WSU Workshop Promotes Animal Care On The Colville Reservation

Families and young people on Washington's Colville Reservation gained critical animal care skills, thanks to a hands-on workshop held early last month.  The annual 4-H Livestock Nutrition and Health Workshop brought together participants from across the region for a five-hour training led by Washington State University veterinary students and Extension specialists.

Attendees learned essential practices to keep animals healthy, from proper nutrition to emergency care.  Organizers say that knowledge is especially important in rural areas, where veterinarians can be more than an hour away, and even farther in winter conditions.

“Whether they’re raising animals for short-term 4-H projects or farm or ranch operations, people should understand basic animal health, nutrition, and care practices,” said Linda McLean, director for the WSU Colville Reservation Extension. “This workshop is a great opportunity to bring this specific expertise to individuals and families here.”

Teaching Beyond The Basics

Participants rotated through more than ten learning stations, covering everything from wound care and heart rate monitoring to parasite identification and medication use. 

“Knowing when to call a veterinarian for advanced medical assistance is key,” McLean said. “Something like understanding how to take an animal’s temperature correctly is really important; either too high or too low indicates that an animal is in distress.”

The workshop also highlighted career paths in animal-related fields, showing youth how these skills can extend beyond 4-H projects into future professions.

“4-H youth and full-time ranchers and farmers invest a lot of time, energy, and money into raising animals,” said McLean. “By providing proper care, we can protect that investment and ensure humane practices.”

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