WSAVA announces new chair of Vaccination Guidelines Group
"I am grateful for the trust of the VGG and look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to further advance the mission of the WSAVA" - Dr Mary Marcondes
Dr Mary Marcondes has been announced as the new chair of The World Small Animal Veterinary Association's (WSAVA’s) Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG). She succeeds Dr Richard Squires, who is remaining a member of the VGG.
Dr Marcondes is a Brazilian veterinarian who qualified at the University of São Paulo, and subsequently completed a residency there in small animal internal medicine and surgery. She holds an MSc and PhD in clinical veterinary science, and has held postdoctoral positions in infectious diseases at the University of São Paulo Medical School, and the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California.
She went on to spend 26 years working for São Paulo State University (UNESP) before retiring as an associate professor of small animal internal medicine and infectious diseases.
The VGG is a team of experts from around the world who are focused on providing evidence-based scientific advice to the global veterinary profession on optimum practice for dogs and cats.
The latest version of peer-reviewed WSAVA Global Guidelines on Vaccination for veterinarians is due to be released during the WSAVA World Congress 2023 which is being held in Lisbon, Portugal this September.
Dr Ellen van Nierop, WSAVA president, said: “VGG Guidelines are transforming vaccination practice around the world and we are grateful for the huge contribution that Dr Marcondes has already made to the VGG. We are delighted to welcome her to the new role of VGG Chair and look forward to working with her and the rest of the team as it starts this new chapter.”
Dr Marcondes said: “I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to continue the important work initiated by Professor Michael Day and Dr Richard Squires. It is a privilege to carry forward their vision. This position carries immense importance as it allows me to contribute to the wellbeing of small companion animals on a global scale. I am grateful for the trust of the VGG and look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to further advance the mission of the WSAVA to advance the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide through an educated, committed and collaborative global community of veterinary peers.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
