Large animal training for US Army Veterinary Services soldiers in Europe: an experiential and collaborative approach

U.S. Army veterinary services delivers public health services for companion animals and livestock yet continuously needs to train soldiers to optimize skills and veterinary readiness. We designed an experiential and collaborative large animal (sheep, cattle, horse) training program in the United Kingdom for Public Health Activity–Italy soldiers (from England, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Türkiye). This training targeted specific tasks and incorporated environmental influences, animal handling, and livestock disorders and assessments. Eight veterinarians (64F/A) and 24 animal care specialists (technicians) (68T) participated and completed pre-/postevaluations. An independent sample t test with a nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine if changes in knowledge, skills, and abilities occurred. For livestock behavior and handling questions, technicians always reported significant positive changes and veterinarians for 50% of questions. For examination and treatment questions, technicians always reported significant positive changes and veterinarians for 80% of questions. For environment, nutrition, and body condition questions, technicians always reported significant positive changes and veterinarians for 75% of questions. For internal and external parasite questions, technicians and veterinarians always reported significant positive changes. The magnitude of change was always two times greater for technicians. Fourteen participants stated that hands-on portions were most useful (61%). Future training needs to include blood collection and analysis, injections, trimming hooves, zoonotic diseases, necropsy, and feed and slaughter inspection.