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A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Policy, Politics and Law".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2025) | Viewed by 16177

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Dr. Joanna Wojtacka

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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Michała Oczapowskiego 2, Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: veterinary public health; One Health; veterinary profession

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Minimum standards for veterinary programs are set by law and educational requirements at national levels. They are assumed to be of the highest quality and characterized by innovative approaches. Their aim is to harmonize the veterinary education provided to students in order to assure One Health and serve society. However, it is not widely recognized in society that, following graduation, veterinarians start their post-graduate education in the form of life-long learning. Veterinarians become business workers, accountants, communication specialists, mediators, legal experts, etc. Due to the high emotional intelligence that veterinarians tend to possess, they also struggle with high stress levels at work, leading to different forms of conflict and burnout.

I encourage all my veterinarian colleagues and their collaborators to share their experience, knowledge and results of research related to the problems they have encountered at work. Systemic solutions, algorithms, new education methodologies and analyses of trends both in the veterinary professional workplace and in veterinary research will be highly appreciated.

Dr. Joanna Wojtacka
Guest Editor

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Keywords

veterinary education
continuing education
stress
conflict
professional burnout
veterinary expertise
veterinary inspection
food and animal law
animal advocacy

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

37 pages, 1478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Workplace Strategies to Reduce Burnout in Veterinary Nurses and Technicians: A Delphi Study

by Angela J. Chapman, Pauleen C. Bennett and Vanessa I. Rohlf

Animals 2025, 15(9), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091257 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Veterinary nurses and technicians are at risk of burnout, which negatively impacts mental and physical health, turnover, and patient care. Workplace contributors to burnout have been identified in this population, but little is known about best practice management strategies. This study used the Delphi method to explore barriers to addressing burnout and develop expert recommendations for workplace management strategies. Forty participants with a minimum of 5 years’ industry experience in leadership, or wellbeing, were recruited via purposive sampling from the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Participants completed two anonymous, online, mixed-methods surveys between October 2024 and January 2025. Qualitative survey data were analysed using content analysis to identify codes and categorise solutions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Barriers to addressing burnout included industry-wide barriers, such as lack of, or unclear, regulation and lack of leadership knowledge, and clinic-specific barriers, such as poor team culture, unwillingness for change, and existing burnout. Thirty-nine solutions were developed and rated as being highly, or very highly effective. These focused on themes such as improving communication, developing progression pathways, and providing leadership training and support. Existing workplace barriers must be evaluated prior to selecting strategies, to maximise effectiveness in specific contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

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19 pages, 2143 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Gender Equality in Italian Animal Science: A Case Study on Academic Careers and Research Outcomes

by Anna Sandrucci, Lucia Bailoni and Paola Crepaldi

Animals 2025, 15(3), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030390 - 30 Jan 2025

Viewed by 642

Abstract

This paper focuses on gender issues within the Italian Animal Science and Production Association (ASPA), which includes both academic and non-academic researchers involved in animal sciences. Data from the association’s archives in 2023 and bibliometric data obtained from Scopus and Web of Science were used. This study highlighted how within the ASPA and in that part of the academic realm falling within the field of animal science, a noticeable gender gap still exists, albeit decreasing over time at a very slow pace. There is clear vertical segregation, with a minority of women occupying full professor positions, and horizontal segregation with a low percentage of women involved in animal science disciplines closer to STEM fields, such as “Animal breeding and genetics”. At the bibliometric level, gender differences in bibliometric indicators are observed, favouring men, although these differences are not significant when considering the academic position, scientific sector, and age. In the official journal of the ASPA (Italian Journal of Animal Science), women are under-represented in prestigious positions such as first, last, and corresponding authors. Scientific societies, academic institutions, and research organizations are called upon to do their part to accelerate the process of overcoming these inequalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

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20 pages, 7620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scientometric Analysis: An Emerging Tool in Veterinary and Animal Scientific Research

by Georgia A. Vaitsi, Maria V. Bourganou, Daphne T. Lianou, Yiannis Kiouvrekis, Charalambia C. Michael, Dimitris A. Gougoulis and George C. Fthenakis

Animals 2024, 14(21), 3132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14213132 - 31 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1169

Abstract

The present study is an evaluation of published papers in the field of scientometrics–bibliometrics in veterinary or animal studies. The objective was the quantitative evaluation of the scientific content and the bibliometric details of papers that had used scientometrics as a methodological approach to assess various topics within the broad field of veterinary or animal studies. For the search of published papers, the Web of Science database was used; the search string {ALL FIELDS = [scientometric* OR bibliometric*]} AND {ALL FIELDS = [veterinary OR animal*]} was employed. In all, 163 papers were evaluated individually. There was a progressive increase in the number of papers published annually (slope 0.314 ± 0.063) which originated from 58 countries, mostly from the United States of America (n = 24) and 306 organizations. The databases employed most frequently for record search were the Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed (in 105, 60 and 21 papers, respectively); the median timespan of the searches was 25 years (interquartile range (IQR): 31) and the median number of records was 1082.5 (IQR: 4708) (min.: 14, max.: 207,894). The papers were published in 106 journals (Animals (n = 21), Scientometrics (n = 8)), classified into 56 Web of Science categories (‘veterinary sciences’ (n = 26 journals)). Searches related to 88 different topics. There were 517 unique keywords in the papers, among which ‘bibliometric(s)’ (n = 45) occurred most often. The median number of co-authors per paper was 4 (IQR: 3) (min.: 1, max.: 17), with a total of 689 individual authors. Most papers (n = 110 (67.5%)) were published under open access. The median number of citations received per paper was 4 (IQR: 9) (max.: 68) and the h-index was 21. In multivariable analysis, the higher number of cited references in papers and the inclusion of specific animal species in the record search emerged as significant for the number of citations received per paper yearly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

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14 pages, 2827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of 3D Scans on Veterinary Students’ Learning Outcomes Compared to Traditional 2D Images in Anatomy Classes

by Rebecca Schirone, Giuliano Mario Corte, Jan P. Ehlers, Christina Herre, Maximiliane Schmedding, Roswitha Merle, Joëlle Pachtmann and Mahtab Bahramsoltani

Animals 2024, 14(15), 2171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152171 - 25 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1338

Abstract

Students often struggle with interpreting traditional textbook images and translating them to anatomical structures. This study aimed to compare the impact of 3D scans versus 2D images on students’ learning outcomes when learning anatomical structures on skulls from horses and pigs. Furthermore, the correlation between spatial ability and learning outcomes using 3D scans or 2D images was examined. Second-year veterinary medicine students either used 3D scans or 2D images, annotated with arrows or numbers as learning material. Students’ anatomical knowledge was tested before and after the learning session, and spatial ability was assessed using the mental rotation test. All groups improved significantly in the post-test. However, the differences between groups were not significant, suggesting that 3D scans do not necessarily lead to higher learning outcomes. The analysis of the correlation between spatial ability and learning outcomes did not prove that students with weaker spatial ability benefit from 3D scans. Students preferred 3D scans over 2D images despite similar outcomes, suggesting they are valuable for learning. However, results show that the introduction of novel learning materials likely amplified the impact of reduced learning time on the 3D group, as these materials necessitated additional time for effective comprehension and integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

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15 pages, 743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Survey on Psychosocial Conditions of Official Veterinarians in Germany: Comparison with Other Professions and Differences between Age Groups, Gender, and Workplace Characteristics

by Katharina Charlotte Jensen and Roswitha Merle

Animals 2024, 14(13), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131975 - 3 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1296

Abstract

Background: Even though the mental health of veterinarians has raised concerns, little is known about the wellbeing of official veterinarians ensuring animal welfare, food safety, and control of infectious diseases and performing other tasks for veterinary public health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial conditions of official German veterinarians and to compare them with those of other employees. Methods: An online survey was conducted including 82 items of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III) and additional questions on workplace and demographics. Results: The answers of 838 respondents were analyzed, representing 26% of the target population. The average values for the dimensions Quantitative Demands, Emotional Demands, and Burnout Symptoms were substantially higher than those for German employees in other professions. Official veterinarians mainly working in animal welfare frequently experienced physical violence (6.7%) or threats of violence (53%). However, the profession also provides advantages: official veterinarians reported higher average values concerning the dimensions Control over Working Time and Influence at Work than other employees. Most participants stated that they experienced their work as meaningful, and the Job Insecurity dimension was low. Conclusions: Official veterinarians frequently experience offensive behavior and high-level demands. Therefore, measures to support and protect official veterinarians are needed. The positive aspects of this job should be emphasized to recruit and retain veterinarians in this field of the profession. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

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18 pages, 5072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Role of Veterinarians for Outcomes Related to the Health and Production of Dairy Small Ruminants in Greece

by Daphne T. Lianou and George C. Fthenakis

Animals 2023, 13(21), 3371; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213371 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1369

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential benefits of veterinarians in improving the health and welfare of dairy sheep and goats by studying the associations of management practices employed in the farms with production- or health-related outcomes in sheep and goat farms in Greece. This work explored associations with ‘professional relationship with a veterinarian’ at 444 small ruminant dairy farms in an investigation performed around Greece, where 106 variables, related to infrastructure, animals, production outcomes, health management, health problems and human resources, were assessed. In 384 (86.5%) farms, a professional relationship with a veterinarian was maintained. The median value of visits made annually by veterinarians to these farms was five. In farms with a professional relationship with a veterinarian, significant differences were found in 24 variables (35.8%) related to management practices and 6 (30.0%) production- or health-related outcomes. In multivariable analysis, the following emerged with a significant association: epg counts in faecal samples (p = 0.014), average annual milk production per ewe/doe (p = 0.015), somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk (p = 0.037), and annual incidence of clinical mastitis (p = 0.044). Moreover, associations of the characteristics of veterinarians emerged with somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk: the gender (p < 0.0001) and the age (p = 0.004) of the veterinarians. The results attest that the application of veterinary advice and clinical services in sheep and goat dairy farms contributes to the improved health, production and welfare of animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

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13 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethical Concerns of the Veterinarian in Relation to Experimental Animals and In Vivo Research

by Łukasz Kiraga and Andrzej Dzikowski

Animals 2023, 13(15), 2476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152476 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3930

Abstract

Animal experiments, despite their controversial nature, play an indispensable role in scientific advancement and led to numerous significant discoveries. The supervision of veterinarians in the realm of in vivo research holds immense importance. However, this particular aspect of veterinary medicine, distinct from their other activities, can pose ethical challenges. Veterinarians are entrusted with the prevention of diseases, healing, and pain elimination, yet in the case of animal experiments, they witness intentional suffering and death. This article evaluates the ethical and professional deontological aspects of this issue. It explores the historical evolution of human–animal (including experimental) relationships and discusses how deontology stems from the definition of ethics. The article also examines codes of ethics for veterinarians, providing illustrative examples. It highlights that the actions of veterinarians in this domain align with their deontology and emphasises the role of veterinarians in in vivo research as viewed within current legal frameworks. In conclusion, the veterinarian’s participation in animal research is both ethically and deontologically justified, and it is also a legal requirement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

8 pages, 1034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Comparative Psychology in the Training of Veterinarians

by Brooke A. Boughton and Charles I. Abramson

Animals 2023, 13(14), 2315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142315 - 14 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1801

Abstract

This article highlights some of the advantages that comparative psychology offers the veterinary student and veterinary education generally. Comparative psychology is the oldest of the social sciences and, as such, has accumulated over three centuries of experience in such areas as research design, animal–human interactions, and animal behavior. To establish whether comparative psychology is taught in veterinary schools, we survey all course catalogs of U.S. veterinary schools. None of the schools surveyed offered a course in comparative psychology, and inconsistencies were noted among the schools in regard to courses in animal–human interaction, animal behavior, and ethics. Suggestions are provided on how to incorporate principles of comparative psychology in veterinary education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

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16 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Veterinary Expert: Legal Nature and Responsibility

by Andrzej Dzikowski

Animals 2023, 13(13), 2163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132163 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1865

Abstract

Veterinary professional practice can be performed in many forms, including expert activity. The importance of veterinary expertise is, however, often underrated and limited to only one of its areas. Nonetheless, veterinary expert opinions have significant social, legal, and economic impacts. This study investigates veterinary expertise from an interdisciplinary, comparative perspective. Ethical and legal analysis and interpretation are performed. Essential concepts and relevant aspects of veterinary expertise are analysed. Legally relevant factors of an expert opinion are identified. The relationship between the law, the language, and the understanding of the role and duties of a veterinary proficient is demonstrated. A variety of possible expert opinions and the multiplicity of veterinary scopes of such activity is presented. It is argued that the ranges of forensic veterinary medicine and of veterinary expertise are broader than is predominantly assumed. Veterinary forensic medicine is a crucial part of veterinary specialisation. Ethical and legal basics, and the scope of veterinary expert’s liability, are revealed and discussed. The conclusion is that the duties and responsibilities of expert veterinarians are particularly great due to the exercise of the public trust profession, with large importance for the whole society. Their observance is, however, crucial to ensure the highest quality of expert opinions issued by veterinarians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

10 pages, 234 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Training in Honey Bee Veterinary Medicine in Italy: An Observational Study and Practical Proposals to Face Professional Challenges

by Carlo D’Ascenzi, Karen Power, Paola Maiolino and Michele Mortarino

Animals 2023, 13(11), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13111795 - 29 May 2023

Viewed by 1703

Abstract

Honey bees, like other livestock, may be affected by infectious, parasitic, and abiotic diseases that need proper sanitary monitoring and control. Currently, there are limited opportunities for undergraduate students to receive education in Honey Bee Veterinary Medicine (HBVM) as part of their regular degree program, despite the professional requirements for veterinarians to carry out the increasing tasks related to honey bee health and production. Additionally, postgraduate training and specialization in HBVM is also underdeveloped. This study was an observational survey that evaluated the educational opportunities available in HBVM for current and future veterinarians in Italy. The survey analyzed both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Undergraduate Degree Programs in Veterinary Medicine (UDPVM), “Scuole di Specializzazione”, Masters, and other postgraduate courses. The results indicate that the current training available for veterinarians in the field of apiculture, both before and after graduation, is also insufficient in Italy, as already reported in other EU- and extra-EU countries. Finally, a roadmap for veterinary training in HBVM is developed here describing objectives and teachings aimed at fulfilling the needs of the profession in the field of beekeeping, considering the existing rules and regulations governing public health and possible evolution of this legal framework in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Problems of Veterinary Education, Science and Profession)

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