The
University of Edinburgh has been working with the Chinese Veterinary Medical
Association (CVMA) since 2013 when we signed a unique agreement enabling both parties to
collaborate on innovative veterinary research and educational programmes. The agreement - the first
between the CVMA and a UK university – also aimed to promote and strengthen the
role of the vet in China, particularly in the area of animal welfare.
Since 2013 this agreement has been
supported by a range of innovative veterinary educational initiatives including
the delivery of a Massive Open-access Online Course, with video tutorials
subtitled in mandarin, and co-organising the animal welfare education stream at
the annual China Veterinary Conference – delivering animal welfare CPD directly
to Chinese veterinary practitioners.
Continuing this body of work, last week
we were delighted to host the Deans and senior Professors from China’s three
top Veterinary schools: China Agricultural University, Nanjing
Agricultural University, and the Inner Mongolia University, plus colleagues
from the CVMA at a workshop on “International Veterinary Education and Animal
Welfare”, here at the Royal (Dick) school of Veterinary studies. The Deans
interacted with a range of clinical, research and academic staff, and focussed
on the ways in which robust research, teaching and practice of good animal
welfare supports excellence in veterinary education. Of particular interest was
the investment the R(D)SVS has made in promoting the use of non-animal alternatives
in the veterinary curriculum, and the Chinese delegation were particularly
interested in this practical approach to promoting good animal welfare whilst
also supporting an excellent learning environment.
The trip, funded by World Animal Protection, also allowed the
delegation to visit the Royal Veterinary College in London, and to meet with
John Blackwell, President of the British Veterinary Association, to discuss the
role of the vet in safeguarding animal health and welfare, both nationally and
internationally.
Animal Welfare is of increasing importance within the Chinese
veterinary curriculum, having recently been incorporated into the final
undergraduate veterinary examinations, but is often still poorly understood as
a robust, and evidence-based subject. The use of live animals in teaching is
widespread across Chinese Universities, and such practices may undermine
theoretical welfare teaching, as well as decreasing student empathy for
animals.
Collaborations such as this one are important in promoting animal
welfare as a rational and science-based subject, essential for global trade and
food security. In addition the positive relationships, educational workshops
and teaching exchanges developed by the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for
Animal Welfare Education, at the University of Edinburgh, are helping to
support the integration of practical and welfare-friendly alternatives into the
Chinese veterinary curriculum, as well as championing the role of the
veterinarian as an international ambassador for good animal welfare.
