Students are given the chance to observe and assist with office and field activities. Office work can involve discussions about import/export, epidemiology and emergency preparedness and response. Field work may include visits to livestock auctions, slaughter facilities, or various animal agriculture related businesses. Students may have the opportunity to attend meetings with representatives from various livestock commodity groups and other state and federal agencies.
Students are expected to provide their own transportation to the Pickerington, Ohio office when they are shadowing at the office. Also, to get the best experience from the field activities, students will need to provide their own transportation to meet our field staff. The field work may require a driving time of 1-2 hours one-way for 3-4 days per week.
A schedule of activities will be developed by the student's mentor. When the schedule is given to the student, the student will be responsible for contacting each veterinary medical officer or animal health technician to arrange a meeting time and place for the day's activities.
The student should provide coveralls and disinfectable boots for field activities. Some knowledge of livestock behavior is expected.
Confidentiality is expected of any knowledge gained from exposure to any farm, business, or laboratory that is discussed or observed with any Veterinary Services activities.
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