New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, NY

Veterinary Student Elective Description: Ensuring Livestock Health and Movement Compliance at Youth Livestock Exposition and Erie County Fair

Overview: Veterinary Student Elective is focused on regulatory medicine and livestock health management at the Youth Livestock Exposition and Erie County Fair in New York. This two-week program offers hands-on experience in ensuring the health and welfare of over 3000 animals participating in the event. As a key member of our team,  the student will gain practical insights into animal movement regulations, disease control measures, and the administration of the New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program (NYSCHAP).

Objectives:

1. Understand the regulatory framework governing intrastate and interstate movement of livestock in New York.
2. Learn to conduct health inspections, enforce biosecurity protocols, and ensure compliance with animal health regulations at large-scale events.
3. Gain practical experience in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and emergency management in livestock populations.
4. Acquire knowledge and skills related to the implementation and coordination of the NYSCHAP.
5. Develop communication and teamwork abilities by collaborating with veterinarians, exhibitors, event organizers, and other stakeholders.

Activities:

• Orientation: Introduction to the event, its scope, and your role as a veterinary student intern.
• Regulatory Overview: Comprehensive review of intrastate and interstate animal movement regulations in New York.
• Biosecurity Training: Hands-on sessions on biosecurity measures, disease prevention strategies, and emergency protocols.
• Facility Familiarization: Tour of the exposition grounds and Erie County Fair facilities to understand layout and logistical aspects.
• Collaborative Planning: Meetings with event organizers, exhibitors, and other veterinary professionals to discuss health management strategies and contingency plans.

• Livestock Health Monitoring: Conducting daily health checks, observing animal behavior, and identifying signs of illness or distress.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assisting in the verification of animal health certificates, vaccination records, and identification tags for intrastate and interstate movement.
• Disease Surveillance: Participating in surveillance activities, conducting physical exams on animals entering the grounds, as well as educating the public on biosecurity
• Emergency Response: Responding to health emergencies, coordinating with veterinary teams, and implementing containment measures in case of disease outbreaks.
• NYSCHAP Coordination: Shadowing the coordinator in administering the program, conducting herd health assessments, and providing support to participating producers.

Outcome: By the end of this elective, the student will have gained valuable experience in regulatory veterinary medicine, livestock health management, and emergency response strategies. They will also have gained a thorough understanding of the New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program and its role in promoting animal health and biosecurity. This immersive learning opportunity will prepare the student for a career in veterinary public health, regulatory medicine, or large-animal practice with a focus on livestock management and disease control.

Institutional and Educational Resources Available to the Veterinary Student:

1. Veterinary Clinic and State Laboratory Facility: The veterinary student will have access to a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities. The clinic is staffed by experienced veterinarians and support staff who provide comprehensive medical care for the animals participating in the Youth Livestock Exposition and Erie County Fair. Students will have the opportunity to observe and assist in clinical procedures, surgical interventions, and emergency treatments under the guidance of licensed professionals.
2. Veterinary Mobile Service Trucks: In addition to the on-site clinic, veterinary mobile service trucks are available to provide outreach and support services throughout the exposition grounds and fair facilities. These trucks are fully equipped with medical supplies, diagnostic equipment, and treatment capabilities, allowing veterinary teams to promptly respond to health emergencies, conduct health checks, and deliver veterinary care directly to animals housed in various barns and exhibition areas. The student will accompany veterinarians on mobile rounds, gaining hands-on experience in field medicine and emergency response.
3. Agricultural Discovery Center: The Agricultural Discovery Center, spanning 23,000 square feet, serves as a hub for educational activities and interactive exhibits highlighting various aspects of agriculture and animal husbandry. Within the center, there is a dedicated dairy cow birthing ward where visitors can witness the miracle of birth and learn about dairy cow management practices. The student will have access to educational materials, workshops, and demonstrations hosted at the Discovery Center, enhancing their understanding of livestock production, health, and welfare.
4. Livestock Barns and Equine Barns: The exposition grounds feature nine spacious livestock barns and seven equine barns housing a diverse array of animals including cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, and more. These barns are equipped with modern facilities and amenities to ensure the comfort and well-being of the animals. The student will have the opportunity to work closely with exhibitors, caretakers, and veterinary teams in these barns, participating in animal husbandry tasks, health assessments, and biosecurity measures. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of livestock management practices and enhance their practical skills in caring for diverse species.

Conclusion: With access to these institutional and educational resources, the veterinary student participating in the elective will receive comprehensive training and practical experience in regulatory medicine, livestock health management, and emergency response. These facilities and resources provide a rich learning environment where students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, develop clinical skills, and gain insights into the complexities of ensuring animal welfare and public health in agricultural settings.

The Student will work with State Veterinarians and the Veterinary Coordinator for the Erie County Agricultural Society, as well as a private clinic to accomplish the following:

• Regulatory Overview: Comprehensive review of intrastate and interstate animal movement regulations in New York.
• Biosecurity Training: Hands-on sessions on biosecurity measures, disease prevention strategies, and emergency protocols.
• Facility Familiarization: Tour of the exposition grounds and Erie County Fair facilities to understand layout and logistical aspects.
• Collaborative Planning: Meetings with event organizers, exhibitors, and other veterinary professionals to discuss health management strategies and contingency plans.

• Livestock Health Monitoring: Conducting daily health checks, observing animal behavior, and identifying signs of illness or distress.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assisting in the verification of animal health certificates, vaccination records, and identification tags for intrastate and interstate movement.
• Disease Surveillance: Participating in surveillance activities, conducting physical exams on animals entering the grounds, as well as educating the public on biosecurity
• Emergency Response: Responding to health emergencies, coordinating with veterinary teams, and implementing containment measures in case of disease outbreaks.
• NYSCHAP Coordination: Shadowing the coordinator in administering the program, conducting herd health assessments, and providing support to participating producers.

Student housing will be provided. Contact information for the Veterinary Coordinator is below:

Tara Woyton. Ed.S, MS, LVT, CVT

1928 Center Street 

East Aurora, NY 14052

716-983-5761

5600 McKinley Pkwy
Hamburg, NY 14075
United States