Formal Presentations Monday Abstracts
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When we all speak the same welfare language: Building a culture of animal welfare across individuals, organisations and communities Elly Neumann Benjamin Fainsod The Animal Behavior Community Full Abstract
Animal welfare, behaviour, training and enrichment whilst part of the everyday vocabulary of modern zoos is a concept that in some countries is still working towards being developed and understood. Whilst we know that many modern zoos have staff that are skilled and knowledgeable in animal welfare and behaviour science, this is not always the case when it comes to all countries and facilities in the animal care industry. Israel is a country made up of diverse people with different backgrounds, languages, religions and cultural beliefs. Whilst there are a number of larger zoos in the country, petting zoos and smaller facilities make up the largest part of the captive animal community. Utilising the knowledge and skills that we have gained from working in the zoo industry-The Animal Behaviour Community embarked on a challenge to change the animal welfare culture of not only individuals and organisations, but of the whole country. Working together with various stakeholders including zookeepers, petting zoo owners, National parks authorities an international students, the goal was to start to change the animal welfare knowledge and culture from the ground up. The collaborative efforts with the various stakeholders included targeted interventions, educational initiatives and various outreach programs so as to reshape the current cultural norms to where animal welfare and behaviour was at the forefront of animal care. This paper will examine various case studies from diverse areas and people where such initiatives have been implemented, highlighting the successes, challenges and key lessons learned in the process. |
A Primate “Study-Buddy” Colony -
It’s Tricky, Tricky! The Challenges and Triumphs of the Behavioral Management Program for a Fluctuating Group of Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fasicularis) Heidi Moomaw Charles River Laboratories Full Abstract
Managing a colony of primates comes with many challenges and requires a well-developed behavior management plan to meet all of their advanced species-specific needs. Our study buddy program is a unique colony of healthy primates that do not meet the criteria to participate in a research study. These animals provide invaluable socialization opportunities for on-study primates that might normally be excluded from socialization. We will discuss how an animal is qualified to be part of this colony, why a study-buddy animal would be required on a particular study, how an individual animal is selected to go “on duty” and some of the different strategies used to manage the colony. Maintaining a group of up to 11 cynomolgus macaques in an environment that experiences frequent animal switches and member demographic variability has presented some behavioral management challenges. Management plans have been developed to help keep this colony healthy including novel social introduction strategies, a diverse enrichment program, and a positive reinforcement training plan. Developing a study-buddy program is a great example of how Charles River Laboratories – Reno is finding innovative ways of prioritizing the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) principle and animal welfare. |
The case of Puff:
An evidence-based approach to monitoring behavior changes and well being Jose Bello Disney's Animal Science and Environment Full Abstract
Evidence-based practice is the integration of the best available scientific evidence, animal care expertise, team goals and animal needs into behavior management decisions. When evidence-based practice is integrated into a culture, challenges and barriers to optimal animal care and guest experiences are reduced. Here we will share a case study of how we used evidence-based practice with one of our aquarium husbandry teams who sought to better understand, and ultimately mitigate, undesirable behavior in a puffer fish. We will share insights into both the technical tools used to understand and change animal behavior and the culture building approaches used to change team behavior and mindsets. |
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Putting the Care in Cooperative:
Treating Patients at a Veterinary Behavior Practice Alexx Bigham The Behavior Clinic, LLC Full Abstract
The trope of dogs being frightened to go to the veterinarian exists across all media and unfortunately holds true for many of our domestic companions. Fear free practices are being implemented in more and more clinics, but what happens when that isn’t enough? This paper will explore two patients treated by the veterinary behaviorists at The Behavior Clinic, LLC who have been prescribed behavior modification therapy specifically for medical care. Each of these patients have individual diagnoses, experiences, and medical needs which requires individual treatment plans unique to their care. By focusing on cooperative care training our staff is able to provide agency and clear communication with our patients while simultaneously administering best medical practices. The use of counter-conditioning, desensitization, and operant conditioning (using both positive and negative reinforcement) have enabled our patients to receive optimal care. Within our clinic and within their general practice clinics, these patients as well as others, have been successful in receiving exams, sedations, blood draws, and vaccines, which have historically been anything but stress-free. As the shift in our culture has fostered a dialogue between caregivers and their companion animals that encourages the human-animal bond we are able to further advance companion animal welfare both in their homes and in clinic settings. In this paper, I will outline the details of The Behavior Clinic’s medical care training therapy protocols, the challenges and successes of inter-clinic care, as well as provide case details on two very different patients and the outcomes of their therapy. |