UCalgary professor Ed Pajor honoured with Carl Block Award for leadership in animal welfare

A professor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) has been honoured for demonstrated leadership, commitment and a passion for enhancing animal agriculture.

Dr. Ed Pajor, PhD, received the prestigious Carl Block Award from Animal Health Canada, which shines a spotlight on the crucial work being done to improve animal welfare and agriculture practices across Canada.

Pajor has spent decades contributing to the improvement of animal welfare and health. The award acknowledges not just his individual efforts, but the collaborative nature of his work, which spans various organizations, research initiatives and student mentorship. 

"(The award) means a great deal,” Pajor says. “I'm really humbled by being recognized this way, especially by my peers." Pajor was quick to acknowledge that such achievements are never solitary, adding, "None of this is the result of just one person. It's always a team effort involving undergraduate and graduate students, faculty collaborators, and partners at other universities."

Pajor’s work extends across a broad range of initiatives, but his involvement in developing codes of practice for animal care in Canada stands out as one of his most significant national contributions. These codes, which guide the ethical treatment of animals across various commodity groups, play a crucial role in shaping how animal welfare is approached both in this country and beyond.

"Developing the codes of practice influences everything from the care of animals on the farm to making industries more competitive, ensuring food safety and influencing international trade," Pajor says.

In addition to his work on these national codes, Pajor has held leadership roles on numerous committees spanning animal agriculture industries, including the producer groups (National Pork Council USA), retailers (McDonald’s, A&W’s) processors (JBS) , further reinforcing his dedication to the field.

When asked about which of his many contributions gives him the most joy, Pajor doesn’t hesitate to highlight his passion for teaching and mentorship.

"The opportunity to train and work with graduate and undergraduate students, as well as mentor early career faculty is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “Watching people develop their own ideas and carry forward concerns about animal welfare is one of the most satisfying parts of being a university professor."

The challenges facing the animal agriculture industry in Canada are multi-faceted, ranging from environmental concerns to social-responsibility issues. Pajor acknowledges these challenges, particularly from an animal welfare perspective.

"There's a great deal of pressure on ranchers and producers, whether it's about animal health, sustainability or environmental issues," he says.

One of Pajor's key research areas focuses on identifying and addressing animal welfare issues such as pain management and the early detection of disease in livestock. His ongoing research includes projects utilizing cutting-edge technologies like AI and data loggers to track animal behaviour and health, innovations that have the potential to revolutionize how animal welfare is monitored and managed.

"We're working on projects that use technology to identify the early onset of disease in animals, which can help reduce suffering and improve health and productivity," he says.

In addition to his contributions to animal agriculture, Pajor plays an essential role in shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals. As a professor at UCVM he taught undergraduates for 10 years, and currently focuses his teaching primarily on graduate students, who he inspires with his passion for the field and its future possibilities. Pajor also played a significant role in the donation of W.A. Ranches, a 19,000-acre ranch that plays a critical role in educating students in practical, hands-on animal care. Pajor currently serves as the academic and research director for W.A. Ranches.

"I hope the long-term impact of my work is that I’ve helped in making some small steps to improve the welfare of farm animals and that I've helped influence the next generation of researchers and educators to take animal welfare science seriously," he says.

Looking to the future, Pajor remains optimistic about the continued evolution of animal agriculture, particularly with the growing use of precision technologies. These innovations, he says, will help address many of the industry's current challenges and ensure that both animal welfare and productivity can thrive together.

With a legacy already well-established and ongoing research that promises to further transform the field, Pajor contributions to animal agriculture are a testament to his leadership and vision. His work not only enhances the welfare of animals, but also strengthens the agricultural industry, ensuring a more sustainable and ethical future.