Veterinary students are required to attend abattoirs as part of the attaining day one competences. Accessing facilities and ensuring consistency in teaching content is a global problem which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Working in partnership with University of Glasgow, The Royal Veterinary College, the University of Surrey and the food production industry, Denova have developed the Digital Abattoir , a combination of app and virtual reality, that prepares students for physical visits, to five animal species facilities, and provides consistent teaching material in the form of 360 degree video, knowledge check quizzes, virtual reality, audio and text information points pertinent to day one competencies and legislation.

The Digital Abattoir is approved for teaching by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon as part of their strategy to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Veterinary teaching and is the first in a series of innovative teaching technology applications being developed by Denova for the Veterinary and Public Health industry.

Brendan Morris CEO of Denova said, “This type of technology radically transforms current teaching practices. Students, as part of their course, have to study the activities taking place within slaughterhouses. Digital Abattoir gives them that fully immersive experience and provides a suite of interactive tools to help them learn throughout the experience. Feedback to-date has been fantastic and we are excited about the possibilities this solution will have on the veterinary teaching and training market, globally.”

Dr Noelia Yusta DVM MSc FHEA MRCVS ECVPH (FS) resident Lecturer in Veterinary Public Health Glasgow University said, “The Digital Abattoir has delivered a resource that revolutionises the way we teach this subject. Working with colleagues in the Royal Veterinary College, University of Surrey and Denova has been inspiring and has allowed us to create a “safe stress” environment that allows the students to explore, learn and grow. The possibilities for veterinary teaching practices from here are considerable”

If you would like a personal tour of the Digital Abattoir, click here to book a time and date that suits you.