New AVMA president sees more proactive Association News / Information Releases from other Sources Posted by JimEdwards on Aug 23, 2008 - 09:23 AM Cook supports easier identification of pets, food animals Source: [1]"We are trying to be more proactive and less reactive to the true needs of animals." The AVMA is becoming more proactive about addressing veterinary and animal needs, according to Dr. James O. Cook, the 2008-2009 AVMA president. Alleviating shortages of veterinarians in rural communities and showing that the AVMA is the go-to organization on animal welfare issues are among the areas in which the Association is making progress, he said. In the animal welfare arena, for instance, "our identity as the go-to organization, unfortunately, is far from preeminent," Dr. Cook added. "Changes at the AVMA are hopefully making us more able to address these problems," Dr. Cook said. "We are trying to be more proactive and less reactive to the true needs of animals." When welfare matters arise, the AVMA must respond quickly with compassionate and scientifically based information, Dr. Cook explained. A camera-ready studio at AVMA headquarters would make it easier for the news media to cite the Association when reporting such stories, he said. Dr. Cook would like to see the AVMA address the issue of making food animals and pets easier to identify. Read more [2] ... This article is from World Veterinary Association   http://worldvet.org/ The URL for this story is:   http://worldvet.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4402 Links in this article   [1] http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/sep08/080901i.asp   [2] http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/sep08/080901i.asp