Poultry Path & Diagnosis of Diseases

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Approximately 320 hours.

Admission to the Master of Avian Health and Medicine.

Completion of the following subject with a result of at least 65.

None

Current and practical experience working in the poultry industry

None

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Competency in gross pathology is a core skill for the avian practitioner. This Unit will review the diseases affecting chickens, turkeys and ducks, the clinical signs and lesions seen with these diseases, how to construct differential diagnosis lists and what samples are most appropriate to make a definitive diagnosis.

Poultry pathology and diseases are covered by body systems in a series of image rich lectures. An online database of infectious and non-infectious poultry diseases PathMan™ (the Pathology Manual) is the main text for this Unit. Students will apply knowledge learnt throughout this subject by working through exercises and computer assisted case studies. A case of the week, relevant to the body system being studied is presented for discussion by the tutor.

Upon successful completion of this subject, students will:

• Have a sound working knowledge of the major disease conditions (infectious and non-infectious) of poultry;
• Be able to apply an advanced level of skills in diagnosing this diseases;
• Develop adequate differential and then final diagnoses of disease using the most appropriate confirmatory laboratory testing;
• Evaluate the relevant professional and scientific literature in avian pathology; and
• Develop proficiency in the systematic assessment and writing-up of case studies and reports in avian pathology.

Assessment is carried out at the end of each month. Student progress is monitored through class exercises and case studies. The final examination is a three-hour written and online exam held in weeks 16 and 17.

Students will be required to arrange an appropriate venue (e.g. a nearby university) to sit this assessment under supervised examination conditions.

The breakdown of the assessment is:

• Monthly assessment tests (25% of the final mark)
• Assignments (20% of the final mark)
• Class Participation (5% of the final mark)
• Final Examination (50% of the final mark)

None

Randall, C. J. and Reece, R. L., A Colour Atlas of Avian Histopathology, (1996), Mosby-Wolfe, London.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students should:

• Possess medium to high-level computing skills;
• Apply critical and analytical skills to the identification and resolution of problems;
• Communicate effectively; and
• Have good time management skills.

Reliable internet access with at least a medium speed connection and a personal computer are essential for undertaking the Avian Health Online program. The content is accessed through your web browser. Microsoft Office™ and Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent software packages are necessary for assessment tasks, assignments and some class exercises.