Continuing training and education of graduate veterinarians in animal welfare

摘要

Training, through updating skills as well as gaining new knowledge and skills, allows scientists and technicians to be more efficient in their daily work and contributes to improving the health and welfare of animals and the quality of their products.Since 2004, Uruguay has been conducting training for various actors in the meat production chain, including veterinarians, through Continued Education Program of the Veterinary Faculty (PECFV) and as a 'deliverable' of the World Organisation for AnimalHealth (OIE) Collaborating Centre on Animal Welfare of the Americas.National and international experts participate in the courses. Topics addressed include good livestock management practices at the farm and during transport and slaughter, including an appreciation for the animal's natural behaviour and welfare, and theOIE standards. The objective of the present study was to collect feedback from those who had received such training, including comments on their willingness to continue receiving information and training.A short questionnaire was sent by email to 250 veterinarians listed on the PECFV database as having done at least one animal welfare-related activity. The questionnaire sought information on the number of courses taken, the field of work, the relevance of the information provided and the importance given to the subject. Of the 250 veterinarians surveyed, 112 (45%) answered the questionnaire. The results of the survey are presented in this paper.These results highlight the importance afforded by Uruguay to improving knowledge on animal welfare and the need for the veterinary profession to receive continuing education.