In humans, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after exposure to traumatic events and is characterized by recurrent, distressing memories, dreams or flashbacks, and intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to triggers that resemble an aspect of the traumatic event. In order to be diagnosed, humans must also exhibit avoidance of these triggers, depressed mood or cognition, and changes in activity that persist for at least a month. PTSD is common among people who experience trauma, including soldiers, breast cancer survivors, refugees, and farm and slaughterhouse workers.
Over the past two decades, researchers have explored the existence of PTSD in nonhuman animals, including elephants and chimpanzees. The life of an average factory-farmed pig or cow includes many traumatic events that could trigger PTSD symptoms. These stressors can elicit fear and trigger defense behaviors such as immobility, withdrawal, and avoidance. Farm Sanctuary’s Watkins Glen location provides sanctuary for almost 100 pigs and cattle, many of whom experienced trauma prior to arriving at sanctuary. As new residents come to the Sanctuary, we are asking the questions:
- Do new sanctuary residents who have histories of trauma exhibit symptoms of PTSD, as compared to those who do not have known histories of trauma?
- In order to assess the impact of sanctuary on PTSD, do those symptoms subside over time?
On July 26, you will get to hear directly from our research team, ask questions, and learn even more about how we conduct our studies.
Can’t attend but still want the scoop? Register, and we’ll share the recording after the event!
Program Schedule:
- 3:00 PM ET – Opening Remarks from President and Co-founder Gene Baur (5 min)
- 3:05 PM ET – Presentation #1 (3 min)
- 3:10 PM ET – Presentation #2 (9 min)
- 3:20 PM ET – Presentation #3 (3 min)
- 3:30 PM ET – Q&A (15 min)
- 3:45 PM ET – Closing Remarks (3 min)
