MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For more than two decades, Mississippi State University’s veterinary college has welcomed thousands of school children to its annual open house, but people of all ages will enjoy the 2007 event.

MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will open its doors from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on April 13 and 14 for the 23rd annual open house at the Wise Center, located on the south side of campus off Spring Street.

Lloyd Reitz, open house chairman and president of MSU’s Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, said younger students enjoy seeing a variety of animals and demonstrations they would not typically see.

“The petting zoo will contain some common animals, and the animal show will allow veterinary students to show off some of their unique and exotic pets,” Reitz said. “The poultry science department will have an incubation and hatching display of baby chicks. The steer with a hole in its side, often called the Holey Cow, is a fun way for students to learn about the digestive tract of ruminants.”

Older students often take the opportunity to talk to veterinary students and faculty about career paths. They can ask questions about CVM admission procedures, the course work and the field of veterinary medicine in general.

Additional programs scheduled for this year’s open house include the Frisbee Dog Competition and other outdoor events, an animal show, informative posters, and tours of the animal hospital and classrooms.

Admission is free. For more information, call the CVM Office of Outreach and External Affairs at (662) 325-1103.

Contact: Tara Puckett, (662) 325-7910