A voice farmers will respect

The COVID pandemic has affected us all and we need to consider the impact on our clients. Would the COVID pandemic be better managed if vets were in charge? Many of the mistakes made are very basic and if population veterinarians had been consulted a different outcome could have been assured (pp6–7). But, is it good riddance to 2020? Maybe not! 2020 has taught us to appreciate each other more and be more supportive on a practice, local, national and ultimately global level. We are all in this together and this may bring us closer, caring for the whole planet. It is not the first ‘plague’ and it is our generation's attempts to resolve the situation that will be remembered in the future.

Living in paradise, in Australia, the article in this issue (pp26–29) on last year's devastating fire season and its impact on the wildlife, farming, clients, friends and the veterinary profession provides lessons we all need to comprehend. Being prepared for disaster scenarios is a subject most of us will not have taken into consideration in our professional lives. That is until last January, when SARS-CoV-2 raised itself into a pandemic. It is great to note that everywhere in the world, farmers and production animal veterinarians have been recognised as essential personnel!