In times of crisis, the advice offered by Fred Rogers often comes to mind: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers.’ You will always find people who are helping.” The advice was meant to help children process scary situations and see that there is light to be found even within the darkest moments. As an adult, the advice serves as a reminder to find the strength within ourselves to rise and meet the challenge when help is needed.
In the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and disruption of US pork processing, many helpers emerged to aid producers in their time of need. In addition to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of their own staff, veterinarians have assisted producers in developing and implementing alternative strategies aimed to optimize the health, safety, and welfare of the animals and their caretakers within the pandemic constraints. And when all strategies were exhausted, veterinarians helped producers make the devastating decision to depopulate animals that no longer had a marketplace.
The American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals serves as the primary reference for planning once the decision to depopulate has been made. The swine section was written by the AVMA Panel on Depopulation Swine Working Group, which was composed of AASV member volunteers, and classifies each method as either Preferred or Permitted Under Constrained Circumstances based on the available scientific literature at the time. When deciding which method to use, the veterinarian must consider a host of factors including but not limited to human safety, animal welfare, available resources, time constraints, disposal limitations, and public perception. To aid veterinarians in weighing these factors during depopulation planning, the AASV published supplemental recommendations to provide additional details on resources and logistics.
The need for help does not end once the depopulation and disposal are complete. It is likely the impacts of COVID-19 will be long-lasting and felt throughout the swine industry resulting in adaptation in how we operate, although it remains to be seen exactly how. Winston Churchill’s advice to “never waste a good crisis” might seem strange, but the true meaning applies now. Be strong and resilient, get through a crisis to the best of our ability, and be sure to learn from it. It is important that we reflect on our experiences during this emergency to improve our resources, build new tools, learn to adapt, and be better prepared for the next emergency, whatever that may be. The AASV will continue to provide opportunities for members to share their experiences and explore how to turn those lessons learned into resources that improve our industry preparedness and response.
In addition to protecting public health and swine health and welfare, swine veterinarians are often tasked with providing emotional support for their clients, colleagues, friends, and family members during and after emergency events. Infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and other emergencies can cause stress, anxiety, fear, and other strong emotions. Amidst this turmoil, it is crucial to remember that sometimes the helpers need help too. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress (see sidebar), strengthen your resilience, and know where to get help.
The AASV continues to provide members with resources to assess and improve well-being, which is the overall state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy and encompasses nine dimensions: intellectual, emotional, creative, environmental, physical, occupational, social, financial, and spiritual. Social well-being can be improved by surrounding yourself with a network of support built on mutual trust, respect, and compassion. To support the social dimension of well-being, the AASV is offering HEARD VET, a confidential, virtual, peer social support group for AASV members to share or listen to experiences unique to swine veterinarians. The virtual support group sessions provide a venue for AASV members to connect with peers to discuss events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic or other emergency responses. Trained swine veterinarian peer mentors join University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine’s Dr Elizabeth Strand, a licensed clinical social worker, resiliency coach, and Founding Director of Veterinary Social Work, to moderate the group discussion.
In the midst of a crisis or during a regular day, the best social support can be found in a place where you feel accepted, understood, and respected for who you are. Learn from and lean on each other. Talk. Smile. Laugh. Take a break. Make time to unwind. Enjoy life outside of work.
“Know when to relax, how not to overdo. To care for others, we must care for us, too.” While not directly from Dr Seuss, but certainly Seuss-inspired, it is important to remember that the most effective helpers must care for themselves too.
Abbey Canon, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
Director of Public Health and Communications
Sherrie Webb, MSc
Director of Swine Welfare