3 parts to the @ISUVetMed Program, says Dr Shearer:
1) 4-day course on foot care
2) 3-6 months practical follow up experience
3) Examinations.
Involves great & experienced teachers, training manual. #CAWS2019
Dr Shearer @ISUVetMed talking about their Master Foot Care Program #CAWS2019. Communication barriers on farms—different cultures, languages, ages, natural biases (techniques used, etc), teacher v student barrier. Must tell them that their work is the most important work on farm.
The biggest challenge, says Dr Schuenemann @OSUVetCollege, “You have no idea how difficult it is to teach common sense!” #CAWS2019
Dr Schuenemann @OSUVetCollege talking about challenges identifying welfare issues on the farm: knowledge, skills, attitudes are key factors. Ppl w/great attitude but average knowledge/skills can outperform those w/higher K/S but poor attitude. #CAWS2019
Last session of the conference now—a panel of industry professionals talk about translating of #AnimalWelfare science into best practices to diverse audiences. #CAWS2019
Lots of great student presentations at #CAWS2019 over the past hour or so, addressing different important areas of #AnimalWelfare
Dr Ventura @drsassenach @CFANS makes the great point that #AnimalWelfare & #diversity are key factors that will keep animal science relevant & sustainable as we move into the future. Must seek allies in this journey, she says, to overcome challenges/challengers. #CAWS2019
Dr Okere stresses need for a new course in animal behaviour/welfare @TUCAENS, to serve the school & other land-grant institutions—currently only 4 hours taught. Dr Grant @AlcornAGSchool highlights the challenges of doing this (eg, further overloading busy faculty!) #CAWS2019
Now for a panel discussion on incorporating #AnimalWelfare across the curriculum #CAWS2019 With Dr Okere @TUCAENS, Dr Grant @AlcornAGSchool, & Dr Ventura @drsassenach @CFANS
“Diverse teams make better decisions”, concludes Dean Reed @pucvm #CAWS2019 He recommends that vets visit schools to promote the profession to kids in underrepresented communities. Dean Perry @CVMTU recommends a male mentoring program (w/male mentors) to close the gender gap.
Dr Perry @CVMTU also highlights the lack of #AnimalWelfare training in #VetEd curricula in US vet schools, & lack of veterinary participation in general in this area. Educators must initiate the bridging of that gap, but bring in other stakeholders for diverse voices. #CAWS2019
Also need diverse voices in general for decision making in animal welfare, emphasises Dr Reed @pucvm #CAWS2019
#Diversity is important in #AnimalWelfare to address challenging & complex issues of society, esp when vets need to enter diverse communities to help (natural disasters, welfare issues, etc)—diversity of the professionals needs to that of the community for best results. #CAWS2019
Day 2 #CAWS2019 kicks off with some discussion of #diversity in veterinary medicine from Dean Willie Reed @pucvm and Dean Ruby Perry @CVMTU. Making some progress in our profession, but still work to do—we’re still 75% white, & gender-imbalanced (now female-dominated).
When communicating with the public, it’s most important to tell a good story. Don’t overload with scientific facts—‘knowledge’ plays only a small role in the public’s assimilation of scientific information. Stick with the key facts. #CAWS2019
Today’s final session at #CAWS2019 is on communicating science—with a focus on the challenging messages related to #animalwelfare. Apparently, in the US, the public sees scientists as the 2nd most-credible group (after the military). So, we’re in a good position to communicate.
Fun problem-solving breakout session for an hour at #CAWS2019! I’m working with these dynamic agricultural students, coming up with ways to address welfare-associated problems related to ‘consumer issues & economics’.
Danone: must balance social/ethical goals vs business goals; an economically strong business is necessary to facilitate progression & improvements in welfare; shared values can coexist w/differences in opinion. #CAWS2019
Tyson: takes a holistic approach to sustainability, includes animal welfare; need to also keep companies economically sustainable to keep making progress; decision making must be open to diff perspectives, science based; must communicate ‘why’ & values; transparency. #CAWS2019
Merck: important factors—engagement & education, esp in a consumer-friendly manner (eg, regarding antibiotics, vaccines); different perspectives in decision making; holistic view of welfare for decision making. #CAWS2019
Now it’s time for an ‘industry roundtable’ session, to look at animal welfare from an industry perspective. With representatives from Merck Animal Health, Tyson Foods, & Danone. #CAWS2019
Some great student posters on display at #CAWS2019, sharing interesting new findings in animal welfare. Tasty lunch, too! @PurdueAg
Animal welfare is not stagnant. So involuntary regulations can be inflexible & counterproductive. Voluntary regs are more flexible, but may be less transparent, lacking in diverse input. We still have a way to go—Need a middle ground, a better framework for welfare. #CAWS2019
Lots of challenges for the future of animal welfare. For example, we’re no longer simply working to prevent animals experiencing negative factors (eg, distress, fear), but to allow them to experience positive ‘feelings’—so how do we measure what animals feel? #CAWS2019
Don’t forget that conservation & #AnimalWelfare are interrelated, says Prof Fraser @ubcAWP. We need both movements to work together. #CAWS2019
