University hosts animal welfare workshop
Deans from three key veterinary schools in China recently visited Edinburgh for a three-day workshop on animal welfare in education.
Delegates were senior colleagues from the China Agricultural University in Beijing, Nanjing Agricultural University and the Inner Mongolia Veterinary School.
They were shown specialist facilities at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies - including 3D printers that create animal models. These help students to develop their skills whist learning about anatomy.
In addition, the Chinese delegates observed how the use of models replaces the need for animals when teaching clinical skills such as suturing, needle placement and intubation.
During their visit they also toured the university's veterinary clinics, farms and the Roslin Institute.
The event was hosted by the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education.
According to its director, Professor Natalie Waran: "The role of veterinarians is gaining importance in China in the face of greater urbanisation, increasing demand for food, growing companion animal ownership and the emergence of zoonotic transboundary diseases."
The centre is working with its colleagues in China to "embed animal welfare teaching as an integral component of training future vets," she added, stressing that this is the foundation for effective, quality veterinary care.
In 2013, the University of Edinburgh signed an agreement with the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association. It pledged to collaborate on innovative veterinary research and education programmes.
Experts from the Royal Dick vet school are due to visit China in November to reciprocate the exchange.
Image courtesy of the University of Edinburgh
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
