Erasmus student at AFBI

For the last six months the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has hosted Erasmus+ student, Violeta Muñoz, a recently graduated veterinary surgeon from Spain.

Violeta has been based in the Veterinary Sciences Division (VSD) of AFBI, training in veterinary pathology and in AFBI’s Cattle Health Scheme. The latter is a voluntary scheme for farmers set up to help tackle five of the most economically damaging endemic diseases of cattle here i.e. infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), Johne’s disease, leptospirosis and neosporosis. Violeta has also spent time working with scientists involving in the detection and control of important zoonotic pathogens such as Salmonella species and the analysis of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella.

Erasmus+ is an EU-funded programme supporting higher education students to study abroad for up to one year in another European university or to gain valuable international work experience in a European organisation. Violeta said, “As a recently qualified veterinary surgeon I really appreciate this opportunity to broaden my professional perspective and allow me to get involved in relevant programmes such as the AFBI Cattle Health Scheme and research projects on antimicrobial resistance. I have really enjoyed my internship in AFBI and am very grateful to all staff who have helped me during my time at VSD. I strongly think that AFBI plays a key role in terms of Animal Health in Northern Ireland supporting cutting edge projects, working closely with the farming community and maintaining the best standards.”  Violeta has now been accepted to study for a Master of Science in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

AFBI’s Cattle Health Scheme tests are accredited to the highest international standard (ISO 17025) and the scheme is one of a range of animal health services provided by AFBI to DAERA, private veterinary practitioners and the farming community. 

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