KELLER, Wash. — Youth and families from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and surrounding region learned animal care skills during the annual 4-H Livestock Nutrition and Health Workshop in early March.
During the five-hour session, Washington State University veterinary science students and WSU Extension specialists equipped participants with practical, hands-on knowledge that will help protect their furry and feathered companions and livestock.
“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.”
Located in northeastern Washington near the community of Keller, the Colville Reservation is rural, with most veterinarians a one-hour drive away — longer in winter-driving conditions. In an emergency, a delay could mean life or death for an animal.
“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.”
In addition to a temperature-taking demonstration, over 10 other learning stations taught participants proper wound care, heartbeat monitoring, medication administration, parasite identification, and more.
Showcase posters highlighted Colville Reservation residents who currently work in animal-related careers, including testimonials on the importance of animal health and nutrition. Diverse fields like livestock transportation, barrel racing, cattle ranching, veterinary medicine, and fish and wildlife management were represented.
“We demonstrated that this animal care training can extend beyond a 4-H project or a pet,” McLean said. “The testimonials emphasized the importance of having animal health and nutrition knowledge any time a person works or associates with animals.”
The 4-H event was held in collaboration with the Keller Valley Highriders 4-H Club, the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, WSU Colville Reservation Extension 4-H, and the Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program, along with support from the Keller Community Club and the Ferry County 4-H Leaders Council.
“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.”
Media contact
Linda McLean, Director for WSU Colville Reservation Extension, email: ljmclean@wsu.edu, phone: 509-634-2305