Employees

Avian Pathologist, Animal Health Care

Employee Name:

Victoria Bowes

Title:

Avian Pathologist, Animal Health Care

Ministry:

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

Background:

Education: Ph.D of Veterinary Medicine (University of Guelph); Master of Science in Avian Pathology (University of Guelph)
Member of the BC Public Service Since: 1989

My Role

My role is to diagnose the cause of death or illness in all species of birds including poultry, pet birds and free-ranging wildlife. I also provide specialized expertise in avian health to both the private and public sector. It's pretty intense. We perform autopsies on birds and make final diagnoses. I may also be called on to be an expert or material witness in a court case where birds may be involved. I was also involved with the seizure of a bunch of fighting birds because they weren't being provided veterinary care. I travel a lot to speak as well, especially since the avian outbreak in 2004, which has been such a huge global issue.

Career Path:

From school, I went directly into an avian role, although I did work weekends at a small animal clinic. I knew avian was where I wanted to be and it was a springboard into diagnostic pathologists. When I first got into it, avian medicine wasn't a known entity; there wasn't even a text book. Now I am one of about only six in Canada. I don't think I'll ever not do it; it's so right and so exclusive. I'm doing exactly what I had always intended and don't anticipate changing directions now.

What I Like Best:

What I like is the constant intellectual challenge and the supportive, respectful work environment. Every day is different and brings new challenges and rewards. The workload is unpredictable — diseases are changing and new diseases are cropping up. It is nice to have a workplace that recognizes the importance of reading literature and staying knowledgeable. I enjoy knowing that my work benefits the individual client as well as the greater public good. As a veterinarian it is important to me that I can actively contribute to the health and well-being of livestock and other animals in our care. It helps that I have a great office with a view of Mt. Baker!

Ideas At Work:

The veterinary diagnostic services of BCMAL Animal Health Centre (AHC) directly support the productivity and profitability of individual livestock producers, which is a strong driver for the economic sustainability of agriculture in B.C. The AHC also serves an important sentinel role in the detection of new and emerging diseases, foreign animal diseases and diseases that can also affect humans. The avian outbreak in 2004 was life changing. We recognized how unprepared we were for a huge animal outbreak. The biggest deal has been the post-outbreak recovery initiative; those were strongly driven by me, working directly with industry. We are now so much more prepared for the next outbreak.

Advice:

My best advice is to stay focused. There is a heavy educational requirement for the work I do but in the end, it's been well worth the time and effort. And it doesn't stop there. Veterinary medicine is a lifelong commitment to learning that will bring with it endless opportunities and personal satisfaction. It is a personal, private commitment; it's not about the job. Be clear on your objectives, hunker down and be hungry for knowledge. Do it because you love it and are curious. There is such a variety in veterinary medicine, you have to taste all of them.