UNAIR NEWS – Veterinary Student Association (HMKH) of Universitas Airlangga SIKIA held four short courses and one field trip in Baluran National Park, Banyuwangi. The program aims to improve veterinary students’ knowledge and animal forensic skills with the experts.

The Airlangga Veterinary Forensics Summer Course (AVFSC) lasts from August to September. The program, fully funded by Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), was followed by dozens of participants from many countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Yemen, Mali, Pakistan, Palestine, Italy, Korea, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, United States, Ghana, China, and Turkmenistan.

The Vice-President of HMKH, Marcella Jessica Hartomoro said that the AVFSC collaborates with various parties, like Baluran National Park and Banyuwangi Regency Culture and Tourism Office.

Tracing wildlife

The Banyuwangi-origin student stated that the program focuses on discussing focus on veterinary wildlife forensics. “After joining AVFSC, the participants were expected to learn about tracing the wildlife, knowing the medical actions to take when the animal dies, and classifying the cause of death,” said Marcella.

The material session and Q&A session in AVFSC was held online, followed by offline event which participated by 15 delegations from various countries. They observed, conserved, and identified animal’s causes of death in the Baluran National Park, Banyuwangi.

Marcella said that the international program offers field trip as the special agenda. The purpose is to trace the animal and its dead body in the national park. Besides, they also get to learn about the local culture of Banyuwangi, the Gandrung dance.

Author: Afan Alfayad

Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh