Evaluation of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) Curriculum at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania: Mapping to OIE Veterinary Graduate 'Day 1 Competencies'.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) provides the requirements needed for graduating veterinary professionals to be competent in the delivery of animal health services. However, significant differences in veterinary curricula across countries-attributable to differing animal health priorities and predominant types of veterinary practice-provide a challenge for veterinary schools to address these competencies adequately. As part of the OIE's veterinary education establishment Twinning Project activities, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Tanzania undertook a curriculum mapping and gap analysis to assess the extent to which the veterinary curriculum addresses OIE's 'Day 1 Competencies' for graduating veterinarians. Results of the analysis indicated that all the OIE's Day 1 Competencies (general, specific, and advanced) are addressed to some degree by the courses present in the curriculum. However, gaps in the depth and breadth of instruction were found for a number of competencies in all three categories. These findings indicate a need for addressing the gaps in the next curriculum review. This will allow the development of a stronger curriculum that will efficiently meet the national and international animal health requirements.

An Inter-Institutional Collaboration to "Make Teaching Matter": The Teaching Academy of the Consortium of West Region Colleges of Veterinary Medicine.

Veterinary medical education is a relatively small community with limited numbers of institutions, people, and resources widely dispersed geographically. The problems faced, however, are large-and not very different from the problems faced by (human) medical education. As part of an effort to share resources and build a community of practice around common issues, five colleges in the westernmost region of the United States came together to form a regional inter-institutional consortium. This article describes the processes by which the consortium was formed and the initiation of its first collaborative endeavor, an inter-institutional medical/biomedical teaching academy (the Regional Teaching Academy, or RTA). We report outcomes, including the successful launch of three RTA initiatives, and the strategies that have been considered key to the academy's success. These include strong support from the consortium deans, including an ongoing financial commitment, a dedicated part-time Executive Coordinator, regular face-to-face meetings that supplement virtual meetings, an organization-wide biennial conference, an effective organizational structure, and a core group of dedicated leaders and RTA Fellows. The western consortium and RTA share these processes, insights, and outcomes to provide a model upon which other colleges of veterinary medicine can build to further leverage inter-institutional collaboration.

Effect of Short- Versus Long-Term Video Game Playing on Basic Laparoscopic Skills Acquisition of Veterinary Medicine Students.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of playing video games on the performance of basic laparoscopic skills. The study was an experimental pre-test-post-test comparison group design. Fifty-two students (31 from the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and 21 from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine) completing their first or second year of the veterinary curriculum were randomized into two intervention groups. The intervention consisted of playing the video game Marble Mania on a Nintendo Wii. group L (long) played 18 hours over 6 weeks and group S (short) played 3 hours during the last week of the 6-week intervention period. Before and after the intervention, basic laparoscopic skills for both groups were assessed using a modified McGill Inanimate System for Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Skills (MISTELS) instrument. Participants performed two laparoscopic tasks. Results showed that the performance of students improved in both group S and L (p < .05) on both laparoscopic tasks. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in their post-intervention scores (group L, N = 25, z = -3.711, p < .001, r = 0.742; group S, N = 27, z = -3.016, p < .003, r = 0.580). There was no significant difference in the degree of improvement between group S and group L. The results suggest that playing Marble Mania on a Wii for any time duration could be an effective method for veterinary medicine students to improve basic laparoscopic skills, and indicate the needs for additional studies.

In Vitro Biomechanical Testing of the Tube Knot.

OBJECTIVE: To compare in vitro biomechanical properties of the tube knot (TB) to a crimp clamp (CC) system, and square knot (SQ) using 3 monofilament materials. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Suture loops (n=20 per material/knot construct). METHODS: Monotonic tensile loading (300 mm/min single pull to failure) was performed on knots tied using 3 knots (TB, 5-throw SQ, and CC system) with each of 3 materials (40# Securos® nylon, #2 polypropylene, and #2 nylon). Ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and stiffness were measured and compared by sequential 1- and 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Ultimate tensile strength was greatest with 40# nylon CC (mean ± SD, 293.6 ± 26.2 N), followed by TB (289.8 ± 9.2 N) and SQ (252.2 ± 8.5 N) with no significant difference between CC and TB. TB with #2 polypropylene (158.1 ± 7.4 N) and #2 nylon (126.3 ± 5.5 N) had significantly greater tensile strength than SQ with #2 polypropylene (143.6 ± 5.3 N) and #2 nylon (110.7 ± 6.2 N). Elongation at failure was significantly greater in 40# nylon TB (25.3 ± 3.2 mm) and SQ (10.8 ± 1.6 mm) compared to CC (5.3 ± 1.0 mm). Both material and knotting method had an effect on ultimate tensile strength, elongation at failure, and stiffness, based on 2-way ANOVA. CONCLUSION: Ultimate tensile strength of TB was equivalent to that of CC; however, elongation at failure was greatest for TB, which may be of concern for clinical applications.

Integrating Genomic Data Sets for Knowledge Discovery: An Informed Approach to Management of Captive Endangered Species.

Many endangered captive populations exhibit reduced genetic diversity resulting in health issues that impact reproductive fitness and quality of life. Numerous cost effective genomic sequencing and genotyping technologies provide unparalleled opportunity for incorporating genomics knowledge in management of endangered species. Genomic data, such as sequence data, transcriptome data, and genotyping data, provide critical information about a captive population that, when leveraged correctly, can be utilized to maximize population genetic variation while simultaneously reducing unintended introduction or propagation of undesirable phenotypes. Current approaches aimed at managing endangered captive populations utilize species survival plans (SSPs) that rely upon mean kinship estimates to maximize genetic diversity while simultaneously avoiding artificial selection in the breeding program. However, as genomic resources increase for each endangered species, the potential knowledge available for management also increases. Unlike model organisms in which considerable scientific resources are used to experimentally validate genotype-phenotype relationships, endangered species typically lack the necessary sample sizes and economic resources required for such studies. Even so, in the absence of experimentally verified genetic discoveries, genomics data still provides value. In fact, bioinformatics and comparative genomics approaches offer mechanisms for translating these raw genomics data sets into integrated knowledge that enable an informed approach to endangered species management.

The use of fluoxetine by veterinarians in dogs and cats: a preliminary survey.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prescribing habits of a sample of small animal veterinarians pertaining to use of fluoxetine in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Exploratory descriptive survey using a questionnaire, available on paper and through email, distributed to small animal veterinarians by convenience sampling. PARTICIPANTS: Veterinarians practicing small animal medicine in North America contacted by email and at local veterinary meetings. RESULTS: Of 127 initial respondents, 106 prescribed fluoxetine for dogs and/or cats. The majority (91 per cent) indicated the drug be given once every 24 hours. Respondents used one or more formulations of fluoxetine. Of those who prescribed fluoxetine for both dogs and cats (57 per cent), 80 per cent used a generic form. A third prescribed fluoxetine only for dogs (31 per cent) and 72 per cent of these prescribed the US Food and Drug Administration approved product that was available at that time. The primary use of fluoxetine was related to behaviour problems. Overall for dogs, uses of fluoxetine were organised into five major categories by the investigators: Anxieties, Aggression, Compulsive Disorders, Phobias/Fear and Other, Anxieties being the most common. Of those who prescribed fluoxetine, 12 per cent did so only for cats and the majority of these prescribed generic (58 per cent) and or compounded (42 per cent) forms. Overall for cats, uses of fluoxetine were organised into six major categories: Elimination behaviours, Anxieties, Aggression, Dermatologic/Grooming, Compulsive Disorders and Other, Elimination behaviours being most common. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that practitioners prescribed fluoxetine in generic, proprietary and compounded formulations for a variety of behaviour problems of dogs and cats. The broad use by the respondents suggests how important psychotropic drugs are in veterinary medicine. Research, information and continuing education regarding such drugs and animal behaviour should be made available to the general practitioner.

Distributive veterinary clinical education: a model of clinical-site selection.

The distributive model at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine (WesternU-CVM) utilizes third-party clinical sites rather than a traditional on-campus teaching hospital during years 3 and 4 of the curriculum. All veterinary schools are required by the American Veterinary Medical Association's accreditation standards to ensure that students are exposed to a diverse case load of sufficient number with active participation in the diagnostic work-up and treatment of patients. With one centralized teaching hospital, monitoring this aspect of the student experience is relatively straightforward. The distributive model of clinical veterinary education poses several challenges not encountered in a teaching hospital due to the number of clinical sites involved in delivering the curriculum. This article describes a clinical-site and preceptor selection process and the guidelines currently used to evaluate whether clinical sites and preceptors are suitable for initial inclusion in the program at WesternU-CVM. Outcomes data regarding the number and variety of student case exposures, student involvement in case management, and student evaluations of clinical experience are presented. These data suggest that the recruitment and selection process described here results in diverse and ample case-load exposure opportunities in a distributive model of veterinary education.

Using educational games to engage students in veterinary basic sciences.

Educational games are an example of an active learning teaching technique based on Kolb's learning cycle. We have designed multiple games to provide concrete experiences for social groups of learners in the basic sciences. "Antimicrobial Set" is a card game that illustrates global patterns in antimicrobial therapy. "SHOCK!" is a card game designed to enhance student understanding of the four types of hypersensitivity reactions. After each game is played, students undergo a structured debriefing session with faculty members to further enhance their self-reflective skills. "Foodborne Outbreak Clue" utilizes the famous Parker Brothers® board game as a means to practice skills associated with outbreak investigation and risk assessment. This game is used as a review activity and fun application of epidemiologic concepts. Anecdotal feedback from students suggests that they enjoyed the activities. Games such as these can be easily implemented in large- or small-group settings and can be adapted to other disciplines as needed.

Seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale in 2 Iowa feedlots and its association with morbidity, mortality, production parameters, and carcass traits.

A prospective cohort observational study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma marginale in Iowa feedlots and its association with morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. Blood samples were taken from 659 calves from 31 consigners at processing and classified as seropositive to A. marginale using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) with a 30% cutoff. Health and production parameters were modeled by A. marginale serostatus with mixed model regression analysis. The apparent prevalence of seropositive cattle was 15.17% (100/659). When the cELISA positive cutoff was at 42% inhibition, the apparent prevalence was 5.00% (33/659). There was no significant association between A. marginale serostatus and production parameters; however, seropositive status had a weak positive association with undifferentiated fever (P = 0.17). Although prevalence of anaplasmosis in Iowa feedlots is higher than reported in Montana-sourced calves arriving in Canadian feedlots, this was not associated with increased production costs.

Companion animals as sentinels for public health.

Animal sentinel surveillance is a key component of public health risk assessment. While many species serve as animal sentinels, companion animals have an especially valuable role as sentinels because of their unique place in people's lives, with exposure to similar household and recreational risk factors as those for the people who own them. Dogs and cats can help in early identification of food contamination, infectious disease transmission, environmental contamination, and even bioterrorism or chemical terrorism events. Early detection, leading to early intervention, can minimize the impact of these adverse events on both animal and human health.

Veterinary public health in a problem-based learning curriculum at the Western University of Health Sciences.

As detailed in the Association of Schools of Public Health / Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges 2007 Joint Symposium on Veterinary Public Health, veterinary public health (VPH) can no longer be viewed as a unique sub-specialty of veterinary medicine. Rather, its practice pervades nearly every aspect of the veterinary profession, regardless of whether the practitioner is engaged in small-animal, large-animal, research, corporate, or military practice. In congruence with the practice of VPH, the teaching of VPH should also pervade nearly every aspect of veterinary education. Accordingly, at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine (WU-CVM), public health is not simply taught as an individual course but, rather, is interwoven into almost every aspect of the curriculum, continually emphasizing the relevance of this discipline to the practice of veterinary medicine. This article outlines the teaching philosophy of WU-CVM, provides an overview of the curriculum, and describes the integral nature of public health throughout all four years of the educational program.

Comparison of the complement fixation test and competitive ELISA for serodiagnosis of Anaplasma marginale infection in experimentally infected steers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare sensitivity of a complement fixation (CF) test and competitive ELISA (cELISA) for detection of Anaplasma marginale in experimentally infected steers. ANIMALS: 40 crossbred (Angus-Simmental) steers. PROCEDURES: Steers were inoculated with 2.6 x 10(9) A marginale-infected erythrocytes (day 0). Blood samples were collected on days 9, 13, 20, 28, 34, 41, 61, 96, 126, and 156 days after inoculation. The percentage of parasitized erythrocytes (PPE) was determined by microscopic examination of stained blood films, and sera were evaluated with the CF test and cELISA by use of USDA-approved methods. Sensitivity and agreement (kappa statistic) between the 2 methods were determined. Persistent infections were confirmed by inoculation of blood obtained from infected steers into susceptible, splenectomized calves. RESULTS: 9 days after inoculation, sensitivity of the cELISA was 47.5%, whereas the CF test failed to identify seropositive steers. After day 13, sensitivity of the cELISA and CF test was 100% and 20%, respectively. During peak parasitemia (day 20), sensitivity of the cELISA and CF test was 100%. Thereafter, sensitivity of the CF test fluctuated between 7.5% and 37.5%, whereas sensitivity of the cELISA remained at 100%. Overall sensitivity of the cELISA and CF test was 94.8% and 26.5%, respectively (kappa statistic, 0.039). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The cELISA had superior sensitivity for serologic detection of A marginale. The CF test and cELISA each had a high percentage of false-negative results during the prepatent period. These findings are relevant for export certification and anaplasmosis prevention or eradication programs.

Evidence-based veterinary medicine: evolution, revolution, or repackaging of veterinary practice?

Over time, evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) should integrate with normal clinical practice. Also, clinical knowledge increases with EBVM, reducing the need for information in one area and allowing veterinarians to explore new areas of specialty or cutting-edge advances in the profession. Textbooks, journals, veterinary conferences, and web sites provide nearly unlimited information about EBVM for the practicing veterinarian to help with the transition to EBVM use in daily practice life. EBVM should continue to change and improve how we, as veterinarians, provide the best available care to our clients and patients.

The association between cleaning and disinfection of lairage pens and the prevalence of Salmonella enterica in swine at harvest.

A series of four field trials were conducted to evaluate the ability of a cleaning and disinfection procedure in swine lairage pens to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella enterica in slaughtered pigs. A cleaning and disinfection procedure was applied to lairage pens at a large Midwest abattoir. Each trial consisted of a cleaned (alkaline chloride detergent) and disinfected (H2O2 plus peracetic acid sanitizer) pen (treated) and a control pen, each holding 90 to 95 pigs for 2 to 3 h before slaughter. Ileocecal lymph nodes, cecal contents, and rectal contents were collected from 45 pigs from each study pen at harvest and cultured for S. enterica. In all trials, cleaning and disinfection reduced the prevalence of S. enterica-positive floor swabs in the treated pen (P < 0.05). However, the postharvest prevalence of S. enterica-positive pigs varied between trials. In trial 1, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of S. enterica in pigs between treatment and control groups. In trials 2 and 3, the prevalence of S. enterica was higher in pigs from treated pens versus pigs from control pens (91% versus 40%, P < 0.0001, and 91% versus 24%, P < 0.0001, respectively). In trial 4, the prevalence of S. enterica was lower in pigs from treated pens compared with pigs from control pens (5% versus 42%, P < 0.0001). This study indicates that cleaning and disinfection effectively reduces the amount of culturable S. enterica in lairage pens, but the ability of cleaned and disinfected pens to reduce the prevalence of S. enterica in market-weight pigs remains inconclusive.