In the wake of Dr Angela Baysinger’s recent passing, I was asked to serve as acting president of AASV. One of our members recently asked me about continued service as acting president. I was quick to respond, “Of course I would, and you would too!” One responsibility that continues as acting president is writing this JSHAP message to share with AASV members how the leadership of the association is addressing relevant topics. Fortunately, the other executive committee members, Drs Locke Karriker and Rebecca Robbins, have agreed to share in writing this message over the coming months. We welcome your input on topics you strongly feel we should address.
As we continue to celebrate the life and leadership of Dr Baysinger, we recognize her focus on and contributions to the welfare of the pig. She was serving as the chairperson of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Welfare Committee at the time of her passing. Dr Baysinger understood the needs of the pig and welcomed debate around education and operations of the livestock farmer. She also had a great sense of humor. She was easy to talk with and sincere in every conversation. We should continue to build on the momentum she created for a lifelong respect for the sanctity of life, both our own and the animals we care for.
Few have as much nervous optimism about animal care as a 10-year-old 4-H member getting ready for the fair. This time of year, we are particularly familiar with animal welfare as we watch young people and their families share hours and hours preparing their favorite show animals in the hopes of being recognized as the ideal representative for their breed. Most of these show animals seem to like the attention as well! However, not every minute of livestock shows is rainbows and butterflies. I personally remember nervous optimism leading to a few family arguments.
My hope in recognizing the show season as we talk welfare, is to rekindle the fires for good showmanship in many of our friends and families that started our interest in animal care in the first place. For those who have never raised a show animal, you can certainly appreciate the human-animal bond that is created, even when the result is high-quality bacon and pork chops. The farm staff we interact with also experience this bond every day. As the herd veterinarian, we need to encourage the appreciation of high-quality animal care. We need to call out the animals’ needs and address shortcomings quickly.
Veterinarians in the AASV are the ideal advocates for the welfare of the pig. We have the training to understand the biological and physical needs of the pig. We have the responsibility to regularly evaluate the facilities, medical products and procedures, and individual pig and population health for the clients we serve. It is up to us to educate caregivers, to think ahead of seasonal changes and risks, and even sharp corners or cold nights should catch our attention as we continue to advocate for the welfare of the pig.
Please keep animal welfare front and center, Dr Baysinger would have called for it. We should gladly accept that responsibility. We are excellent at animal observation and often hired for staff education. Let’s show the world how we can advocate for and improve the lives of the animals we care for.
William L Hollis, DVM
AASV President