Siri Siltasalmi

01/03/2023 - now

Animal Disease Coordinator

• Actively contributed to the national response planning for serious animal disease outbreaks with high socio-economic impact, including ASF, CSF, and FMD
• Preapared to be responsible on coordination of clinical inspections and animal transports during ASF outbreak
• Collaborating with relevant sectors to prepare abattoirs for potential disease incursions
• Facilitated communication between departments and field veterinarians operating in abattoirs.
• Participated as regular member of a virtual team coordinating clinical inspections and animal movements during HPAI outbreaks.

01/10/2020 - 28/02/2023

Certifying Officer - Department of Export Certification (Office-Based)

• Issued export and intra-Community trade certificates for meat, dairy products, breeding eggs, day-old chicks, animal feed, and animal by-products

11/12/2009 - 30/09/2020

Official Veterinarian (On-Site)

• Conducted health and welfare inspections of live animals intended for export
• Performed ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections in bovine and small ruminant abattoirs
• Certified meat and meat product exports in compliance with regulatory standards
• Collaborated effectively with stakeholders in the meat industry and live animal export sector

Veterinarian – Cattle and Pig Abattoirs

• Conducted ante-mortem inspections to assess the health and welfare of live animals prior to slaughter.
• Performed post-mortem inspections, including meat inspection and verification of slaughter hygiene standards.
• Oversaw HACCP compliance to ensure food safety throughout the processing chain.
• Ensured the quality and accuracy of laboratory sampling and conducted sensory testing as part of the meat inspection process.
• Acted as a supervisor to meat inspectors, providing guidance and oversight in daily operations.
• Monitored and enforced animal welfare standards during all stages of processing.
• Participated in the surveillance of infectious animal diseases, contributing to early detection and control efforts.

Locum Veterinarian – Various Locations, Eastern and Northern Finland

• Provided comprehensive healthcare and welfare services for dairy cattle across multiple rural and remote areas.
• Worked in small animal clinics, performing basic diagnostics including X-ray, ultrasound, and laboratory testing, as well as conducting soft tissue surgeries.
• Delivered emergency veterinary services for both large animals (cattle, horses) and small animals.
• Conducted meat inspection duties at small abattoirs processing sheep, reindeer, and wild game.
• Served as a field veterinarian during reindeer gatherings in Lapland, ensuring animal health and welfare in challenging environmental conditions.

Research Assistant – Lameness Study in Dairy Cows (Free-Range Housing Systems)

• Participated in a research project focused on lameness in dairy cows kept in free-range systems.
• Conducted on-site data collection, including lameness classification and behavioral observations.
• Performed environmental evaluations of housing and flooring conditions to assess risk factors.
• Documented findings through photography for further analysis and research reporting.

Veterinarian – Small Animal Clinic

Solo practitioner with two veterinary assistants

• Provided comprehensive healthcare for dogs and cats, including preventive care and treatment of acute and chronic conditions.
• Performed internal medicine diagnostics, including clinical examinations and case management.
• Carried out soft tissue surgeries, such as spays, neuters, and minor surgical procedures.
• Utilized diagnostic imaging tools, including X-ray and ultrasound.
• Conducted in-house laboratory testing to support diagnosis and treatment planning.