Veterinary and public health professionals working on farms and in food processing have a fundamental role in safeguarding both public health and the welfare of animals under their care. An essential part of public health training involves undertaking placements within abattoirs and other food producing establishments. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to gain consistent placement training due to the closure of some abattoirs and production commitments limiting some facilities' ability to support visits.

Developed by public health veterinary professional at Scotland's University of Edinburgh Veterinary School, using Graphisoft Corporation software for architects, the virtual simulator can strengthen and enhance learning by allowing veterinary and public health students to explore a realistic online work environment without having to be at an abattoir or other food processing facility. It provides training through interactive learning in case scenarios that are based on current legislation and good manufacturing code of practices. Training is available in several areas of any industrial process, including production lines; hygiene and structural requirements; health and safety; and animal welfare. The case scenarios are easy to use, versatile and can be adapted to support any end-user environment.