Name: Rebecca Traub
Country: Australia
Age:33
From which veterinary school did you graduate? Murdoch University, Western Australia, 1997.
Current/most recent professional post? Lecturer in Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Queensland
Project Name: Ladakh Street Dog Programme
Project Location: Leh Ladakh, India
Have you volunteered before? Yes, with All Lovers of Animals, Kolkata
Tell us about your volunteer experience?
A bit different to the norm - my primary aim in Leh (and Sikkim, Delhi and Mumbai) was to research vector-borne diseases and gastro-intestinal parasites of street dogs in India, especially those of public health importance, so we are better able to control and treat them in future. The conception of this idea began at a VBB sub-committee meeting in 2006 (epidemiology and public health chapter), when we realized that the information with respect to infectious diseases of dogs, especially those of zoonotic concern in India was scarce. The project came to fruition when Bayer Healthcare, Animal Health, generously agreed to fully fund the research project over 3 years. My postgraduate student Azaziah and I spent a total of four weeks in Delhi, Leh and Mumbai collecting ectoparasite, blood and faecal samples from over 450 dogs. The VBB volunteers and staff were incredibly dedicated, warm, helpful and great fun to be around. The fieldwork was challenging, but an amazing experience that you definitely look back on with a sense of professional, as well as personal pride and achievement.
What do you think is the best aspect of the program?
Observing the sincerity, passion and dedication with which the VBB volunteers and staff work. Working with such like-minded people who are committed to making a difference at the grass root level is truly a fulfilling experience.
Country: Australia
Age:33
From which veterinary school did you graduate? Murdoch University, Western Australia, 1997.
Current/most recent professional post? Lecturer in Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Queensland
Project Name: Ladakh Street Dog Programme
Project Location: Leh Ladakh, India
Have you volunteered before? Yes, with All Lovers of Animals, Kolkata
Tell us about your volunteer experience?
A bit different to the norm - my primary aim in Leh (and Sikkim, Delhi and Mumbai) was to research vector-borne diseases and gastro-intestinal parasites of street dogs in India, especially those of public health importance, so we are better able to control and treat them in future. The conception of this idea began at a VBB sub-committee meeting in 2006 (epidemiology and public health chapter), when we realized that the information with respect to infectious diseases of dogs, especially those of zoonotic concern in India was scarce. The project came to fruition when Bayer Healthcare, Animal Health, generously agreed to fully fund the research project over 3 years. My postgraduate student Azaziah and I spent a total of four weeks in Delhi, Leh and Mumbai collecting ectoparasite, blood and faecal samples from over 450 dogs. The VBB volunteers and staff were incredibly dedicated, warm, helpful and great fun to be around. The fieldwork was challenging, but an amazing experience that you definitely look back on with a sense of professional, as well as personal pride and achievement.
What do you think is the best aspect of the program?
Observing the sincerity, passion and dedication with which the VBB volunteers and staff work. Working with such like-minded people who are committed to making a difference at the grass root level is truly a fulfilling experience.
What do you like most about being a volunteer?
Being away from the monotony of everyday life, making new friends, having many beautiful animals to love and provide care and attention to, experiencing new cultures,…I could go on and on! One piece of advice though make sure you have complete rest for at least 2-3 days before venturing out in Leh!!!
