Update from the Director

View from the Directors office December 2022

The view from the Director's office

Sometimes, it seems as if we are living in a modern version of the movie Groundhog Day.  As the holiday season approaches again this year, there more warnings of respiratory illness outbreaks – influenza and RSV reappearing after a hiatus during COVID – more vulnerable people filling the hospital emergency rooms, and more concerns about how best to prevent the spread of infections while attempting to keep children in school, people at work, and maintaining holiday traditions and in-person celebrations.  How we exit this reiterating scenario is anyone’s guess, but humans are infinitely resourceful, and we’ll probably figure it out somehow.

This issue’s ‘staff highlights’ section shines the spotlight on Dr. Jim Fairles, our Client Services Veterinarian who is the 2022 Carl Block award recipient.  This prestigious award is presented by Animal Health Canada to individuals who have contributed significantly to the advancement of animal health and welfare programs and initiatives throughout Canada.  Jim has dedicated his professional career to these principles: first as a practicing food animal veterinarian; subsequently during his Client Services position here at the AHL; and finally, as a member of the many agriculture boards and veterinary organizations on which he serves.  Congratulations Jim!

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the formation of Laboratory Services Division at the University of Guelph.  It was 25 years ago that the Animal Health Laboratory and the Agriculture and Food Laboratory were devolved from the Ontario Government to the University of Guelph.  Our motto for this year’s celebration – suggested by several staff members – is “proudly serving”.  And indeed, we all are proud of the service that we continue to provide in support of animal health and welfare, food safety and environmental stewardship in this province.

From all of us at AHL, we send our very best wishes to you and your families for continued health and safety, and our hope that you have some time off to connect and relax during the holiday season.

Maria Spinato, Director

Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON.