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Meaningful shift towards best practices on animal comfort and welfare are essential for Veterinary practice; Says KVASU Registrar

                       Meaningful shift towards best practices on animal comfort and welfare are essential for Veterinary practice; Says Dr.Joseph Mathew, Registrar, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. Registrar made this remark while inaugurating the International workshop on ‘Developing and Promoting Best Practices for High Welfare within Veterinary Clinics in India’ is being organized at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, on 24th of November, 2014. This workshop was organized in collaboration with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK. Professor Natalie Waran and her team from Edinburgh will be working with the Veterinary colleagues from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University to address the need of skill development for Veterinarians in the area of welfare based companion animal Veterinary care and evidence based animal pain management.It has become increasingly emphasized that international standards of animal welfare are vital not only for animal disease management, but also sustainable productivity, food safety and public health and there is an expectation that the Veterinary profession take lead role in promoting respect for animals in a progressive society.
                     A recent development in the field of animal welfare sciences is the recognition that animals are sensitive and have the ability to feel things that are both favourable and unfavourable for them. Their emotional health is central to their well being and for good welfare; Scientists agreed that there should be absence of strong negative feelings such as pain, stress and fear and the presence of positive feelings like pleasure. Professor Natalie Waran from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh says ‘this recognition of animal emotions marks a significant change in the ways science has traditionally views animals – and has led to raised international standards for welfare, increased demand for research addressing the needs of all animals and a need for improved education for future as well as existing veterinarians’
                  Dr.T.P. Sethumadhavan, Director of Entrepreneurship, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University during his presidential address emphasized that the main aim of this workshop was intended to sensitize Indian veterinarians, technicians and veterinary students towards animal emotions, suffering and pain as against the current concepts of overlooking these three aspects while treating an ailing animal. Moreover, they are expected to throw some light on latest trends and principles of veterinary nursing and care, incorporating these values and educate us accordingly. Moreover it is expected that some of the techniques will be demonstrated and hands-on experience will be provided to our students so that they learn few techniques along with a take home message. Dean, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Dr.K.Vijayakumar, Director, International Co-operation Dr.K.P.Sreekumar, Director of the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal welfare education of The Royal9Dick) School of Veterinary Studies of University of Edinburgh offered felicitations. Director, Academics and Research Dr.K.Devada welcomed the delegates and Co-ordinator Dr.Syam K Venugopal expressed vote of thanks. Dr.Heather Bacon, Dr.Dave Smith, Dr.Hayley Walters and professor Natalied Waran presented papers on different aspects of best practice for animal welfare and skill development. Around 50 researchers, students and faculty members from KVASU participated in the workshop.