UMaine VDL Hosts 2019 FFA Vet Science Event

The UMaine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory had the pleasure of hosting the 2019 Future Farmers of America Veterinary Science Event on May 16th. The event included workshops provided by the UMA-Bangor Veterinary Technology Program. Students spent the afternoon participating in workshops relating to veterinary science and agriculture.

Some parasites like fleas and ticks are commonly known and easy to spot. Brenda Kennedy Wade from the VDL, UMaine Zoology student Kayla Whittaker and Patty Glidden from UMA-Bangor introduced the students to parasites that are not visible to the naked eye. With the help of teaching microscopes from UMaine’s Witter Farm, the students were able to view and identify various internal parasites.

The students were each able to learn and practice CPR on specialized feline and canine models provided by Allison Simpson from UMA-Bangor.

Dr. Robert Causey DVM PhD MRCVS and Chair, School of Food and Agriculture, presented information on poultry anatomy and Coliform salpingitis, a very common disease in poultry. He also shared his extensive knowledge of equine reproduction by discussing the normal progression of labor for a mare along with signs that would indicate a problem.

For more information on the Future Farmers of America visit the FFA website.