AVS Student Takes 4th in International Competition

A Cal Poly Pomona pre-veterinary student took fourth place in an international competition that involved assessing animal welfare.

Mia Herrera competed in the undergraduate senior division of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Welfare Assessment Contest.

The virtual contest, which was held April 20-21, featured students from across North and South Americas.

Participants were given computerized scenarios that involved pet goldfish and cattle in mobile and small slaughter facilities. The students were required to practice their assessment skills and present their findings to expert scientists and veterinarians in a logical and persuasive manner.

The event was created to provide instruction in ethical reasoning, encourage objective assessment of animal welfare on the basis of scientific theory and data, promote critical thinking and improve communication skills.

Herrera finished fourth behind a trio of students from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

She was one of eight undergraduate students from Cal Poly Pomona who participated in the event. Assistant Professor Essam Abdelfattah in the Department of Animal & Veterinary Sciences was their coach/advisor.