This elective offers candidates an introduction into the governmental role in animal health. There will be opportunities for both field work and adminstrative work. The candidate will work directly with the RI State Veterinarian and will have ample opportunity for discussion about the application of state and federal statutes and regulations as tools to ensure public health, animal health, public safety, and animal welfare. Field work may consist of surveillance disease testing of livestock, investigating animal welfare complaints, tracing animal importations, and interactions with livestock producers on a number of animal health and welfare issues.
The entire Division of Agriculture/Animal Health staff consists of 4 people. One administrative support person, one animal health technician, the deputy state veterinarian and the state veterinarian. The equipment and supplies necessary to perform the Division's mandated role are basic diagnostic equipment necessary to diagnose diseases of concern.
This elective offers fairly flexible hours. The state workweek is Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.. The bulk of the work will generally take place during those hours. However, there may be opportunity for emergency response or field work that occurs outside of those hours. The candidate should be available for the normal workweek and may substitute or supplement with additional time at the discretion of the student if opportunity arises for emergency response or field work.