Veterinary Archives, Vol. 92 No. 3, 2022.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.24099/vet.arhiv.1018
Opinions and knowledge of veterinary students relating to exotic non-mammal pet animals and their welfare
Mario Ostović
orcid.org/0000-0002-0253-0000
; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Sabolek
; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Aneta Piplica
; Department of Animal Breeding and Livestock Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivona Žura Žaja
; Department of Physiology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Tomislav Mikuš
; Department of Hygiene, Technology and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Sven Menčik
; Department of Animal Breeding and Livestock Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Kristina Matković
; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Željko Pavičić
; Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Željka Mesić
; Department of Marketing in Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the opinions and knowledge of Croatian veterinarians-to-be relating to exotic pet birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and their welfare. A total of 589 (87%) veterinary students from all six years of the integrated undergraduate and graduate study programme were surveyed in the 2019-2020 academic year. Student opinions and knowledge were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale and the following statements: the level of cognition, sentience and welfare compromise in pet animals observed; the importance of biological functioning, emotional states and natural living for their welfare; their acceptability as pets and owner awareness; the level of risk posed by these pet animals to other animals, public health and safety, and the environment; and the level of knowledge students considered themselves to have about their feeding, housing, health and behaviour. Students provided neutral responses to or disagreement with most of the statements, in particular for animals other than birds, with no significant differences between study years. Accordingly, the study results point to the need for additional student education on exotic non-mammal pets, and can serve for the upgrading of the veterinary curriculum in the field, having implications not only for the welfare of these animals but also for other animals, public health and safety, and environmental protection.
Keywords
veterinary students; opinion; knowledge; exotic pets; animals; animal welfare
Hrčak ID:
281017
URI
Publication date:
17.7.2022.
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