive for a year committed to continued growth of the profession, optimum veterinary care and the promotion of One Health.
Please click HERE for more details of the Executive
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PRESENTATION ON THE COCKPIT COUNTRY - JAMAICA'S AMAZON
DR. SUSAN KOENIG D.F.E.S.
(Honourary Member of the JVMA)
Click link below to view)
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| ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SPONSOR
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LOGO TO THE LEFT TO VISIT
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM
ANIMAL HEALTH
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| JVMA GENERAL MEETING SPONSOR - Click to visit the PFI website. |
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| Dr. Roberta Harris-Daley - JVMA Assistant Secretary |
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| The Need for Sustained Veterinary Education.
Dr. Roberta Harris-Daley
Currently, there are approximately 87 veterinarians practicing in Jamaica, with the majority being employed in government regulatory work or private clinical practice (involving preventative medicine and the diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses in pets, food-producing animals and horses).
This figure represents a veterinarian: human population ratio of 1:30, 000 which is grossly inadequate, especially when compared to other neighbouring North American and Caribbean countries with ratios between 1 per 2000 and per 10, 000.
The inadequacy is blatantly seen in the lack of clinical veterinary services in many rural parishes, where farmers and pet owners are left without veterinary care for their animals, and has also led to the proliferation of illegal practitioners which poses a threat, not just to animal welfare, but also to food safety and human health.
READ MORE
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| Jamaica opens the door to Pet Travel |
| Kingston, October 2017
After many years of waiting, persons who wish to bring dogs and cats into Jamaica from countries other than the United Kingdom and Ireland will be able to do so, provided they meet the conditions for pet travel as set out in the revised Regulations that have been promulgated by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries as announced by Minister the Hon. Karl Samuda in September.
The lobbying process to bring about these changes officially began in February 2004 when the (then) Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners Association of Jamaica (SAVPAJ) convened a Veterinary Colloquium on the Movement of Companion Animals. Local and international speakers discussed the advancements that had been made in the control of major diseases of these animals, most notably rabies, and the changes that had resulted in the laws, regulations and policies of other rabies free countries such as the UK, the Cayman Islands and Barbados, with the introduction of “Pet Travel Schemes.”
Based on those findings, and against the backdrop of the dangerous apparent smuggling of dogs from unknown sources into Jamaica, the JVMA issued a position document in 2005, calling for the introduction of similar changes in Jamaica. The objective was to ensure the safe movement of these pets, through microchip identification, rabies vaccination and protective titre checks, relevant parasite treatments and health certification for freedom for any other diseases of concern. This also included the necessary policy changes regarding the importation of rabies vaccines, so they could be available for pets being exported as required by many countries, as well as for humans who work on the “front line” with at-risk domestic and wild animals.
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In 2008, then Agriculture Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton formed a committee to explore the issue of the movement of companion animals as well as the stray and dangerous dog situations. The Committee was comprised of veterinarians from the JVMA, the Veterinary Services Division and the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) as well as the President of the Jamaica Kennel Club. In its report, the committee called for the laws and regulations to be changed in line with the Association’s position, as well as strengthening of legislation covering the keeping of dogs, among other things.
In 2012, under Agriculture Minister the late Roger Clarke, new regulations were passed which set out a specific process for the importation of dogs certified as “service” animals and greatly expanded the list of countries from which dogs could be imported. Unfortunately, “non-service” dogs from same places were not allowed. This, therefore, did little to change the overall status quo, and resulted in continued distress for many pet owners, both locally an overseas.
Over time, other entities and individuals joined the lobbying cause – including returning residents, tourist industry stakeholders, diplomats, dog breeders, researchers and more – pushing for change to bring the country’s companion animal policies in line with 21st century medical science and technology. Change has finally come.
The new regulations come with a number of requirements for treatment, testing and certification for the animals being brought into the island. These, along with the list of countries can be viewed here.
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Antimicrobial Resistance
FOR INFORMATION ON ANTIBIOTICS
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ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PLEASE VISIT OUR
WORLD VETERINARY DAY 2017 PAGE
IN THE DROP DOWN MENU ABOVE
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Animal Health Matters is a new online resource that aims to educate and build greater awareness of the most pressing issues in animal and human health, including zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, global food security and the future role and health of companion animals. Factors such as the impact of global conflicts, trade, how healthier animals mean healthier families and the ongoing focus on zoonotic disease are all debated within the new, attractive and interactive online resource.
Animal Health Matters was produced by the HealthforAnimals, the global animal medicines association, and the World Veterinary Association, the global voice of the veterinary profession to recognize that the health of our pets, farm animals and wide range of wildlife, is inextricably tied up with the health and wellbeing of human beings all over the world.
Animal Health Matters also looks to the longer term with items such as ‘Five trends for the next five years’, which assess the impact of new and emerging factors influencing animal health. These ‘Five trends’ include factors such as better surveillance systems for disease threat identification, how portable technologies are helping to fill the void in information about the movement and emergence of livestock disease, and how the role of new technologies, such as satellite data and smart ear tagging, are helping developed and developing nation farmers detect disease sooner.
To learn more about why animal health matters, or to sign up to the new monthly newsletter, visit www.animalhealthmatters.org .
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VETERINARY POETRY
A tribute to the JAMAICA HOPE breed of cattle
THE LIFE OF A JAMAICA HOPE COW
by Dr. Olivia Scott
Click on the image to the right to read Dr. Scott's poem
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| POSITION PAPER ON ANIMAL WELFARE - CLICK ON LOGO ABOVE |
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| WEEKLY DISEASE REPORT. Please click on the logo above to check on important infectious diseases occurring around the world |
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| POSITION PAPER ON ONE HEALTH - CLICK ON LOGO ABOVE |
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TRIBUTE TO A DOG
The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.
A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near to his master's side.
He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world . He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he was a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains.
When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey thru the heavens.
GEORGE VEST, 1870
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Writer's Credit: Unless otherwise stated, all articles on this page are written by Dr. Paul Cadogan.
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| For Archived News, go to on the News Archive drop-down menu at the top of this page. |
We want this web site to be one that will make all Jamaican veterinarians proud. It's still a work in progress. If you have any advice or you want to assist us in any way please email the Secretary of the Association. Click here to send us your advice and/or comments.
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