US Army vets return to study at SRUC

 _{Vets from the US Army got hands-on experience with cattle}

US Army vets have been learning about livestock farming and the veterinary sector in the UK during a training course at SRUC.

Around 20 veterinarians and animal care specialists from US Army Public Health Command Europe, who are based in Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the UK, visited SRUC’s Hill and Mountain Research Centre, near Crianlarich, and Crichton Royal Farm and the Barony campus, near Dumfries, to gain large animal handling experience.

The three-day course, which was delivered by SRUC as part of the veterinary teams’ continuing professional development (CPD), included the theory of livestock handling and flight zones as well as a practical introduction to handling systems and working safely with livestock.

It also covered examination of livestock, safe medicines use, routine hoof care, as well as sessions on entomology, microscopy and parasitology.

The final day focused on calf rearing and handling, grassland management and milking.

The University of Wyoming facilitated the initial connection through one of its former students – and a US Army officer, who was interested in organising CPD training in Europe following a similar week at Wyoming.

Mary Thomson, Vice Principal of Skills and Lifelong Learning at SRUC, said: “This CPD course offered US Army veterinary and technical staff an introduction to UK livestock farming and veterinary sector in a Scottish context with related overlap to European production systems.

“Course attendees had an opportunity to refresh their practical livestock skills and receive an update on farming systems including undertaking training at SRUC's Hill and Mountain Research Centre and dairy facilities.

“The diverse programme also included opportunities to update knowledge and understanding in livestock health and production systems, use new technology and refresh laboratory and surveillance skills.”

Major Craig Calkins, US Army veterinarian and Public Health Activity - Italy Deputy Commander, said: “Working collaboratively with universities, such as SRUC and the University of Wyoming, allows our soldiers the opportunity to learn from subject matter experts outside of the normal scope of Army operations.

“The combination of expertise from Europe and the United States ensures real world training at a volume that sustains muscle memory of critical tasks.

“The partnership with academia provides a primer opportunity for soldiers to address the most relevant challenges currently reflecting readiness.”

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Posted by SRUC on 01/09/2023