MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's animals are in continuously trained hands, thanks in part to distance education programs offered by Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

MSU Extension veterinarian Dr. Stanley Robertson said the veterinary college hosts distance education programs two to four times each year. Presentations are given by CVM faculty members, and the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association gives a two-hour continuing education credit for each program.

"The College of Veterinary Medicine offers these programs as a way for the state's veterinarians to earn the continuing education credits they need to maintain their veterinary licenses," Robertson said. "We use audio and video for an interactive experience where participants can ask questions and receive information in a classroom-type setting."

The continuing education courses cover a variety of topics, including small animal endoscopy, feline skin diseases, anesthesia, internal medicine, fish medicine and toxic plants. Large-animal programs mainly focus on horses and occasionally food animals.

The CVM is offering two courses this year and will continue to offer courses two to four times in future years. There are nine different distance education sites across the state at Extension Service county or regional locations. Most presentations originate from the Bost Extension Center on the main MSU campus.

For more information on distance education courses offered to Mississippi veterinarians, contact Robertson at (662) 325-2283 or srobertson@cvm.msstate.edu.