"2+2" Programs to Boost Enrollment

By: Stephanie Silberstang

Cornell University, Class of 2013

The “2+2” programs are being considered by universities in the hopes that they will allow more students to enroll per year, increasing the number of veterinarians graduating every year. These programs can be one way of addressing the shortage of veterinarians nationwide. The “2+2” programs have obvious advantages but also have a few hurdles to overcome before these programs can be successful.

Advantages of the “2+2” program include a larger number of graduating veterinarians without having to build new facilities or larger class rooms. These programs also allow students to take advantage of any state-of-the-art facilities that exist at either or both of the universities they attend during the program in addition to allowing them the ability to experience two different teaching faculties. These programs can theoretically be taught at any college with veterinary professors on staff and the space for this group of students for 2 years.

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One Health Challenge Logo Contest

Win $150 from SAVMA! The new theme for the 2011 and 2012 One Health Challenge is Vector-borne disease which refers to viral, bacterial or parasitic diseases that are transmitted from one individual to another through animal vectors. Arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks are classic examples of vectors that transmit disease through their feeding habits. Many pathogens have evolved to incorporate these vectors into their lifecycle. Vectors subsequently infect multiple vertebrate species and can create reservoir hosts that maintain the disease prevalence.

The environment, including climate and the population density of the reservoir hosts, heavily influences the prevalence of VBD. With the emerging concerns about global warming, as well as rapid population growth in many countries in the world, it is expected that the prevalence of VBD will increase substantially in the future. Other challenges in controlling VBD include:

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So you want to be a zoo vet?

By: Kendra Bauer

University of Wisconsin, Class of 2013

So you want to be a zoo vet? So do I. I have a long way yet to go, but I made one important step last October when I attended the American Association of Zoological Veterinarians Conference in South Padre Island, Texas. Prior to deciding to go, I had been told over and over by classmates, mentors, and zoo veterinarians that this conference is a must-see for every zoo vet hopeful. Now, it is my turn to pass on the knowledge. Here is a brief run-down of how the conference works:

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The Slow Loris

By: Kat Asbury

University of Illinois, Class of 2011

“I’ve never heard of a slow loris carrying rabies,” we heard David Attenborough announce at the far end of the dinner table.  My friend Tash and I exchanged a look.  Finally the conversation at his end of the long table had turned to us.  Sir David hadn’t paid the slightest bit of attention to the volunteers at our camp in the Borneo forest until that moment, despite having spent several days around us, filming the orangutans for which our camp was famous.  We were now sitting at a table with him and our camp director, because Tash had gotten bitten by one of those slow lorises (which can be fast in certain circumstances).  We needed permission to decamp to a Singapore hospital, where hopefully there would be some rabies vaccine waiting for us.

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Animal Welfare Human Animal Bond Committee Grant

Know of a deserving club or an event coming up soon that could use some extra funds? The Animal Welfare Human-Animal Bond committee will award grants to organizations or programs that benefit animal welfare and the human animal bond along with demonstrating financial need. Up to $2500 is available which will be distributed based on need and request. Please contact your SAVMA delegate for the application form and e-mail it to Caitlin LeClair CaitL1014@gmail.com by March 15, 2011. Members of the Animal Welfare Human-Animal Bond committee will be reviewing the submissions at SAVMA Symposium 2011 and will select winners at that time. Please feel free to contact Caitlin LeClair if you have any questions.