Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Pascual Hernandez, 325-387-3101, p-hernandez@tamu.edu
SAN ANGELO – Applications are now being accepted for the West Texas Youth Veterinary Science Workshop, slated for June 2-6 at the Tom Green County 4-H Center in San Angelo.
The camp-style workshop is open to all Texas youth, but because enrollment is limited to 30 students, early registration is advised, said organizers. The workshop is conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Sutton, Tom Green, Coke, Navarro and Potter counties.
“This is our 11th year to conduct this camp and it just seems to get better and more popular each time,” said Pascual Hernandez, AgriLife Extension agent in Sutton County. “Veterinary science is one of those fields where interest remains strong, though the demographics seem to be changing. About 70 percent of our participants are now girls, and that mirrors what is happening in veterinary school enrollment across the country.”
Hernandez said the program is meant to introduce high school students to careers in veterinary science and related fields.
“We really want them to get a taste of the veterinary science field, but our goal is not to persuade anyone toward veterinary medicine, but rather to clarify career interests and their chosen field of study after attending our workshop. Related careers might include zoology, animal nutrition, biologics or one of the pharmaceutical professions.”
Instructors will include veterinarians, university and Texas A&M AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension faculty, and other professionals, according to Hernandez.
Course topics will include zoology, toxicology, parasitology, anatomy, nutrition, anatomy, first aid, livestock health management, large and small animal practice, and horse science. The workshop will include classroom study, lab work and field trips.
Hernandez said participants must be of high school age, have an interest in veterinary science and be willing to work in teams. He said adult project leaders also may apply, but must pass a background check before participating.
Applications and instructions are available from any AgriLife Extension office or by visiting http://sutton.agrilife.org . Send applications to the AgriLife Extension office in Sutton County by May 10. Participants will be informed of their acceptance into the program by May 17.
Individual registration is $360 due by May 22.
For more information, call the AgriLife Extension office in Sutton County at 325-387-3101.
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