Colorado Springs , CO - A herd of approximately 70 sheep in the Dome Rock Preserve will not have to deal with the deadly effects of lung worm due to the volunteer efforts of students from Pima Medical Institute's Veterinarian Assistant Program, 370 Printers Parkway in Colorado Springs . The students, under the direction of Kim Parker, PMI's veterinarian assistant instructor and Tonya Sharp, division supervisor of Teller County's Division of Wildlife, worked together to put out hay and apple pulp laced with medication to prevent lung worm disease.

Lung worm causes an upper respiratory infection that is contagious and deadly to Bighorn Sheep, as well as domestic sheep and similar types of animals such as goats and deer. The disease is transmitted orally, through fecal matter, as well as nose to nose contact. The Division of Wildlife's efforts to treat the disease have been successful, however the infectious ailment has wiped out nearly 90 percent of an entire herd of Bighorn sheep in the past.

"In addition to providing a valuable service to the community, our students gained useful knowledge about a different species of animal," said Karen McGrath, campus director for PMI in Colorado Springs . "Our program focuses on the treatment of small domestic animals such as dogs and cats, but it also important to gain exposure to wildlife management, especially in a state like Colorado ."

Graduates of the 26.5 credit-hour Veterinary Assistant Program are trained to perform as an entry-level veterinary assistant. Emphasis is placed on small animal techniques. The materials covered include: anatomy/physiology and pharmacology as it applies to animals, assisting in surgery and anesthesia, and medical terminology. Veterinary nursing techniques are covered in depth. Classes are 31 weeks in length and total 720 hours of training. Graduates of this program are granted a certificate. More information about the program is available by calling (719)-482-7462.

PMI is one of the premiere medical vocational institutes in the western United States . The privately owned, accredited school provides students with a well-rounded education embracing theoretical classroom studies, as well as on-site training at medical facilities that mirror the working environment they will pursue after graduation.

PMI has been serving students since 1972, with campuses in: Albuquerque , New Mexico ; Mesa , AZ ; Chula Vista , CA , Seattle , WA ; Las Vegas , NV ; as well as Colorado Springs and Denver . Additional information is available at http://www.pmi.edu.