LIBERTY, NY — All youth with an interest in veterinary science, between the ages of 13 and 18, can engage in a hands-on veterinary science educational opportunity this summer. Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCE) will offer this three-part 4-H Youth Development program series on Wednesday June 24, July 15, and July 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Participants will gain basic knowledge of veterinary medicine techniques from local professionals in the field. The workshops will take place at the Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd. One special class will be held at Catskill Veterinary Services in Wurtsboro. 4-H programs are open to the general public.

The first class will cover parasites in animals and basic surgery techniques, including sutures and proper administration of injections. Youth will perform a fecal flotation test to determine the presence of intestinal parasites. The second class will focus on the major structures of the animal eye, and youth will explore how they work to produce images. Participants will have the opportunity to dissect a vertebrate’s organ. The third workshop will be held at Catskill Veterinary Services in Wurtsboro, where Dr. Joseph D’Abbraccio, DVM and his veterinary technicians will give an exclusive tour of the practice.

The series is free to youth members enrolled in 4-H. Cost to non-members is $10 for the entire series. Membership in 4-H is free to all youth, ages five to 19, and all must enroll prior to participation. Pre-registration with non-refundable payment is required. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit at the office or online. Visit www.sullivancce.org, email sullivan@cornell.edu, or call 845/292-6180.

The 4-H veterinary science series is made possible in-part by generous contributions from the family and friends of George E. Hahn, DVM, to whom this program is dedicated.