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-Free treatment of pets in Chujado Island and Udo Island; Realizing ‘One Health’ with the local community

JNU College of Veterinary Medicine (Dean Joo Hong-gu) successfully carried out its annual “Island in Island” animal medical volunteer program again this year. The volunteer team visited Chujado Island (June 24) and Udo Island (June 25), both of which lack animal hospitals, to provide professional medical services for pets and livestock.

A total of 31 members participated in the program, including 4 veterinarians, 17 veterinary students, and 10 administrative staff. They treated 119 dogs and 8 cats. Major services included: △ comprehensive vaccinations against infectious diseases, △ rabies vaccinations, △ heartworm and Babesia testing, and △ treatment for internal and external parasites. Notably, the team also treated a donkey in Udo for a fracture.

Through hands-on involvement in real clinical settings, JNU students gained valuable field experience that cannot be acquired in the classroom. They also developed a stronger sense of identity and responsibility as future veterinarians, enhancing skills such as caregiver communication, understanding of treatment processes, and clinical decision-making.

Local residents in both regions expressed growing concern over damage to daily life and the ecosystem due to an increase in stray dogs and abandoned cats. This highlighted the urgent need for planned neutering programs (TNR). In response, the JNU Veterinary College volunteer team recognized the importance of these concerns and plans to develop detailed countermeasures moving forward.