Brazilian veterinarian Professor Mary Marcondes is the new Chair of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (WSAVA’s) Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG), a team of experts from around the world, focused on providing evidence-based scientific advice to the global veterinary profession on optimum vaccination practice for dogs and cats. She takes over the role from Dr Richard Squires. Dr Squires, who is based in Australia, remains a member of the VGG, which also includes Dr Cynda Crawford (US) and Dr Nathaniel Whitley (UK).

Mary Marcondes qualified as a veterinarian at the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil, later completing a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Surgery there. She holds a MSc in Clinical Veterinary Science from São Paulo State University (UNESP) and a PhD in Clinical Veterinary Science from USP. She held postdoctoral positions in Infectious Diseases at the Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, and at Dr Janet Foley’s Laboratory in Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. She then worked at UNESP for 26 years until she retired as an Associate Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.

The VGG has produced three editions of peer-reviewed WSAVA Global Guidelines on Vaccination for veterinarians with the latest version set to be unveiled during WSAVA World Congress 2023, which takes place in Lisbon, Portugal, in September. It has also produced two editions of WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines for pet owners and breeders and sets of Regional Guidelines for Veterinarians in Asia and Latin America.

Commenting on Dr Marcondes’ appointment as VGG Chair, Dr Ellen van Nierop, WSAVA President, said: “VGG Guidelines are transforming vaccination practice around the world and we are grateful for the huge contribution that Dr Marcondes has already made to the VGG. We are delighted to welcome her to the new role of VGG Chair and look forward to working with her and the rest of the team as it starts this new chapter.”

Dr Marcondes said: “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to continue the important work initiated by Professor Michael Day and Dr Richard Squires. It is a privilege to carry forward their vision. This position carries immense importance as it allows me to contribute to the wellbeing of small companion animals on a global scale. I am grateful for the trust of the VGG and look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to further advance the mission of the WSAVA to advance the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide through an educated, committed and collaborative global community of veterinary peers.”

MSD Animal Health has been the long-term partner of the VGG since its inception in 2006 and is a Diamond Partner of the WSAVA.

The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 115 member associations and works to enhance standards of clinical care for companion animals. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, nutrition and vaccination, together with lobbying on issues affecting companion animal care worldwide.

Fonte:  WSAVA
https://wsava.org/