Study shows that veterinarians play a role in backyard poultry safety
Study authors suggest a new model of practice might be envisioned for urban and peri-urban poultry and livestock clientele to ensure the health and welfare of their animals, and to safeguard public health
My Vet Candy
Sept 17, 2020
Excerpt:
A Western Regional team of collaborators, including UC Davis researchers, conducted a survey of veterinary practitioners to better assess their engagement with owners of these animals. They received responses from 880 veterinarians in California, Colorado, Washington and Oregon. Most respondents reported working in companion animal only or companion animal predominant practices. Although most of the veterinarians perceived an increase in backyard poultry and livestock in their practice areas, few were actively treating such animals primarily because of a lack of facilities, interest or experience.
Their findings, published in the July 15th issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, indicate an increasing demand for veterinary services for poultry and livestock in peri-urban areas, and a need for ongoing continuing education of practitioners, as well as the animal owners.
“This segment of agriculture has been largely overlooked by the veterinary community in North America,” said Dr. Alda Pires, University of California cooperative extension specialist in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and co-principal investigator in the study. “Due to the potential for public health issues and the spread of zoonotic disease, veterinary professionals need increased training and better awareness of the health and welfare of these animals.”
