Minutes of the General Assembly Meeting WAHVM Thursday 16th August 2001, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway 1. The President, Dr. P.A. Koolmees, opened the meeting at 16.25 hours with a warm welcome to the members present. He reported that 82 participants and 36 accompanying persons from 23 countries had travelled to Oslo to attend the 32nd International Congress and considered this a success for both the organizing country and the WAHVM. The President extended a special welcome to the representatives of Iceland who attend our congress for the first time. 2. The agenda for the meeting was adopted. - It was decided that non-members of the Association present could attend and participate in the meeting. - Apologies for absence have been received from our Honorary President Prof. Dr. Dr. habil. E.-H. Lochmann, Prof. Dr. K. Gjaevenes (Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Norway), Dr. M. Becker (Board member, Switzerland), Mr N. Comben (United Kingdom), Dr. B. Baljet (The Netherlands), Prof. Dr. G. Forstenpointner (Austria), Prof. Dr. H. Prange (Germany) and Mr. Trenton Boyd (U.S.A.). - The Board and Liaison Committee met yesterday for general discussions and the preparation of this General Assembly Meeting. - The President recalled that yesterday Cheiron medals had been presented to Prof. Dr. J. Kováts (Hungary), Dr. O. Katsuyama (Japan) and to Past-President Drs. A.H.H.M. Mathijsen (The Netherlands). - The President announced that he had participated in the annual AVMHS-meeting at Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., 17th July 2001. The intention for close co-operation between de AVMHS and the WAHVM was emphasized. - During his stay at Boston the President had a meeting with Dr. J. Edwards, President of the WVA. -A letter from the Sektion für Geschichte der Veterinärmedizin of the Austrian Veterinary Association has been received, in which an application for membership of our organization was submitted. 3. The minutes of the General Assembly meeting of 7th September 2000 in Brno, Czech Republic were adopted and ratified by the President and Secretary. 4. The WAHVM Annual Report for the year 2000 was adopted. 5. The WAHVM Financial Report for the year 2000 was presented by the Treasurer. The President read the auditor's report by Dr. B. Baljet, The Netherlands, who advised the General Assembly to adopt the financial report as presented and to exonerate the Treasurer and the entire Board from their financial responsibilities for the year 2000. The General Assembly decided accordingly. Dr. Baljet served two times as member of the cash auditing committee and had to step down with a vote of thanks from the General Assembly. To the cash auditing committee for the year 2001 were elected Prof. Dr. G. Jönsson (Sweden) and Dr. J.B. Berns (The Netherlands). 6. The subscriptions to the WAHVM for the year 2002 will be the same as for the year 2001: National Societies US$ 5,= per member, individual WAHVM members US$ 20,=, Veterinary Schools, Associations and Organizations US$ 200,=, Veterinary Libraries US$ 100,= and Veterinary Museums US$ 50,=. 7. The budget for the year 2002 was adopted.
8. The Secretary presented the following numbers of paying members to the WAHVM: National Societies: Austria (number of members unknown) Denmark (40 members) Germany (100 members) Hungary (32 members) Japan (>200 members) The Netherlands (>200 members) Norway (>200 members) Spain (50 members) Switzerland (84 members) United States of America (101 members). - The President welcomed the National Society of Austria as a new member of the WAHVM. - Individual WAHVM members: There are 57 individual members from 22 countries. - Associate members: 3 Veterinary Schools, 1 Veterinary Association and 3 Veterinary Museums. - The members were invited to encourage their national Schools, Associations, Organisations, Libraries and Museums to become an associate member of the WAHVM. - The National Societies of Finland and Mexico have indicated their wish to join the WAHVM. - Representatives from Luxembourg/Belgium and France have indicated their wish to become a WAHVM member, after having established a National Society for the History of Veterinary Medicine in their home countries. 9. Cheiron medal 2002: The AVMHS, represented by Dr. O.H.V. Stalheim, nominated Dr. L.Z. Saunders (U.S.A.) for the award of the Cheiron Medal in the year 2002. A biographical sketch was read by the President to the satisfaction of the meeting. Dr. Saunders has a distinguished career as both a scientist and historian; he is well-known for his activities in the field of the history of international veterinary pathology and for his books on 'Veterinary Pathology in Russia' and 'A biographical History of Veterinary Pathology'. Dr. Saunders attended the WAHVM congress at Karlsruhe (1990); he is a member of the editorial board of 'Historia Medicinae Veterinariae. The Board and Liaison Committee advised the General Assembly to endorse the nomination. The meeting decided accordingly. 10. Future International Congresses: - 33rd International Congress 2002, Wittenberg, Germany, 21-24 August, together with the 10th Conference of the Historical Division (Fachgruppe) of the German Veterinary Medical Society DVG. The occasion is the 500th anniversary of the Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg. Prof. Dr. Dr. habil. J. Schäffer and Dr. J. Azar introduced the programme and location of the congress. The main congress theme shall be: 'Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture', as decided during the General Assembly meeting of 2000. Various sub themes were suggested. There will also be room for free communications and posters. The congress language is English. The first announcement will be sent out in due course. The organizing committee consists of Prof. Dr. H. Prange and Dr. J. Azar. - -The 2002 World Veterinary Congress (WVC) will be held in Tunesia. The Board is prepared to contribute to this WVC. In the mean time we anticipate no objection from the WVA Executive Committee
to organize our own congress at Wittenberg. - -The 34th International Congress will be held in Mexico City, Mexico. Prof. Dr. M.A. Marquez presented his proposals for this congress, to be held 24th-27th September 2003. The occasion is the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the first Veterinary School in Mexico and in the Americas, and the 450th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico. The proposed themes were discussed at great length during the meeting of the Board and Liaison Committee. It was decided to select 'Establishment and Development of Veterinary Medical Education in the Old and New World' as the only and main theme, with various sub themes and room for free communications and posters. - - 35th International Congress, 2004: Prof. A. Mantovani informed the meeting that his colleagues of the Veterinary Faculty at Torino, Italy are willing to organize our 2004 International Congress. The offer was gratefully accepted. Prof. Mantovani was invited to prepare a written proposal for consideration by the WAHVM Board. - - 36th International Congress, 2005: The AVMHS and the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, U.S.A. invited the WAHVM to hold its 2004 congress or a congress near 2004 in Iowa. As we intend to visit Mexico in 2003, the Board advised the meeting to meet in Iowa in 2005. Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine is the oldest Land Grant College of Veterinary Medicine and the oldest College of Veterinary Medicine in continual operation in the U.S.A. The meeting thanked the AVMHS representative Dr. Stalheim for the offer and asked him to explore the possibility to have our 2005 congress in Iowa or somewhere else in the U.S.A. 11. Reports by the various WAHVM working groups: - Veterinary Museums: The second edition of the 'Guide on Veterinary Museums' will be published on the WAHVM-website. New museums will be included. Curators of museums are invited to send additional information to Dr. I. Katic (Denmark). - Veterinary Education and Curriculum Development: The veterinary curriculum in Germany includes a new subject 'Berufskunde'. In 10-12 lectures, teachers from outside the faculties discuss 'preparing for the profession'. In Cairo (Egypt), Maine (U.S.A.) and Ankara (Turkey) teaching in veterinary history in the undergraduate programme has recently been established. - Stamps, covers and cancellations: The working group consists of two collectors only. Others have been approached but appear not to be interested to join. Dr Locke (United Kingdom) and Dr. Hellgren (Sweden) therefore advised the meeting to discontinue this working group. The meeting agreed. - International Dictionary of Veterinary Biography: Dr. Katic (Denmark) reported that he received 53 biographies from Japan and 60 from 20 other countries. Mrs. Dr L. Curth (United Kingdom) offered her assistance to set up a database of biographies already received and to correct the English language. In the mean time National Societies are doing a lot of work in writing their own biographies. Australia, Finland and Estonia will submit their contributions in due course. In the U.S.A., Dr. Ph. Larsen and Dr. Ph.M. Teigen have agreed to participate in the project. Other countries like Germany and United Kingdom have not responded yet. Dr. L. Curth offered to cover the United Kingdom. It could be necessary to enlarge the working group.
The first results should be reported next year. National Societies were advised to prepare a national dictionary of veterinary biography and in the mean time submit their contributions to Dr. Katic for the International Dictionary. - Retrospective Bibliography: Drs. Mathijsen has already presented his CD-ROM 'Bibliography of the Biography and History of Veterinary Medicine', an achievement after many years of hard work. The meeting expressed its appreciation and thanks to Drs. Mathijsen, who indicated that only two of the three retrival systems are in operation (ProCite only works in Windows 95 but not in later versions. A small file to overcome this problem can be obtained from Drs. Mathijsen. The next set of copies of the CD-ROM will be adjusted). The CD-ROM is for sale during the congress at a reduced price. Orders can also be submitted to the Secretariat. - WAHVM-website: The Board found somebody who is willing to update the website at regular intervals. National Societies and Working Groups were invited to send their contributions to the WAHVM- Secretariat. - A temporary working group has been established to finalize proposals on 'Guidelines and procedures for the organization of International Congresses; Responsibilities of the WAHVM Board, the Local Organizing Committee and the Programme Commitee' (see under point 14). 12. Election of Board members: - The Secretary/Treasurer Dr. P. Leeflang has to step down in accordance with the Constitution, after eight years of service. The Board and Liaison Committee were unable to find a successor. It is now suggested to the General Assembly to split-up the two functions. Dr. G. Theves (Luxembourg) volunteered to become the new treasurer. In the absence of a candidate who is willing to serve as Secretary, the Board and Liaison Committee proposed to the General Assembly to elect Dr. Leeflang as acting Secretary for a period of one year. In the mean time all National Societies should look for a successor for Dr. Leeflang. The future of our Society is at stake. The meeting decided accordingly. - The President, Dr. P.A. Koolmees, expressed his intention to step down in 2004. This places an extra responsibility to the National Societies to come up with suitable candidates for a position in the Board. There is an urgent need for more persons to become actively involved in the affairs of the Association. - At the end of this congress, Dr. J. Kristoffersen (Norway) will step down as Board member in accordance with article 9.3 of the Constitution. The meeting expressed its great thanks to Dr Kristoffersen and his colleagues for organizing this congress in Oslo. - The Board proposed to the meeting to elect Prof. Dr. H. Prange (Germany), organizer of the 33rd International Congress at Wittenberg, Germany as Board member for one year. The General Assembly decided accordingly. 13. Composition of the Liaison Committee: As from 15th August 2001 the Liaison Committee will consist of: - Austria: Prof. Dr. G. Forstenpointner - Denmark: Dr. A. Rosenbom - Germany: Dr. R. Grimm - Hungary: Prof. Dr. J. Kováts - Japan: Dr. O. Katsuyama - The Netherlands: Mrs. Drs. Ingrid Visser
- Norway: Dr. J. Kristoffersen - Spain: Dr. M. Pumarola - Switzerland: Dr. K.A. Büchi - United States: Dr. O.H.V. Stalheim - WAHVM representatives: - Dr. Dr. h.c. I. Katic, Denmark - Mr. J.O. Broberg, MRCVS, United Kingdom. If required, National Societies may replace their representatives in the Liaison Committee, provided that the WAHVM secretariat has been informed beforehand. The General Assembly did not wish to appoint additional WAHVM representatives to the Liaison Committee. 14. - A paper on 'Guidelines and Procedures for the organization of International Congresses' was discussed at great length during the meeting of the Board and Liaison Committee. Dr. P. Folkestad (Norway) offered a paper with his views based on the experience of our Norwegian colleagues in the organization of the present congress. The President emphasized the ultimate responsibility of the Board for all WAHVM activities, including the organization of our International Congresses. National Societies could offer their services and hospitality to organize a congress, in consent with the Board. The control of the scientific standard of our congresses and the evaluation of the historical contents of the abstracts submitted should be the responsibility of the Programme Committee (Scientific Committee) consisting of both Board members, including the President, and local representatives. - Dr. A. Rosenbom (Denmark) proposed that the President, Secretary and Treasurer should attend our International Congresses free of charge (expenses to be paid by WAHVM resources). The President was reluctant to set this as a rule. - The Board and Liaison Committee suggested to the General Assembly meeting to set up a small working group consisting of Prof. Dr. J. Schäffer (Chairman, Germany), Dr. P. Folkestad (Norway) and Dr. I. Katic (Denmark) in order to prepare a joint paper on 'Guidelines, Procedures and Responsibilities'. This paper should be based on the views as expressed during the meeting of the Board and Liaison Committee and discussed at the General Assembly meeting, next year. The working group will also consider the frequency of our congresses. General support from pharmaceutical companies is not an issue, as we do not have their interest. Book publishers could be willing to publish the papers presented at each congress. The General Assembly decided to approve the establishment and mission of the new working group. 15. Contacts with the WVA Executive Committee: - The issue of the WVC in 2002 and our decision to organize our own congress in Wittenberg in the same year has already been discussed. - The Board has invited the WVA committee on Veterinary Education and Development to imply the three WVA-resolutions on Veterinary Museums and on the inclusion of Veterinary History in the veterinary undergraduate curriculum. - The Board also approached accreditation committees who visit veterinary schools, inviting them to emphasize the importance of veterinary history in the curriculum. Veterinary schools are sensitive for the recommendations of these committees. 16. Link between the WAHVM and the journal 'Historia Medicinae Veterinariae': - The Board and Liaison Committee are in favour of a closer link between the two institutions. The
editorial board of the journal requires more subscribers and will look for advertisements to keep the price down. In the mean time she will try to reach a greater reading public of WAHVM members. The editors offer the WAHVM eight pages in each volume for WAHVM news, including contributions from National Societies, free of charge. - The Board and Liaison Committee advised the General Assembly to accept this offer for the period of one year (2002). After this period, we should evaluate the deal and discuss other possibilities for cooperation. In the mean time WAHVM members are encouraged to subscribe to the journal. The General Assembly agreed accordingly. 17. Short reports by National Societies - Norway will send a written report of recent activities to the secretariat for distribution. - Prof. Mantovani presented a summary of the last meeting on veterinary history in Italy. The abstracts are in English and free of charge. 18. Dr Rosenbom suggested that the WVA should support our relatively small association. The President of the WVA, Dr. J. Edwards, has shown his interest in veterinary history and wishes us to contribute to the programmes of other associate members of the WVA during World Veterinary Congresses. Could we ask financial compensation for such efforts? The Board will look into this matter. 19. In the absence of any other business, the President closed the meeting at 17.50 hours. P. Leeflang, acting secretary e-mail: paul.leeflang@hetnet.nl Date of ratification: Dr. P.A. Koolmees. President Dr. P. Leeflang, acting Secretary PS.1: In the absence of an attendance list, the Board confirms that the quorum to legalize the decisions of this General Assembly meeting was present. PS.2: After the meeting Dr. G. Theves decided not to accept his appointment as WAHVM Treasurer. In the mean time Dr. P. Leeflang will serve as acting Secretary/Treasurer.