AUSTRALIAN ANIMAL PATHOLOGY STANDARDS PROGRAM (AAPSP)
For 2011 AAPSP & C.L. Davis Foundation Roadshow information please click here: 2011 AAPSP Roadshow
The Australian Animal Pathology Standards Program (AAPSP) is an initiative of the Australian Society for Animal Pathology (ASVP) in partnership with Animal Health Australia (AHA) and the Sub-Committee on Animal Health Laboratory Standards (SCAHLS). It aims to promote and maintain standards in veterinary pathology in Australia. All veterinary pathologists in Australia are invited to become members.
FUNDING
It is an ongoing program funded for 5 years beginning in 2004. Currently the budget of approximately $140 000 per year is provided by the Australian and State & Territory Governments. From January 2006 private and university pathologists pay a membership fee to access services.
PROGRAMS
Continuing Education:
- A pilot CD of continuing education and proficiency testing exercises has been developed by Dr Roger Kelly and circulated for evaluation to members. Guidelines for the preparation of continuing education material are now available.
- A number of pathologists have been contracted to produce continuing education material on a range of veterinary pathology topics.
- NSW Department of Primary Industries has been appointed to host the National Registry of Domestic Animal Pathology. The slide collection is being renovated and epresentative examples from the collection will be digitised and made available on-line.
- Formal affiliation with the CL Davis Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation which promotes continuing education in veterinary pathology – has been established. The Foundation co-funds the annual workshops series as well as the 1-day workshops at the annual ASVP meetings.
Proficiency Testing
Queensland Department of Primary Industries has been contracted for 2007 to provide a quarterly proficiency-testing scheme in veterinary pathology and histotechnology. Dr Jim Taylor is the coordinator. Two cases per quarter are circulated for reporting and assessment. Cases and model answers are placed on the AAPSP website after assessment is concluded.
The Management Committee has prepared a set of guidelines for people who participate in the proficiency testing program at both the assessment and candidate levels.
Second Opinion Scheme
A panel of volunteers has been established to offer a second opinion service for difficult or unusual cases. The aim is to maintain and promote standards in veterinary diagnosis in Australia during a period of atrophy and fragmentation of pathology laboratories.
Training of Pathologists
A range of initiatives to promote recruitment and training of pathologists is being examined.
Library
Veterinary Pathology Reports and annual ASVP conference proceedings from 1981 to 2008 are available on the AAPSP web site.
Initiatives
AAPSP welcomes suggestions for additional services and activities to support veterinary pathology in Australia.
Availability of Services
These services are placed on the Animal Health Australia AAPSP website as they become available. Access to this site is provided to staff of participating organisations. http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/programs/ahsp/aapsp.cfm
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Dr Karin Ahrling AHA (Chair)
Prof. Paul Canfield (Veterinary Deans’ Committee)
Dr Barry Richards (SCAHLS)
Dr Tony Ross ASVP (Scientific Coordinator)
Dr Les Gabor (Host Institution NRDAP)
Further Information
Tony Ross Scientific Coordinator
Ph 03 9358 6773
Mob 0424 750908
tony.rossvetpath@hotmail.com
kahrling@animalhealthaustralia.com.au
Les.Gabor@dpi.nsw.gov.au
brichards@agric.wa.gov.au
p.canfield@vetp.usyd.edu.au