NATIONAL VETERINARY TECHNICIAN WEEK PROCLAIMED

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman today proclaimed the week of October 15th-21st as National Veterinary Technician Week in Saskatchewan.

"Veterinary technicians and technologists play an important role in Saskatchewan's agriculture and food industry," Wartman said. "The dedication of veterinary technologists to the health and welfare of Saskatchewan's livestock contributes to the overall success of the provincial livestock industry. We recognize Saskatchewan's veterinary technologists for the expertise and support they provide to the industry."

Veterinary technologists work for various organizations, including veterinary clinics, university laboratories, hog barns, zoos and pet food and pharmaceutical companies. Veterinary technologists are responsible for blood tests, diagnostic radiographs, anaesthesia and daily care of animals among other duties.

National Veterinary Technician Week is observed across Canada and the United States. In Saskatchewan, the week is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT), which was organized in 1984 to serve and support veterinary technologists in the province.

"The association works to improve animal health and welfare, and to promote our profession by emphasizing high standards of education for veterinary technologists," SAVT President-Elect Deneille Tocher said.

"Saskatchewan veterinary technologists trained at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) are in high demand and there are many employment opportunities for them," says the head of the SIAST's Kelsey Campus Biotechnology and Veterinary Technology Programs head Dr. Joanne Post said. "SIAST is proud to be the provider of training for technologists in the animal health and veterinary fields for the past 30 years."

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031	Deneille Tocher SAVT Humboldt Phone: (306) 682-2877
Dr. Joanne Post SIAST Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-6454