Expert Animal Health Speakers visit Agricultural Colleges
Animal Health and Welfare has long been an important part of the Teagasc student curriculum. This October, Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are conducting a tour of colleges with expert speakers
There will be a focus on areas such as Tuberculosis (TB), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Lameness and Anti-Parasitic Resistance (APR).
A team of experts from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will focus on TB and AMR, and Teagasc Dairy and Drystock Specialist teams will focus on lameness and APR. The first event was held this week on the 5th October in Clonakilty Agricultural College. Each of the six Agricultural Colleges will in turn host an event from the 5th to the 20th October.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D said; “I am delighted to be afforded the opportunity to engage directly with the farmers of the future, on such crucial issues as TB and AMR. We look forward to future collaborations as part of our ongoing engagement and collaboration with Teagasc in providing advice about TB biosecurity and in relation to addressing the One Health issue of AMR.”
Dr Anne-Marie Butler, Head of Education in Teagasc said; “Teagasc are delighted to welcome these subject knowledge experts in to our colleges to talk to our students on these important animal health areas. The presenters involved are at the very top of their field, and experts nationally. It is great for our students and our teaching staff to engage with these experts and discuss key challenges and solutions in these important areas of animal health. The events are also a valuable opportunity for networking between staff and subject matter experts for future collaboration.”
Karen O’Connell, Assistant Principal at the Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College said; “While our staff have a depth of knowledge on the topics of TB, AMR, Lameness and APR, it is always a huge benefit for all in our college to engage with national experts to further develop awareness of key points and recent developments in these areas. Students attending on the day were from our fulltime and part-time Teagasc courses and the Munster Technological University. Participants will take those key messages from the event and incorporate them into their studies, and their own farm situations. Thank you to all presenters involved on behalf of staff and students”.