4-H youth last week learned about veterinary science during the two-day 2011 4-H Vet Science Course – Exploring Animal Disease.

The program kicked off Wednesday, July 27. Led by Dr. Terri MacKenzie, a veterinarian at the Midvale Veterinary Clinic, and CCEFM 4-H educator Bonnie Peck, day one of the program focused on viruses and bacteria. Participants visited a small animal vet and learned about parasites as well as disease as it relates to nutrition, stress, poisons and heredity. On day two participants explored the same topics as they related to large animals. The 4-Hers had the opportunity to tour a large dairy farm and a commercial sheep farm.

Dr. MacKenzie was the 2009-10 Agnes B. Waner Memorial Award winner for outstanding 4-H leadership in Montgomery County.

This past year, the 4-H Veterinary Science Program became more hands-on with more activities in the farm and animal hospital settings. Dr. MacKenzie’s time and dedication helped make this format change possible.

Dr. MacKenzie’s goal is to make the vet science program a week-long tour that covers both the Normal Animal and Animal Disease units in one year. CCEFM hopes to offer such a program to local 4-Hers in the near future.

caption: Dr. Terri MacKenzie leads a discussion before 4-H teens head out in the field during the 2011 4-H Vet Science Course.