Description of Elective Experience:
Type of Experience:
- NACSP- 1 week camelid veterinary practice course offerred 1st and 3rd weeks of June each year
- NPP- 2 weeks working in international veterinary medicine in the southern Peruvian Andes with alpaca and llama farmers- offerred in early July and late November each year
Description of Experience:
- NACSP- intensive 1 week camelid practice courses with hands on training and lectures; handling, physical examinations, nutrition, practical reproduction, reproductive problem solving, ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis, semen collection and evaluation, infectious diseases, vaccinations, GI parasite diagnosis and control
- Nunoa Project Peru- 2 weeks working with Dr. Purdy as part of a 7 person international team in the southern Peruvian Andes (10,000 to 15,000 ft.) with Alpaca and llama farmers: performance of ultrasound pregnancy examinations, treatment of skin disease, evaluation of breeding females and males, responding to problems of Peruvian alpaca and llama farmers, field necropsies, GI parasite diagnosis, neonatal examinations. Opportunity for sightseeing before or after the work.
Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.:
NACSP and NPP- multiple ultrasound machines used, physical examinations, extensive notes on camelid topics
Dr. Purdy has 24 years' experience as camelid practitioner
Nunoa Project has been working in Peru with alpaca and llama farmers for 10 years. See the website at www.nunoaproject.org for an overview of the work and reviews provided by past volunteers.
Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?:
- NACSP courses- 8 AM-5 PM for 6 days. Hands on work supplemented by lectures. Requires active participation in examinations, animal treatments, and problem solving. Working directly with Dr. Purdy.
- Nunoa Project Peru- 10 days work with alpaca and llama farmers at high altitude in the Peruvian Andes. Usually 630 AM to 6 PM. Travel to farms by 4 WD truck and hiking up mountains. Challenging physically. Experience the challenges and benefits of working in international agriculture. A life changing experience!
Student Housing (include costs, amenities, pet friendly, contact info if different from elective contact info):
- NACSP courses- students share local hotel rooms at their expense- recommendations available. Local travel provided. Meals not covered.
- Nunoa Project Peru- good hostel housing available for the entire team in Peruvian Departments of Cusco and Puno is arranged by NPP. Bus and truck transportation is arranged by NPP. Participants arrange their own flights.
Supervisor:
Dr. Steve Purdy
Website:
www.nunoaproject.org
Contact email:
Address:
150 Fearing Street
Amherst, MA 01002
United StatesSpecialties:
Animal Type:
Practice or Institution Type:
Is student housing available?:
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week:
NACSP- 54 hrs in 6 days; NPP- 110 hrs in 10 days