AVC students Hanna Hone, Colleen Griffin, and Melanie Stuart participated in the 17th annual Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging/Assessment Contest at Iowa State University in November 2017.

As a team, the students assessed a group of finisher pigs on the university’s teaching farm, and as individuals, they evaluated the welfare of contrasting scenarios for each of farmed fish, meat rabbits, and racing greyhounds.

“The contest was an incredible opportunity to engage and develop our analytical skills in regards to animal welfare assessments,” said the students.

The competition challenged their critical thinking, communication, and public-speaking proficiencies and gave them a chance to interact with other students from across North America who share the same passion for animals and their welfare.

“It was a challenge for sure and has identified areas where we can improve, but we are proud of the work we accomplished. We walked away with a vastly improved knowledge of animal welfare and current developments in the field as well as amazing experience in developing in-depth opinions on welfare.”

They thanked their supervisor Dr. Michael Cockram, Chair of Animal Welfare at AVC; their student mentor Jolene Vermeulen; and specialist coaches Drs. Jonathan Spears and Larry Hammell, of AVC, and Dr. Jennifer Brown, Prairie Swine Centre, for their guidance and assistance in preparing for the contest. Funding for their trip to Iowa State came from the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at AVC, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare.

The following media release was issued by the PEI BioAlliance:

Organizers of the 8th International Symposium on Aquatic Animal Health have opened the conference registration and put out a call seeking abstract submissions for oral and poster presentations. The 2018 symposium marks the thirtieth anniversary of the ISAAH, which will be held September 2 – 6, 2018 in Prince Edward Island, Canada.  The ISAAH meets every four years and typically attracts 300–400 fish health professionals from around the world. This will be only the second time the Conference has been hosted in Canada; the inaugural conference took place in Vancouver in 1988.

Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing sector for animal food production. And Atlantic Canadian companies  are  a prime resource in the evolution, growth and research into innovative solutions to challenges facing the global aquaculture industry. There are more than 30 organizations involved in aquaculture research and development throughout Atlantic Canada and several companies and the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island are helping to lead the way.

Delegates attending ISAAH 2018 will be have the opportunity to join other aquatic health professionals from around the world for scientific workshops, business meetings, keynote and research  presentations. The theme of this year’s  symposium is “Integrating Biotechnology in the Advancement of Aquatic Animal Health”.

Early Bird registration rates are available now, and, as there are limited spaces for registered delegates to attend the pre-conference scientific workshops, organizers encourage participants to sign up as soon as possible.

ISAAH 2018 is being hosted by the Fish Health Section of the American Fisheries Society, the Atlantic Veterinary College, and the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Rachel Colle and Darcy Ashley, the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for January 29–February 4!

Rachel Colle is a third-year forward on the UPEI Women’s Hockey team and a Bachelor of Business Administration student from Toronto, Ontario. The Panthers won back-to-back games over the weekend, defeating St. Thomas University 2–1 and Mount Allison 4–1. “Rachel had a very strong weekend for us. She scored the shootout winner against STU on Friday night and a goal and assist in our victory over Mount A,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “Rachel logged a ton of time in both games, especially during the STU game, playing a regular shift and on both the power play and penalty kill.”

Darcy Ashley is a fourth-year forward on the UPEI Men’s Hockey team and a Bachelor of Business Administration student from Brooklyn, PEI. The Panthers split a pair of games over the weekend, beating Acadia University 6–3 and losing to Saint Mary’s University 9–1. “Darcy’s playing strong hockey for us,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “He scored two goals in our Acadia win Friday night. He wears his heart on his sleeve and competes every night. Even in Saturday’s loss to Saint Mary’s, he was competing every shift.”

And don’t forget! UPEI students get into all Panther home games for free. Let’s fill the stands and make this the best season ever!

The International Society for Applied Ethology’s (ISAE) 2018 International Congress will take place at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island, from July 30 to August 3.

The 700-member ISAE is the leading scientific society for the study of the behaviour and welfare of confined or domesticated animals, including companion, farm, zoo, and managed wild animals. This will be only the second time that the congress will be held in Canada and only the fifth time in North America. Registration is now open at isae2018.com/registration/

Since the conference is being held at AVC, it will bring together ethological and veterinary research under the theme, “Ethology for health and welfare,” with a specific session on veterinary aspects of ethology and welfare.

“Both disciplines conduct research to improve animal welfare and have much to gain by increased communication and discussion,” says Dr. Michael Cockram, Chair of Animal Welfare at AVC and chair of the local organizing committee.

The ISAE was formed in 1966 as the Society for Veterinary Ethology when questions were raised about whether the increased productivity of some farming systems restricted the ability of the animals to express their normal behaviour.

Over the last 50 plus years, the ISAE has facilitated a major expansion of diverse research on applied ethology and has contributed to an increased understanding of animal welfare. This research has had a major impact by influencing important changes in livestock production systems and practices to better meet the behavioural and welfare requirements of the animals.

Research on behavioural motivation has increased understanding of the causation of normal and “abnormal” behaviour. Studies on the cognitive abilities and on the feelings and emotions in farm, laboratory, and companion animals have been central in achieving an increased understanding of animal welfare. Studies can show what animals prefer, what they will work to obtain, what they will avoid, and what behavioural and physiological signs are associated with different situations considered to be negative or positive. A current research topic is how to recognise positive emotional states in animals; this will be addressed at the conference under the theme, “play behaviour.”

The conference will also explore a key issue, the boundary between science and ethics that has to be crossed when ethology is applied to animal welfare. It is in the interpretation of the behavioural responses, studied using rigorous scientific methods, where the knowledge of species-specific biology, human analogy on how humans respond in similar situations, and empathy towards animals has to be integrated to reach ethical judgments on animal welfare.

“Applied ethology has affected change in many areas of animal welfare,” says Dr. Cockram. “Examples include designing housing for chickens that provides more space and meets behavioural needs (nest box for egg laying, dust bath, and perch); increased use of environmental enrichment for confined livestock, laboratory, and zoo animals that has reduced repetitive abnormal behaviours; and changes in veal calf and swine production to provide more space, group housing, and improved diet.”

Members of the ISAE provide scientific expertise on committees and working groups that make recommendations on legislation, codes of practice, and guidelines designed to improve animal welfare. For example, they contribute to the National Farm Animal Care Council’s Codes of Practice by participating in the review of the scientific literature on key animal welfare issues.
 

The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College invites veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary and AHT students to participate in its 2018 AVC Winter Webinars  with Karen L. Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, DACVB. All veterinarians and veterinary technicians will earn one hour of continuing education (CE) per webinar.

Dr. Overall, author of the texts Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals and Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour: Clinical Applications and Research, will provide key practical information about preventing behaviour problems, which will benefit veterinary professionals, clients, and, above all, patients.

• Tuesday, February 27, 4:30–5:30 pm Atlantic Time (AT): Behavioural and neurodevelopment in kittens: What you have to know to give them the best start and minimize risk.
• Tuesday, March 6, 4:30–5:30 pm AT: Behavioural and neurodevelopment in puppies: What you have to know to give them the best start and minimize risk.
• Tuesday, March13, 4:30–5:30 pm AT: Emergent data in behavioural medicine: 20 findings that will change the way you think and practice.

Registration: $30 each or $75 for 3. There is no charge for veterinary or AHT students.

Registration information is at awc.upei.ca/. Please note the webinars will be live at 4:30–5:30 p.m. AT, but registrants may also view the webinars at their convenience via a link they will receive by email after the event has taken place.

The following is released by the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College.

The University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College have formalized a degree pathway for graduates of the Holland College Sport and Leisure Management program. Students will study two years at Holland College and two years at UPEI, earning a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

“This is an exciting new way for the province’s post-secondary schools to provide a unique learning experience,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, president and vice-chancellor of UPEI. “Providing a Kinesiology degree pathway for Sport and Leisure Management graduates allows them to expand their career options in exciting directions, including teaching and research. It’s a perfect partnership with limitless opportunities for students.”

“We are very pleased to strengthen the relationship between our two institutions with the formalization of this pathway,” said Michael O’Grady, vice president of innovation, enterprise and strategic development at Holland College. “It gives our graduates another option to complete their education in Prince Edward Island.”

UPEI’s Department of Applied Human Sciences will accept the Sport and Leisure Management diploma courses as transfer credits of up to 60 credit hours to enter the Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) in the third year. Diploma graduates will be required to have a minimum of 70 per cent average to be admitted, and must complete at least 20 courses (60 credit hours) at UPEI to earn their degree.

“A graduate who demonstrates excellent practical skills and solid academic grounding will be very successful in the workplace,” said Wyatt Inman, instructor of Sport and Leisure Management at Holland College.

“Agreements such as this give Island students more options to complete their post-secondary education,” said Dr. Kathy Gottschall-Pass, interim dean of Science at UPEI.

“This agreement with UPEI is ideal for me. It allows me to stay on the Island to further my education and to maintain relationships and connections I’ve already made in the industry,” said Christopher Williams, who graduated from the Sport and Leisure Management program in the spring of 2017 and entered the Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) program at UPEI the following fall. “The agreement provides Island students, and all students who come to the Island, with an opportunity to stay on PEI for the remainder of their schooling, which will hopefully encourage them to stay here beyond graduation.”

UPEI and Holland College have partnered on a number of transfer and articulation agreements to provide degree pathways to graduates of specific college programs. For more information, see the complete list at UPEI’s Programs and Courses site.

The Sport and Leisure Management program at Holland College has three areas of specialization in the sport, leisure, and recreation industry. For more information about the program, visit hollandcollege.com, email info@hollandcollege.com, or call 1-800-446-5265.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Come to the Atlantic Veterinary College this summer for an interactive, fun, and engaging venture into the world of veterinary medicine! At the College’s annual Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp, you will learn about animals, meet others who share your love of animals, and participate in fun, educational activities. You’ll get a taste of what being a veterinarian is really like! Junior camps (grades 7–9) are scheduled for July 9–13 and July 16–20; senior camps (grades 10–12) take place from July 23–27 and July 30–August 3.

For more information and to apply, visit upei.ca/avc/camp, or call 902-566-0589. Deadline for applications is Friday, March 9, 2018.

The UPEI Men’s Hockey team digs in at home this weekend for the last two regular home games of the season. Friday evening at 7:00 pm, the Panthers host the Dalhousie Tigers in MacLauchlan Arena. Saturday evening, the action shifts to Charlottetown’s Eastlink Centre as the Panthers play St. Francis Xavier University. Both games begin at 7:00 pm.

The AUS play-offs begin early next week, so coach Forbes MacPherson says a good showing in these two games is crucial.

“It is important for our group to get back on track, and finish with a strong final weekend,” said MacPherson. “We are playing for positions in the standings, while focusing on the process. Play-offs will start less than a week, and we need to be performing at our highest level.”

Friday evening before the game, the Panthers will celebrate their graduating seniors. The team will salute Marcus Power, Brent Andrews, Darcy Ashley, Ryan MacKinnon, Matt Mahalak, and Connor Wilkinson. Friday evening is also Subway Night. Panther fans who buy a sandwich and a drink at any Charlottetown area Subway restaurants between now and game time will be eligible for a free ticket to the game.

Saturday’s game against St. FX is part of Hockey Day in PEI. Pop by the game early for a free skate with the Panthers and Charlottetown Islanders. Please bring your helmet. The game will feature a rubber puck toss promotion to raise funds for the Easter Seals PEI campaign. Tickets will also go on sale Saturday for the AUS Men’s Hockey Play-offs. Tickets can be purchased through the Eastlink Centre box office.

Go Panthers Go!

Researchers from UPEI’s Climate Research Lab are travelling across Prince Edward Island over the next month to speak with communities about sea-level rise.

Dr. Adam Fenech, director of the lab, and his team will make presentations to increase understanding and awareness about the impacts of sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. They will also discuss tools for adaptation and coastal planning. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions and to discuss what sea-level rise means for them.

The events are open to the public and will run for approximately two hours. Refreshments will be provided. There is no charge to attend. The winter presentations include:

• Friday, February 16, 4:00 pm–6:00 pm: John J. Sark Memorial School, Lennox Island
• Tuesday, February 20 6:30 pm–8:30 pm: The Eagle Nest, North Rustico
• Thursday, February 22, 6:30 pm–8:30 pm: Fire Hall, Tyne Valley
• Tuesday, March 6, 1:30 pm–3:00 pm: Eastern Kings Community Centre, Bothwell

Please RSVP by emailing climate@upei.ca or calling 902-894-2852.

A second set of four presentations will be scheduled this summer.

These workshops are part of the national Educating Coastal Communities About Sea-level Rise (ECoAS) project, which is supported by financial contributions from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the UPEI Climate Research Lab, the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, and the Ecology Action Centre. For more information about the project, please visit sealevelrise.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Jenna Pellerin and Kameron Kielly, the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for February 5–11!

Jenna Pellerin is a second-year forward on the UPEI Women’s Hockey team and a Bachelor of Science student from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Panthers finished the regular season strong over the weekend, defeating Dalhousie University 5–2. “Jenna scored two goals, leading us to our win over Dal,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “One was a shorthanded goal, which was the turning point in the game. Jenna played a strong game on both ends of the rink, skated well, and battled through a very physical game.”

Kameron Kielly is a first-year forward on the UPEI Men’s Hockey team and a Bachelor of Business Administration student from Charlottetown. The Panthers had an outstanding weekend at home, ending the regular season with wins over Dalhousie and St. Francis Xavier University. Kielly scored three goals and made three assists, finishing his rookie season with a remarkable 42 points. “Kam had a real good weekend,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “He can be very dangerous offensively. Kam was able to take advantage of opportunities and performed extremely well for us.”

Playoff tickets are available for purchase at the Eastlink Centre and MacLauchlan Arena Box Offices.

Go Panthers Go!