Update on PVM Measures Related to COVID-19

Thursday, March 26, 2020

microscopic image of coronavirus — Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine continues to fulfill its missions of serving animal owners, protecting public health and food safety, preparing the next generation of veterinary medical professionals and conducting veterinary and comparative medical research, while taking extra measures and precautions to protect our faculty, staff, students and clients in the midst of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In keeping with government directives as well as changes announced by the Purdue University administration, the College and its Veterinary Hospital and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory have implemented a number of changes to ensure the safety and health of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine family and the people and animals we serve while remaining open.

Among the many steps taken so far by our faculty and staff:

The College arranged for online delivery of preclinical courses beginning March 23, and is transitioning clinical teaching in the Veterinary Hospital and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory into online and remote formats beginning on Monday, March 30. Clinical rotations will be offered online so that our students can meet their graduation requirements on time.
The College remains open and the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory continue operating in order to serve the needs of animal owners and the veterinary medical profession, with a number of new measures and enhanced precautions. The Veterinary Hospital has implemented new patient intake procedures and will limit caseload to urgent and emergency cases beginning on Monday, March 30. “The overarching focus is on the health and safety of our veterinary medical teams, our clients, and our patients,” said the hospital director, Dr. Ellen Lowery. The ADDL also has adjusted its processes for receiving samples while continuing to provide full diagnostic services.
The College has canceled the PVM Open House, PVM Research Day, the Veterinary Nursing Symposium and the Graduation Gala. Tours of the College also have been suspended. In addition, alternative arrangements are being made to conduct the annual White Coat Ceremony for third year DVM students and the Oath Ceremony for fourth-year DVM and Veterinary Nursing students in an online format.
As much as possible, College employees are now teleworking. Offices remain open but may be staffed remotely. In keeping with changes being implemented by the University, Lynn Hall is closed to the public as of Wednesday, March 25. Though the Veterinary Hospital and ADDL will continue to operate, clients will be met at their vehicles instead of coming into the building (see COVID-19 updates for the Veterinary Hospital and ADDL).

“These are especially challenging times for everyone, including all members of our Purdue Veterinary Medicine family, and we deeply appreciates everyone’s cooperation and understanding during this evolving situation,” said Dean Willie Reed.

The College is providing a COVID-19 resource page with helpful links involving different areas and programs of our college. The resource page will be updated whenever there are additional changes. For the most recent information and guidance for the Purdue University campus, follow the University’s COVID-19 website, which is being updated frequently. Additional COVID-19 resources also are available on the Indiana Board of Animal Health website.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu