Popular Open House at NC State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Set for March 29

Animals touch our daily lives from the food we eat, the products we consume, the health care advances we benefit from, and the services, entertainment, and companionship we enjoy. Wildlife species add to the beauty and wonder of our world. The connection between wildlife, domestic animals, the environment, and humans is called “One Health” and this concept is the foundation for veterinary medicine.

The 2014 Open House, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 29, will explore the One Health concept with special exhibits and discussions on the connection between wildlife, domestic animals, the environment, and people.

The popular annual event will offer the traditional opportunities to get up close with various animals large and small, demonstrations, special displays and exhibits, and chances to talk with faculty and students.

Numerous fun and informative tour stops explain advances in veterinary medicine, veterinary medical technology, best care practices for the family pet, and what it takes to become a veterinarian.

[section_subtitle] Special attractions for Open House 2014[/section_subtitle]
The Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibit Animal Connections will be available to tour during Open House 2014. Housed in a mini-museum inside an expandable 18-wheeler, the 1,000-square foot exhibit introduces visitors of all ages to the human-animal bond. Whether you’re an aspiring veterinarian, an animal lover, or a health care professional, you and your family will find something to capture your interest in this exhibit. Take a video tour now.

Cat Warren–author, trainer, and NC State University associate professor–will give a presentation on the science and wonder of working dogs at noon in the South Theater. At 1:30 she and her canine partner Solo will give a search demonstration on the CVM Hearth. See video: “What a Dog Knows.”

[section_subtitle] Tour stops popular with young visitors [/section_subtitle]

• The Teddy Bear Suture Clinic, where children are encouraged to bring injured stuffed animals for appropriate attention by the CVM student surgery club;
• Anatomy lab, where the skeletons of various animals, birds, and reptiles can be examined;
• “Up Close” stop with birds, rabbits, hamsters, snakes, turtles, lizards, insects and other animals;
• Mare and foal in the Teaching Animal Unit corral;
• Opportunity for children to try their hand at milking a very patient cow;
• Open House Carnival for young children (child needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and there is a small fee to play games).

[section_subtitle] Veterinary Health Complex [/section_subtitle]
Terry Center. The Open House is an opportunity to tour portions of the 110,000-square-foot Randall B. Terry, Jr. Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center, one of the most advanced veterinary hospitals in the nation. (See video).

Veterinary Health and Wellness Center. Exhibits including Nutrition, Rehabilitation and Mobility Service, Behavior Medicine, Small Animal Blood Bank, and Exotic Animal Medicine.

Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Center. The breezeway in the Equine and Large Animal Veterinary Center will include exhibits and farm animals. Corrals in front of the center will include series of equine demonstrations

CVM Research Building. Also new for the Open House 2014 is an opportunity to learn about significant CVM investigations. Research faculty, graduate students, and lab personnel will staff exhibits about regenerative medicine and stem cells, infectious diseases and clinical studies, and clinical genomics and neurobiology.

[section_subtitle] Outdoor attractions [/section_subtitle]
The Open House flows over to external attractions including the CVM Mobile Surgery Unit–a veterinary clinic on wheels; canine demonstrations; booths staffed by representatives of breed and shelter rescue groups; Mare and foal in the Teaching Animal Unit corral, equine and large animal demonstrations, and the Open House Carnival organized by DVM students. (Inclement weather may change outdoor activities).

Note:  There is no charge for the Open House or for parking on the Centennial Biomedical Campus. Food and refreshments are available for purchase and there is a charge for activities in the Carnival area.

Questions?  Call 919.513.6662. The College of Veterinary Medicine is located at 1060 William Moore Drive near the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh.

[section_subtitle] Due to certain health risks: [/section_subtitle]

• Please do not bring your pets to Open House.
• Please do not attend if you have traveled overseas after March 8.
• Remember to wash your hands after touching the animals (especially before eating).