Dr. Kelly Foster is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Birmingham-Southern College and then from Auburn University as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and is currently serving on the HVMA Board as a Hawai’i County Representative.
She moved to Denver, Colorado and practiced there for 10 years before deciding she had enough of the city life and needed to be closer to the ocean. In 2021, she moved to Kona and started with Waikoloa Veterinary Service.
After some unexpected health issues in 2024, she switched from general practice to focus on helping address the island’s pet overpopulation problem, working primarily with Aloha Animal Alliance. She enjoys spending time with her pets, reading, snorkeling on our beautiful islands, and traveling the world with her husband.
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) is pleased to announce the return of the FEMA Basic Academy to Oʻahu this fall! This nationally recognized professional development program provides emergency management personnel with foundational knowledge and practical skills to strengthen preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities.
All courses will be held in person at HI-EMA, located within Diamond Head Crater. Classes will run from 8AM to 5PM HST daily. Attendance is free. However, participants traveling to Oʻahu are responsible for all associated travel and accommodation costs.
Complete the Full Academy or Take Individual Courses: Participants may register for individual courses and receive a FEMA certificate upon successful completion of each course. Those who successfully complete all five Basic Academy courses are also eligible to receive the FEMA Basic Academy Certificate of Completion.
2026 Course Schedule:
August 24–28, 2026: L0101: Foundations of Emergency Management | NETC Invite Code: HI101
August 31–September 2, 2026: L0105: Public Information Basics | NETC Invite Code: HI105
September 14–16, 2026: L0102: Fundamentals of Threats and Hazards | NETC Invite Code: HI102
September 17–18, 2026: L0146: Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) | NETC Invite Code: HI146
Registration Information: Registration for all courses must be completed through FEMA’s National Emergency Training Center (NETC) Online Admissions System using the corresponding invite code listed above.
We encourage emergency management professionals, whole community partners, and those with emergency management responsibilities to take advantage of this opportunity to build core competencies and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s preparedness capabilities.
If you have questions about these course offerings or need assistance with the registration process, please contact the HI-EMA Training & Exercise Team at hiema.trainex@hawaii.gov
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) affect cats of all ages worldwide. The percentage of cats that are infected with these viruses varies according to geographic region, the environment, and the lifestyle of the cat, but estimates tend to be quite low, with 2-4% of cats infected in the U.S.1,2 and a similar percentage here in Hawaii.
There has been much debate over the past few years in the animal welfare community about whether to routinely test cats for FeLV and FIV. For many years, shelters have felt an obligation to test all cats for FeLV and FIV prior to adoption. The hope was that testing would ensure that shelters were placing healthy cats up for adoption and that the viruses might be eradicated through shelter testing efforts. However, new information about the tests and the diseases has led to the recommendation that shelters discontinue routine testing of cats for FeLV and FIV.3
New research has shown that a negative or positive result at one point in time is not definitive by itself. The diseases have an overall low prevalence in our cat population, and the available tests are not 100% accurate.4
Furthermore, we now know that cats may experience a variability of infection, so we can no longer make conclusions about the results of a single test. For cats that test negative, we can only conclude that they are negative at the time they were tested. It takes at least 30 days from the time of infection with FeLV to test positive, and it can take up to 60 days for a cat infected with FIV to develop enough antibodies to cause a positive result. Therefore, if a cat was infected just prior to intake at the shelter, they would test negative but could have the disease.
A negative test can also give adopters a false sense of security. The concept of incubation periods and exposure can be difficult to convey during adoption when people are already overloaded with information and excitement about their new pet. Although chances are that a cat testing negative is truly negative (due to low prevalence of the disease), some cats may have been exposed prior to intake and could develop FeLV or FIV after adoption.
On the other hand, a positive test in a healthy cat who is at low-risk for infection is more likely to be a false-positive than a positive result in a sick cat or one at higher risk. In typical cat populations where there is low prevalence of disease, a majority of positive results will be false positives.4 For example, if there is 2% disease prevalence in a population, and a test with 98% sensitivity is used to test 1,000 cats, there will 39 positive tests: 19 true positives (0.02 x .98 = 0.096, 0.0196 x 1,000) 20 false positives (0.02 x 1,000) Note that there will be slightly more false positives than true positives. Compare this to the same testing performed in a population with 4% disease prevalence: 39 true positives (0.04 x .98 = 0.0392, 0.0392 x 1,000) 20 false positives (0.02 x 1,000) In this population with higher disease prevalence, there are many more true positives than false, making the test that much more reliable.
Positive FIV test results may also be caused by circulating maternal antibodies that can be present in a kitten up to 6 months of age. And some cats who are exposed to FeLV can contain the virus early on; if this occurs, they no longer shed the virus and cannot infect other cats but may still test positive.2
At the Hawaiian Humane Society, we no longer test healthy cats or kittens. We still test sick cats, those who have clinical signs consistent with infection, and at-risk cats. Based on our newer understanding of the variability of disease, we believe that FeLV/FIV testing is best done in collaboration with a cat’s primary care veterinarian where they receive comprehensive care and recommendations based on their lifestyle.
1. Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, “Testing for FeLV and FIV” 2. 2020 American Association of Feline Practitioners’ Feline Retrovirus Testing and Management Guidelines 3. Shelter Medicine Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, “Why are some shelters no longer testing all cats for FeLV and FIV?” 4. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Performance of 4 Point‐of‐Care Screening Tests for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
Christine Nishimoto, DVM, was born and raised on the west side of Kaua’i. She is a proud alumna of Kaua’i High School, and pursued her undergraduate education at Washington State University, where she received a Bachelors degree in Microbiology. In the spring of 2022, Dr. Christine obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She is currently practicing as an associate veterinarian in her family practice, Paradise Animal Clinic – Kalaheo, Kauai, HI, as a small animal veterinarian.
Dr. Nishimoto has a passion for volunteer and community service. She is a proud member of her local Rotary Club of Poipu Beach and is the current president-elect for her club. She is also the Immediate Past President of the Washington State University Alumni Associate Hawaii Chapter.
lhor Basko, DVM, beloved veterinarian and longtime member of the Kauai community passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at the age of 79.
He is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 45 years, Jane Winter-Basko, whose life and work were closely intertwined with his through decades of shared purpose and compassion for animals and their community. He is also survived by his niece, Alona Dakhnenko of Ukraine, his only living family member.
Dr. Basko was born on February 13, 1947, in Aschaffenburg, Germany, the son of Dmytro Basko and Luba (Sawka) Basko. He later moved to the United States, where he pursued his lifelong calling in veterinary medicine.
After completing his veterinary education, Dr. Basko dedicated his career to compassionate and integrative animal care and eventually made Kauai his home. Over decades of practice, he became widely respected for combining traditional veterinary medicine with acupuncture, herbal therapies, and nutrition-based healing approaches, helping thousands of animals locally and internationally.
His Kapahi practice was known for its peaceful outdoor setting designed to keep animals calm and comfortable. In addition to clinical work, Dr. Basko educated pet owners through consultations, teaching, and his longtime radio program, “Pets and People in Paradise.” His book, Fresh Food & Ancient Wisdom, reflected his belief in nutrition and holistic care as foundations for animal health.
Known for his quiet kindness, humility, and deep attentiveness, Dr. Basko approached every animal with patience and respect. Clients and colleagues remember him not only as an exceptional veterinarian but as a mentor, teacher, and compassionate friend whose influence extended far beyond his clinic.
Dr. Ihor Basko passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, the morning after celebrating his birthday on Friday the 13th — his favorite day of the year. We are deeply grateful that he was able to spend that special day in joy before his peaceful transition.
Dr. B was more than a doctor; he was a truly kind, generous, and giving soul. Everyone who met him experienced his remarkable knowledge, his gentle compassion, and the sincere care he brought to every interaction. He did not simply practice medicine — he lived it, with heart.
His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and healed. It lives in his passion for Chinese herbs, in the comfort of his home-cooked recipes, and in the deep respect and care he showed for the human–animal bond. He taught us that healing is not just treatment, but presence, intention, and love.
Thank you for being part of his extended family and for the love you have shown him throughout the years.
With love and gratitude
Dr.Basko’s Team Staff@drbasko.com All Creatures Great & Small (808) 822-4229 https://www.drbasko.com/ https://www.drbasko.com/consultations/
Dear Colleagues, Staff, and Friends, It’s that time again when the HVMA celebrates National Pet Week (May 3-9) with the sponsorship of the Hawaii Pet Expo on May 2 and 3, 2026. The association has hosted this FREE community event for the last 34 years. This event continues to draw large crowds ( over 10,000 in the weekend) and is one of the few events that welcome the attendance of pets.
This year the HVMA booth will contain exhibits on topics such as pet myths, heat stroke, and other veterinary issues. We will once again have our snack bar and “Ask-A-Vet” area. This year we will need 5 volunteers (vets and/or staff) to effectively man the booth. We also need volunteers to man our Make-N-Take It booth, Foodbank/Info booth, Pet Snack Bar, Photo and Fundraiser booths, show marshals, and greeters.
The Hawaii Pet Expo would not have been such a success all these years, without the volunteerism of veterinarians, staff, family, and friends. Volunteers work a 2 hour shift and receive an Expo t-shirt. Lunch will be included for those who participate in the 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. shift. We can never have too many volunteers! Please sign-up and also help to promote the event by posting the Expo fliers and discussing the event with your clients. Your association delegates will also call you to remind you.
The Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association is pleased to announce that the 2026 HVMA scholarship application is now open! The application deadline is April 15th, 2026.
Interested veterinary students (1st-4th year, US citizens) currently enrolled in an AVMA-accredited doctoral program of veterinary medicine who graduated from a high school in Hawaii are eligible to apply. Please share this opportunity with any students you think may be interested!
Did you know HDOA is now HDAB? The Hawaii Department of Agriculture is now the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Find them at https://dab.hawaii.gov/.
Here are some updates from HVMA Oahu representative and Veterinary Medical Officer Raquel Wong:
Animal Diseases
Avian Influenza – HDAB has introduced a dashboard to follow HPAI testing performed by the Division. Dashboard can be found here.
Equine Herpes Virus – Multistate outbreak associated with a rodeo event held in Texas in November 2025. Importation of horses impacted with additional conditions for veterinarians to attest horse did not originate from quarantined area. Reference here.
– Diagnosis of EHV is reportable to the Animal Industry Division
– Encourage horse owners/caretakers to practice good hygiene practices, especially if attending events
Animal Movement
California has change import requirements for dogs entering CA for resale or change of ownership. There are new timeline and document review requirements for this category of movement. Link to CDFA here.
Born and raised on Oʻahu, Dr. Blaine Ishizu serves as the new graduate representative for the Hawaiʻi Veterinary Medical Association (HVMA). He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa before attending Colorado State University, where he completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2022.
Blaine currently practices mixed animal medicine at Veterinary Associates in Waimea, providing comprehensive general and emergency care for dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. He is committed to supporting Hawaiʻi Island’s pets and livestock through compassionate, community-focused veterinary care.
When he is not working, Blaine enjoys spending time with his three German Shepherds—Mana, Icee, and Anna—while exploring the Big Island. He looks forward to meeting everyone at the next conference.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 has been detected again on Oahu as the migratory season starts in Hawaii. The October 2025 sample was taken from an ill migratory pintail duck found on the UH Manoa campus which died shortly after intake by the Hawaii Wildlife Center.
H5N1 influenza A is highly infectious among wild birds and poultry, and has been responsible for widespread culling of poultry flocks worldwide. As it has become endemic in the continental United States, HPAI infections have also been reported in other animals including livestock and cats. Human infection risk remains low and human cases have been primarily linked to direct animal exposure.
Please remain cautious when dealing with wildlife, particularly any sick or dead birds. Remind your clients to not feed wildlife or attract wild birds near pets or backyard flocks, and to avoid touching any sick or dead birds. PPE such as facemasks and gloves should be worn if necessary to handle sick or dead birds.
Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity may be contacted for consultation on any suspected cases: 808-483-7100, Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays, Email: dabic@hawaii.gov.
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