Friday, August 20, 2010

Temporary Vivariums - Cost Effective Solution for Animal Research

Temporary vivariums are easily portable. This single feature allows them to be of great use to animal science. They can be shifted to different locations with great ease without having to compromise about safety concerns. Besides, a temporary vivarium requires less time to be constructed. The finished product can take approximately six months, which is an efficient solution over the grueling permanent lab structures.

Temporary vivariums are customizable giving the opportunity to design the structure as per the requirements of the animal research laboratory. Because of their easy construction and deployment, animal lab vivariums have gained popularity among the animal science sector. As mentioned before, this prefabricated structure is designed keeping it in accordance to the specific requirements in a particular laboratory.

Although temporary, the vivariums do not compromise on any of the safety protocol associated with a standard functioning laboratory. Be it the hygienic conditions or the security issues pertaining to bio-contaminants, a typical temporary vivarium is capable of providing standard and high-quality solutions for research labs.

Temporary vivariums have a unique tendency to maintain equilibrium between the overheads as well as animal research. A prefabricated vivarium can be efficiently used for all animal species. They are perfectly modeled to accommodate animals of the like dairy and farm animals, swine, as well as the lab rats. Taking only a few months to assemble the individual parts, they have high durability while also requiring less effort for dismantling, thereby saving cost figures associated with the standard permanent labs.

TEMPORARY VIVARIUM FACILITY

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Vet Tech Schools - The Growing Need For Veterinary Technicians

Between 2006 and 2016, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment rate for veterinary technicians will grow as much as 41%, increasing the number of jobs from 71,100 to 100,000 during this 10-year time period. This is considered a great number as it is reflects a growth rate much faster than the average. This information is good news, especially to motivated individuals who are seriously considering a career as veterinary technologists or vet techs. Excellent job opportunities await prospective veterinary technologists as the demand for this occupation is least likely to be affected by the recent global economic recession. Animals, whether domesticated or not, are in need of continuous medical care in spite of the economic slump.

The demand for vet techs is directly attributed to the rapid advancement in veterinary medicine. Pet owners and animal caretakers expect nothing but the best veterinary care using the most advanced and sophisticated techniques. This is evident by the huge amount of money spent by Americans on their pets. In 2007, it is estimated that $41.2 billion was spent on animal care and management with 24.5%, or $10.1 billion, allocated solely to veterinary care. It is believed that the cost of pet ownership is expected to increase in the coming years.

In response to the growing need for veterinary technologists, the number of vet tech schools offering degree programs has increased over the past few years. In April of 2008, 14 vet tech programs have applied for accreditation by the AVMA. In the first quarter of 2009, there are 154 vet tech programs accredited by the AVMA in the United States. Around 18 vet tech schools offer 4-year baccalaureate degrees. Recently, the number of AVMA-accredited distance learning veterinary technician programs has increased to 9.

For every vet tech graduate, it is estimated that six to eight jobs are available. In addition to the strong demand for vet techs, a career in this field can be a rewarding experience with wide-ranging opportunities. Veterinary technology is an occupation with an increasing number of specialized areas. Most vet techs work in clinic or hospital settings. They can choose to specialize in one type of clinical procedure, such as anesthesia and surgery, dentistry, diagnostic imaging and animal laboratory tests and animal training. For those who want to work and get involved in animal welfare, employment in animal shelters can be fulfilling. Veterinary technologists could also work in high containment BSL 3 facilities and assist in the implementation of various biomedical research and clinical courses. Some can work as herd health and livestock managers in ranches and farms; others might want to work in zoo or wildlife medicine that mainly deals with exotic and non-domesticated animals. Veterinary technologists can also find a satisfying career in teaching, military service, industrial animal health, diagnostic laboratory, and veterinary pharmaceutical sales. In May 2007, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics gave a mean wage estimate for veterinary technologists of $27,970.

Choosing and building a career around veterinary technology should not be entirely based on the occupation's promise and stability as challenges and risks are involved, as well. One should consider their genuine interest in encouraging and protecting animals' health and welfare.

To learn more about [http://www.vettechprograms.net/vet-tech-schools.html]vet tech schools and veterinary technician programs visit [http://www.vettechprograms.net/]http://www.vettechprograms.net.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Vet-Tech-Schools---The-Growing-Need-For-Veterinary-Technicians&id=3925801] Vet Tech Schools - The Growing Need For Veterinary Technicians

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Correspondence Courses in Animal Care

Correspondence courses in animal care allow students to get the best opportunities in animal care, without spending time in traditional college classes. Today a lot of students approach correspondence courses in animal science. Advanced technologies have presented many chances in distance education and these have positive effects in the field of animal care too.

One can attend a correspondence course while attending to other jobs. Here you access classes through the Internet and telecourses. The telecourses come with video taped lectures and lessons and that can be seen on display devices. This enables students to complete their assignments and forward them to an instructor for feedback.

Nowadays, many colleges and universities offer correspondence programs in animal science. These courses are ideal for a career in veterinarian's practice, horse farm, animal hospital, pet store, wildlife or livestock program, ranch and zoo. In some cases, there are no educational or experience prerequisites to enroll for courses. Apart from short term courses, colleges offer three-year correspondence courses in animal science. The curriculum includes workshops on handling and sexing animals, animal restraint, blood sampling and fecal examination for parasites, and other surgical techniques. The courses are conducted on a semester basis, and each year has two semesters. A written exam is included at the end of each semester and a final exam is held after completion of three years of study. The college sends all the study materials and provides assistance from qualified instructors. The practical is carried out in real-world situations. Seminars on animal care are included for researchers. All these courses are approved by government agencies, and certificates are awarded on the successful completion of courses.

Correspondence courses in animal care are open to anyone aged 18 or above. If you are selecting a correspondence course related to the study of small animals, there are a number of mandatory lessons to be followed. Introduction to laboratory animals, animals used in research, management of laboratory animals, life cycle information, principles of animal health, diseases and control of diseases, as well as the handling, behavior, housing and nutrition information of animals are included.

In short, correspondence courses in animal care are good vocational training and ensure a rewarding career in animal service. [http://www.WetPluto.com/Army-Correspondence-Courses.html]Correspondence Courses provides detailed information on Correspondence Courses, Army Correspondence Courses, Bible Correspondence Courses, College Correspondence Courses and more. Correspondence Courses is affiliated with [http://www.e-DistanceLearningPrograms.com]Graduate Distance Learning Programs.

ANIMAL LABORATORY

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Correspondence-Courses-in-Animal-Care&id=354543] Correspondence Courses in Animal Care

Monday, April 19, 2010

Animal Testing

There is much controversy over the use of animals for research. The practice is known as animal experimentation, animal research or in vivo testing is conducted worldwide. Over 100 million animals are used annually for this research.

The research is conducted at universities, medical schools, pharmaceutical companies, farms, defense industries and commercial facilities. The purpose is the study of genetics, developmental biology, behavioural patterns, tissue and organ transplantation and drug testing.

The practice of animal testing dates back to the Greeks. Before applying surgical procedures to humans, animals were used to verify the method. Louis Pasteur induced anthrax in sheep proving his germ theory. Ivan Pavlov used dogs to demonstrate classical conditioning. Insulin was isolated in dogs. Antibiotics and a vaccine for leprosy was developed in armadillos. In 1996, Dolly the Sheep was the first mammal to be cloned.

Drug testing using animals became a significant part of the drug development process. To avoid new drugs from coming on the market and causing bad reactions, Congress passed a law in 1937 requiring the new drug to be tested on animals first.

The fruit fly and the nematode worm are the most used invertebrate. Although they can be studied in large numbers, they lack an adaptive immune system which limited their use. Rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and rabbits can provide a better basis for human comparison in drug and genetic testing. Cats are used in neurological testing. Dogs are use in cardiology, endocrinology and bone and joint studies. Monkeys are used in drug testing, AIDS, neurology, behavior and tissue and organ transplantation.

The animals are supplied by Class A breeders licensed to sell them for research purposes. Licensed Class B breeders can sell them from random sources i.e. shelters, auctions. Four states require shelters to sell them for research and fourteen states prohibit this practice.

The debate is over how much pain and suffering an animal is exposed to and how cruel is the practice. In some cases, the pain is momentary, some cases anesthesia is used and others there is no pain relief. If it suffers intensely, it may be euthanized before regaining consciousness.

The current position by most countries is that animal testing is desirable to gain medical knowledge if the suffering and use is minimal. The testing must benefit human beings in saving lives. Minority groups argue that animals have rights and testing is in violation of these rights. Most countries have adapted the three Rs principle: used non-animal methods when possible, obtain information from fewer animals or more information from the same number of animals and minimize pain and suffering.

Frank Loethen lives with his wife and three cats, Sunny, Sinclair and Midnite, in Georgia. If you enjoyed this article, please visit my cat products website, [http://www.purrfectcatproducts.com]http://www.purrfectcatproducts.com, your one stop site for all your cat and kitten needs. Cat food, cat toys, litter accessories and cat treats are among the many items on the site. You can also see my three cats on the site.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Animal-Testing&id=3855083] Animal Testing