Training in animal handling for veterinary students at Charles Sturt University, Australia

Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia, is responding to a national need for veterinarians with the skills and attributes to fulfill roles in rural practice and the large-animal industries. Rural practitioners must competently and confidently handle a range of large animals if they are to build a relationship of mutual trust with clients and deliver effective animal-health services. Training in animal handling begins in the first year of the course with highly structured small-group practical classes involving cattle, horses, sheep, dogs, cats, pigs, poultry, and laboratory animals (rats and mice). Other experiences with animals in the first three years build on basic animal-handling skills while performing other veterinary activities. Students who provide documented evidence of prior animal-handling experiences are admitted, and learning and teaching strategies aim to enhance skills and knowledge. Rigorous examinations use a competency-based approach prior to extramural placements on farms and in veterinary practices. A continuing process of evaluation, review, and refinement will ensure continual improvement and graduate veterinarians with strong skills in animal handling.     

动物疾病诊断专家系统的知识获取和知识表示方法

动物疾病诊断专家系统是利用疾病诊断专家的知识来解决动物疾病诊断问题的计算机系统,其核心是知识库和推理机。开发高效的动物疾病诊断专家系统的核心是建立高质量的知     

Self-reported hand hygiene perceptions and barriers among companion animal veterinary clinic personnel in Ontario,Canada

The objective of this study was to describe the perceived importance of and barriers to hand hygiene among companion animal clinic staff. An anonymous, voluntary written questionnaire was completed by 356 of approximately 578 individuals (62%) from 49/51 clinics. On a scale of 1 (not important) to 7 (very important), the percentage of respondents who rated hand hygiene as a 5 or higher was at least 82% in all clinical scenarios queried. The most frequently reported reason for not performing hand hygiene was forgetting to do so (40%, 141/353). Specific discussion of hand hygiene practices at work was recalled by 32% (114/354) of respondents. Although veterinary staff seem to recognize the importance of hand hygiene, it should be emphasized more during staff training. Other barriers including time constraints and skin irritation should also be addressed, possibly through increased access to and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.     

基于数据库的动物疾病诊断专家知识库设计及实现

根据动物疾病诊断知识的特点和系统的要求,设计了基于数据库的专家知识库和相关数据库,并在奶牛疾病诊断专家系统开发中根据所设计的知识库结构和运行模式对其进行了具体实现,结果表明：这种基于数据库的专家知识库能完全体现动物疾病诊断专家知识的特点,实现了系统的各种功能,适合开发动物疾病诊断专家系统的要求.     

Epidemiology of animal diseases in Africa: approach strategies and role of veterinary laboratories

Study of the epidemiology of animal diseases in Africa should only be envisaged when the veterinary diagnosis laboratories and the cattle development structures in the field are fully operational. Veterinary epidemiology may be approached using all usual laboratory techniques. In spite of some limitations described by the author, current diagnosis, intervention in outbreaks, retrospective and prospective surveys all contribute to the knowledge of animal disease epidemiology. In fact, considering the difficulties met in Africa, it seems advisable to combine a mixed approach to maximise the use of field visits. The author concludes that until new techniques allow a decentralised diagnosis, the African veterinary laboratories must play a determinant part in the study of the epidemiology of animal diseases; furthermore current diagnosis, sanitary surveillance and epidemiological surveys have now become almost inseparable.     

Occupational health and safety in small animal veterinary practice: Part I--nonparasitic zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic diseases are an ever-present concern in small animal veterinary practice and are often overlooked. A variety of nonparasitic zoonotic diseases may be encountered in small animal practice, including cat scratch disease (bartonellosis), cat bite abscesses, rabies, leptospirosis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, salmonellosis, avian chlamydiosis, campylobacteriosis, dermatophytosis, and blastomycosis. These may cause human disease ranging from mild and self-limiting to fatal. The risk of development of a zoonotic disease can be lessened by early recognition of infected animals, proper animal handling, basic biosecurity precautions, and, most importantly, personal hygiene.