Module Descriptors
ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE
BIOL60650
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Richard Halfpenny
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 33
Independent Study Hours: 117
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- Exam - 2 hour written exam weighted at 100%
Module Details
Indicative Content
The module starts by reviewing the importance (e.g. ecological impact) of disease in natural communities and in particular the causes and importance of emerging wildlife diseases. Diseases of wild and captive (zoo) animals are increasingly seen as an important issue when trying to conserve and manage endangered species, and we will look at some examples of these.
The problem of wildlife acting as reservoirs for diseases of livestock will be discussed, as will zoonoses and the consequences for human-animal interactions, non-infectious disease, and the links between pollution and disease.
We will also briefly look at how wildlife disease is monitored and critically review the strategies employed to manage disease in wild animals.
Although disease management is an important component of animal welfare for species held in captivity, there are other aspects, particularly relating to behaviour. The relationship between the science and ethics of animal welfare. Measuring welfare – biological functions affective states, and natural living. The ’5 freedoms’ of animal welfare and more recent developments. Animal welfare legislation. ‘Abnormal’ behaviour in captive animals (stereotypical behaviour etc.) and methods of reducing it. Environmental enrichment. Testing environmental preferences and motivation in animals. The importance of behaviour and disease in animal reintroductions and translocations.
The problem of wildlife acting as reservoirs for diseases of livestock will be discussed, as will zoonoses and the consequences for human-animal interactions, non-infectious disease, and the links between pollution and disease.
We will also briefly look at how wildlife disease is monitored and critically review the strategies employed to manage disease in wild animals.
Although disease management is an important component of animal welfare for species held in captivity, there are other aspects, particularly relating to behaviour. The relationship between the science and ethics of animal welfare. Measuring welfare – biological functions affective states, and natural living. The ’5 freedoms’ of animal welfare and more recent developments. Animal welfare legislation. ‘Abnormal’ behaviour in captive animals (stereotypical behaviour etc.) and methods of reducing it. Environmental enrichment. Testing environmental preferences and motivation in animals. The importance of behaviour and disease in animal reintroductions and translocations.
Assessment Details
100% 2-hour exam. To assess both learning outcomes.
PLEASE NOTE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR Semester 1 2020/21 DUE TO COVID-19 AS FOLLOWS: 3000 word essay/report (100%)
PLEASE NOTE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR Semester 1 2020/21 DUE TO COVID-19 AS FOLLOWS: 3000 word essay/report (100%)
Learning Strategies
Contact time – 3 hours per week over 11 weeks. This will typically comprise an introductory lecture followed by an interactive seminar.
The 117 hours of independent study will be used to research the topics covered in more depth, to prepare for the sessions and to revise for the exam.
The 117 hours of independent study will be used to research the topics covered in more depth, to prepare for the sessions and to revise for the exam.
Texts
Botzler, R.G & Brown, R.N. (2014) Foundations of Wildlife Diseases. University of California Press.
Delahay, R.J. et al. (2009) Management of Disease in Wild Mammals. Springer.
Hosey, G. et al. (2013) Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Welfare and Management. 2nd Edition. OUP
Delahay, R.J. et al. (2009) Management of Disease in Wild Mammals. Springer.
Hosey, G. et al. (2013) Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Welfare and Management. 2nd Edition. OUP
Learning Outcomes
1. Critically evaluate the impacts of wildlife diseases and the methods used in their control Knowledge and understanding
Learning
2. Discuss aspects of current behavioural research relating to animal welfare and conservation, and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, and data (that may be incomplete), in order to reach an informed opinion
Knowledge and understanding
Analysis
Learning
2. Discuss aspects of current behavioural research relating to animal welfare and conservation, and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, and data (that may be incomplete), in order to reach an informed opinion
Knowledge and understanding
Analysis