‘A placement at a dedicated poultry practice was a turning point for me’

Isabella Aimee Hannay 2

I am currently completing the masters of avian medicine (MAM) degree at the University of Georgia (UGA), in the USA. This postgraduate degree is specifically for vets who want to work in the poultry industry. I found the programme by chance while I was still at vet school; however, initially I didn’t think I was (a) qualified or (b) financially able to apply. 

I started at the University of Nottingham vet school in 2014 with the hopes of pursuing a career working with farm animals. Coming from Derbyshire, I envisioned farm practice would involve predominantly cattle and sheep, and a small number of pigs and chickens. 

With the aim of adding some diversity to my CV, I decided to complete a clinical extramural studies (EMS) placement at a poultry practice dealing with commercial poultry flocks, although I had no intention of working in this field after graduation. However, this placement became a turning point for me. 

I found I enjoyed the combination of farm visits, postmortem examinations and laboratory experience, all of which are involved in the career of a poultry vet. I subsequently made the decision to complete placements with all the major poultry practices in the UK in the hope that one of them would employ me once I was qualified. Additionally, I completed avian-focused research projects to add an extra component to my skillset.

'This placement became a turning point for me'

I heard about the internationally-renowned Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center at UGA, whenever I interacted with poultry vets. Although I was keen to experience the poultry industry in the USA, I was unable to afford to travel to Georgia for an EMS placement.  

However, while I researched the opportunities that were available to me, I discovered the MAM residency programme. It is an 18-month, fully-funded programme that prepares students for the American College of Poultry Veterinarians (ACPV) exam to be considered a specialist. There are many approved training programmes in the USA, which can be found on the ACPV website.

Having found it, I knew I had to apply – despite feeling my chance of success was low. Luckily, I met Peter O’Kane, one of the vets at Slate Hall Poultry Services, during an EMS placement. He is the only UK graduate of the MAM programme and has mentored many aspiring poultry vets. His encouragement and enthusiasm were the push I needed to apply. 

A few weeks later I was invited to attend a Zoom interview. It was daunting to be interviewed by six well-thought-of researchers and clinicians, but they were very friendly and I enjoyed the experience.

Three months later, I received a call offering me a place on the programme. I was shocked and extremely happy. Then, from the high, came a low – Covid-19 arrived and the travel ban meant I had to defer my place. The clinicians at UGA helped me arrange a 12-month opportunity to work as a veterinarian at Aviagen UK. Aviagen is the largest global broiler genetics company with a large operation in Scotland. While the delay was disappointing, having the opportunity to work with primary breeder birds was excellent. The vets and service team at Aviagen provided me with invaluable knowledge that I have used frequently since.

Consequently, I started the MAM in June 2021. I take different classes each semester, which occupy my weekday mornings. Currently we are studying avian medicine and bacteriology. We also take classes in histopathology, nutrition, pharmacology and virology. During the afternoons we complete postmortem examinations of cases sent from poultry integrators across the state of Georgia. Typically, we see mainly broilers and broiler breeders. However, among the interesting cases submitted this year have been a sage grouse and a bobwhite quail as well as laboratory-raised specific pathogen-free-chickens. 

Isabella Aimee Hannay 1

One day a week we organise a field trip to see birds on farm. Usually these will involve an interesting case or the chance to see a particular aspect of management, such as vaccination. We have visited hatcheries, feed mills, rendering plants and abattoirs to experience all sections of the poultry industry. 

We also complete two research projects of our choosing and present our results at national poultry conferences. My research projects have focused on improving the efficacy of infectious bronchitis vaccination and investigating fertility rates in a commercial broiler hatchery. I have had the opportunity to travel to nine different states as part of the programme – an amazing experience.

The final six months of the programme are spent completing externships with poultry veterinarians in production and allied companies. We are given the freedom to organise placements according to our interests, which means we can tailor our education. I am excited to spend time across broiler, layer and turkey industries.

Being a MAM student opens a lot of doors for externships and many companies help fund our travel. I plan to make the most of this opportunity to ensure I’m as prepared as possible for taking my specialist board exams.

Isabella Aimee Hannay 4

 

Challenges

I love living in Georgia, but adapting has been a struggle. During the summer, temperatures can reach 40°C and I’ve felt faint during a few outdoor postmortem examinations.

Teaching methods and exams are different from what I’ve experienced before. For example, we have to achieve at least 80 per cent to pass most modules. 

By far the greatest challenge is being away from my family and friends. Covid-19 travel restrictions and family bereavements have made things particularly difficult. Luckily, I acquired a small rescue dog from Atlanta who has been an excellent companion.

Isabella Aimee Hannay 5

'I feel far more confident making informed clinical decisions'

Future plans 

I am due to finish the course in December and hopefully will secure a role as a poultry vet in the UK or abroad. Thanks to the excellent teaching I have received at UGA, I feel far more confident making informed clinical decisions. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I feel very lucky to have been chosen for the course. 

The global poultry industry is expanding rapidly to keep pace with population growth and the increasing demand for animal protein. There are many opportunities both in the UK and internationally for poultry veterinarians. I highly recommend farm-focused vet students to consider a career as a poultry vet.

Without the support of Steve Brogden, Sabine Totemeyer and Paul Barrow at the University of Nottingham, this step in my career wouldn’t have been possible. 

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