Food safety and responsible education: a dedicated concept at the Veterinary Nurse School at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna.

The relationship between humans and animals has changed in a distinctive way over the last decade. Therefore, today's veterinary technicians, nurses and animal care takers have to face completely new duties and challenges. Through their professional handling they share the responsibility of keeping the animals healthy and adequately treated. It evidences that this profession is irremissible for the food safety and further the whole supply chain itself. Students of the Veterinary Nurse School at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna are educated to be able to meet these requirements through detailed, specific and modern schooling and training. The educational concept of the School puts on top of the acquisition of technical competencies special emphasis on ecological awareness, ethical responsibility, animal protection and welfare as well as on the special 'Human-Animal Bond'. This is realized by cross-referencing all teaching contents - either for general education or specific information - with the relevant principles of 'Ethics for Animals' and the 'Human-Animal Bond. This concept aims to enhance the role of veterinary technicians, nurses and animal care takers with regards to food safety and animal welfare. Aware of developments in politics and food production they can critically identify chances and threats and serve as experts who give animals a voice.

Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien