BVA AWF funds major welfare teaching project in vet schools

The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF) has selected a unique and exciting project titled Maximising Value of Extra-Mural Study Placements on Cattle, Sheep and Horse Units for funding under the Norman Hayward Fund.

This proposal aims to develop and validate welfare and health planning assessment tools for cattle, sheep and horses for students on their Extra Mural Study (EMS) placements. It will also be used to develop teaching methods to enhance the ability of veterinary students to apply formal, scientifically valid, practical welfare assessment in the field and enable them to ethically appraise what they see and do.

On receiving BVA AWF funding, the project collaborators, Dr David Main and Dr Dorothy McKeegan, said "We are delighted that BVA AWF are supporting the development of novel teaching approaches to EMS placements. Direct exposure to the cattle, sheep and horses during EMS can have profound effects on both a student's future career and attitudes towards animal care. We are keen to maximise the benefits of EMS by providing welfare, health planning and ethical analysis tools to further promote the educational experience."

Commenting on behalf of the Charity, BVA AWF Chairman, Carl Padgett said “We are pleased to be associated with this project and are confident that the proposal will have a positive and lasting impact both on the undergraduate curriculum of all seven UK vet schools and on the welfare of these animals.”