BECOME MORE AWARE OF ILLNESS IN ANIMALS.

• Develop a foundation for further learning about animal health
• Understand how far you can legally go with examining animals for health issues, and at what point you need to call in a veterinary professional.
• Study this course and better understand how veterinary professionals systematically investigate and determine health issues in animals.

Understand how Veterinarians identify Animal Diseases:

Improve your treatment of the animals you work with.

• Understand more about animal health
• Learn to examine animals – recognise problems before they become serious.
• Understand diagnostic procedures used in identifying diseases.
• Improve your business and/or career prospects.
• Taught and written by experts in the field.

It helps for animal owners to understand and be able to recognise diseases conditions that may affect their animals, so that timely intervention can occur.

Course Structure & Content:

How Animal Diseases are Diagnosed

Conducting clinical examinations, gross and clinical pathology, information to collect and how to collect it (live animal and necropsy samples), specialist support services to assist in diagnosis (i.e., types of laboratories, specialist vets etc.).

Diagnostic Testing

Characteristics of viruses and the significance of a range of viral diseases that affect animals. You will study viral taxonomy, types and structure of viruses, virus replication cycle, transmission, and some common viral conditions.

Bacterial and Fungal Diseases

Pathways followed to detect and diagnose different types of diseases, information to be supplied with samples for diagnostic testing, and diagnostic techniques

Viral Diseases

This lesson looks at the characteristics of bacterial and fungal organisms. Topics include: laboratory identification, controlling infections, specimen collection, and important disease conditions.

Parasitological Conditions

Discuss and differentiate a range of conditions that are caused by parasites. Topics include Terminology and classification, life cycles, protozoa, helminths, and arthropods.

Metabolic and Nutritional Conditions

Lesson covers a range of common metabolic conditions affecting cattle, horses, pigs, sheep/goats, cats and dogs

Poisoning

Discuss and differentiate some common disorders that result from poisoning or toxins. These include Cardio-respiratory, Central Nervous System (CNS), dermatological, gastrointestinal, hepatological, and haematological disorders.

Inherited Conditions (Genetic Disorders)

Discuss types of genetic inheritance, and give examples of genetic diseases affecting horses, dogs, and cats.

Other Conditions and Disorders

Identify and discuss miscellaneous conditions such as allergies, dehydration, and age-related conditions.

Research Project

In this project you will evaluate symptoms of ill-health or disease displayed by a set of animals and go through the process of identifying the problem and deciding on a course of treatment.

BECOME MORE AWARE OF ILLNESS IN ANIMALS.

• Develop a foundation for further learning about animal health
• Understand how far you can legally go with examining animals for health issues, and at what point you need to call in a veterinary professional.
• Study this course and better understand how veterinary professionals systematically investigate and determine health issues in animals.

Routine disease investigations are based on clinical, pathological and epidemiological evidence. If there is a need for conclusive identification of a disease or condition, an accurate laboratory diagnosis should be obtained. It is particularly important, especially in the case of infectious diseases that the final diagnosis rests on adequate aetiological evidence. In most cases disease investigations are carried out by qualified government stock inspectors and/or veterinarians. It helps for animal owners to understand and be able to recognise diseases conditions that may affect their animals, so that timely intervention can occur.

A Statement of Attainment in Animal Diseases can be highly beneficial to a wide range of individuals and professionals involved in various aspects of animal care, health, and management. Here are some key groups of people who would benefit from such a certification:

• Veterinarians: Veterinarians are the primary healthcare providers for animals and benefit from an in-depth understanding of animal diseases to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses in a variety of species.
• Veterinary Technicians and Nurses: Veterinary technicians and nurses assist veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals and can enhance their skills and career prospects with knowledge of animal diseases.
• Animal Health Inspectors: Professionals responsible for monitoring and ensuring the health and safety of animals in various industries, including agriculture and food production, benefit from expertise in animal diseases to detect and manage outbreaks.
• Animal Shelter Workers: Individuals working in animal shelters and rescue organizations need to recognize and manage diseases in shelter animals to provide appropriate care and reduce disease transmission.
• Livestock and Farm Managers: Farm managers and livestock owners need to be knowledgeable about animal diseases to maintain the health and productivity of their herds or flocks.
• Wildlife Biologists and Conservationists: Professionals involved in wildlife conservation require an understanding of diseases that can impact wildlife populations and ecosystems.
• Researchers: Scientists conducting research on animal health, diseases, and epidemiology can benefit from a strong foundation in the field of animal diseases to conduct meaningful studies and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
• Public Health Officials: Public health professionals need to be aware of zoonotic diseases (those that can be transmitted between animals and humans) and have the knowledge to manage and prevent potential outbreaks.
• Animal Caregivers: Individuals responsible for the care of companion animals, such as pet owners, pet sitters, and groomers, can benefit from knowledge of common animal diseases to provide better care and recognize when professional veterinary assistance is needed.
• Students and Future Professionals: Aspiring veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal scientists, and others pursuing careers related to animal health and management can use this certification to gain foundational knowledge and enhance their qualifications.

In summary, a Statement of Attainment in Animal Diseases is a valuable credential for anyone working with animals or studying animal health. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, manage, and prevent diseases in animals, promoting the health and well-being of both domestic and wild species while contributing to public health and safety.