University of Calgary Veterinary School Transforms Cattle Industry Through Education and Collaboration
The University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) provides students with hands-on learning opportunities while offering crucial support to local farmers and ranchers. This symbiotic relationship has become a cornerstone of Alberta's agricultural sector, particularly in the wake of past challenges.
Building Trust After the BSE Crisis
Dr. Karin Orsel, a bovine veterinary epidemiologist and professor at UCVM, emphasizes that trust forms the foundation of this collaboration. She recalls the devastating impact of the 2003 bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis, commonly known as mad cow disease, which triggered international bans on Canadian beef and crippled the industry overnight.
"Within a second, your cattle operations or your beef practice is worth nothing," says Orsel. "Your producers have no way of moving any animals across borders."
She notes that the industry has recovered significantly over the past two decades, largely due to the education and research initiatives spearheaded by UCVM. The crisis exposed critical gaps in large-animal veterinary expertise, prompting the school to launch in 2005 with a focus on integrated clinical training through partnerships with private practices.
Applied Learning and Industry Partnerships
One transformative development was the donation of W.A. Ranches by J.C. (Jack) Anderson and his daughter Wynne Chisholm, creating a unique working ranch environment for teaching, research, and community engagement. As Alberta's sole veterinary school, UCVM has become an essential resource for disease control, diagnostics, and rapid response protocols.
"We have recurring events that people start to pull together and say, 'It's a different disease but we're dealing with the same kind of thing,'" explains Orsel. "We're dealing with controlling a disease that goes beyond the individual farm, and we know how to respond."
This approach has shifted industry responses from reactive to proactive, with systems now in place to involve stakeholders quickly and mitigate risks effectively.
Producer Engagement and Technological Evolution
Dr. Michael Jelinski, managing partner with Veterinary Agri-Health Services, underscores the importance of producer buy-in. "BSE was devastating, particularly in Alberta because of our large cattle population," he states. "People became very aware of the impact of foreign animal disease and the drastic effect it can have on trade."
Jelinski highlights that UCVM has become integral to the cattle industry, addressing everything from technological advancements like biosensors and GPS tracking to sustainable agriculture practices. The school remains at the forefront of innovation, guiding producers on implementing new tools within their operations.
Orsel expresses enthusiasm about the industry's willingness to adapt. "What excites me the most is the willingness of the industry to change," she says. "I see a lot of people who understand their responsibility in creating sustainable agriculture, which they are already amazing role models in when it comes to their stewardship of animals and the land."
Expanding Impact and Addressing Mental Health
To meet growing demands for veterinary expertise, UCVM has doubled its annual undergraduate intake from 50 to 100 students. The curriculum now includes professional skills training, with a particular focus on mental health support for those working in agriculture's high-pressure environments.
"On one hand, the producer is your client, and you often have a very good and personal relationship with that client," Orsel notes. "However, you're also the police. You're also the person who might have to share bad news that impacts the lives of animals and humans."
Jelinski appreciates UCVM's commitment to solving industry challenges, from workforce development to diagnostic tools. "The biggest question I always get from UCVM is, 'What do your clients want us to help solve?'" he remarks. "It's gratifying that they come to us and ask, then work at finding solutions."
Approximately 71 percent of UCVM graduates remain in Alberta, with many returning to rural communities to serve mixed-animal practices. "They can see a cow in the morning, a horse in the afternoon and maybe your dog in the evening," Orsel observes, highlighting the diverse career paths available in veterinary medicine.
Through continued collaboration between academia and agriculture, UCVM ensures that both students and producers can thrive in an evolving industry, creating sustainable practices for future generations.
