DPIRD WorkshopLast week I voluntarily attended a two day workshop at the Department of Primary Indus

DPIRD WorkshopLast week I voluntarily attended a two day workshop at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (aka the agricultural department). Unfortunately for me, the scheduled days alternated with my rostered night shifts at the equine hospital, meaning, aside from the odd power nap, I was awake from 9am on Monday to 9pm on Wednesday! That’s 60 hours of sleep deprivation that I brought on myself!Despite having to physically hold my eyelids apart (because no amount of caffeine can substitute two nights of sleep), the workshop was well worth it. Only five students attended, so the training was interactive and hands on. Field vets, pathologists and other specialists contributed to the course, each imparting a wealth of knowledge and advice. A wide range of topics were covered over the two days, including:What to expect on our first farm visit Necropsies and sampling Disease surveillance and reportable diseases Foot and mouth disease (FMD) Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) Avian necropsies and diseases Utilising the significant disease investigation (SDI) subsidy scheme Welfare Nutrition We also had the opportunity to perform an entire sheep and chicken necropsy, including sample collection, independently. Necropsies are covered quite superficially by the vet course, and I previously had a limited understanding of the procedure. It was the first time I’d completed one by myself, and it was really helpful to receive direct feedback and advice from the experts. I also practiced removing the brain of the sheep with a hatchet and mallet (not to be confused with ‘mullet’). A field necropsy is something I could potentially be asked to do on my first day as a vet, so it’s great that I now have the confidence to ‘take the bull by the horns’, so to speak.I found both days really interesting and beneficial to my first year out in the field! Everyone at the department was friendly and great to work with. It was clear that they were really invested in our education and more than willing to lend a hand or offer advice when needed. -- source link

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