Dear Partners,

I trust this message finds you in good health and spirit. I am writing to formally share that after nearly five years of serving as Chief Veterinary Officer, I will be embarking on a new career endeavor and my last day will be April 30th. I am excited to share that I am taking on a new role as Director of Veterinarians Without Borders for the US and Canada to expand veterinary outreach programs and emergency response locally to underserved communities across North America.

I want to express my deep gratitude to you all for the incredible support, collaboration, and partnership that you have shared with the team and I throughout my time as CVO. Working alongside partners like you has been an enriching and rewarding experience. Your dedication to advancing animal health and welfare in Manitoba has been truly inspiring, and influential and   I am honored to have been a part of this important work.

I have had the privilege of learning from my team and your diverse sectors within Manitoba’s vibrant agricultural and animal health community. From our discussions and collaborations, I have gained invaluable insights and perspectives that have helped shape my approach to addressing high-impact issues animal health and welfare through strong partnerships and honest communication. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals, organisations and provincial community.

Over the years, our team has made significant milestones together, including strengthening animal welfare programming, enhancing our veterinary diagnostic capacity, and expanding our ability to respond to disease outbreaks and improve animal welfare through the addition of a new animal health and welfare specialist team and building additional capacities in our branch. I am confident that the strong partnerships and collaborations we have built together will continue to flourish under new leadership.

As the Department searches for the next CVO, you will be in good hands with both Drs Douma and Duizer in CVO acting coverage and Dr. Joachim for the Animal Welfare Program. Our ADM Maurice Bouvier is actively involved in the branch to ensure a seamless transition period.

Thank you once again for your partnership, friendship, and dedication. It has been an absolute privilege to serve as Chief Veterinary Officer, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to staying connected and continuing to collaborate with each of you in new capacities in the future.

 

Best regards,

Dr. Scott Zaari, DVM

Provincial Chief Veterinary Officer

 

As Dr. Zaari moves on to new professional endeavors, the MVMA wishes him every success and deeply appreciates his contributions to our community.