The programme for this year’s OV Conference builds on the success of last year. On offer are small animal and farm animal focused lecture streams on both days, together with an equine stream on the first day and a series of specialist workshops on the second. Sessions include:
- “Rhipicephalus in the UK: Managing an increasing risk” – Speaker: Ian Wright BVMS BSc MSc MRCVS
- “Biosecurity, time for a new approach?” – Speaker: Alasdair Macnab BVMS Cert BIPOVS MRCVS
- “Non-notifiable diseases which might impact on an equine export” – Speaker: Fleur Whitlock BVetMed MRCVS
- “Novel cattle TB tests: TB Policy (England) view on their current use and future potential” – Speaker: Eleanor Brown MSc MA VetMB MRCVS
The annual OV Conference provides a unique forum in which OVs can discuss current topics of interest and recent developments in their work. It is organised by Improve International, in conjunction with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and 5m Publishing, to provide a comprehensive lecture programme. Speakers from APHA will share their expertise in scanning surveillance in poultry, cattle and pathology, as well as topics including TB testing, animal welfare and international trade. An exhibition of products and services tailored for OVs runs alongside the event.
Mr David Babington MRCVS, Business Development Director at Improve International, said: “OVs carry out critical animal health and welfare and public health work and their role will only increase in importance in the post-Brexit era.
“The OV conference provides CPD which is specifically geared to their needs and which is delivered in a friendly, comfortable and relaxed environment. We are delighted that many delegates return year after year and look forward to welcoming OVs to Alexandra House again in September.”
Andrew Soldan, APHA Veterinary Director, said: “Never before has the UK been so aware of how much it relies on OVs to certify exports, control TB and detect statutory diseases.
“With the heightened awareness of the importance of OVs has come a greater focus on the fact that trading partners require confidence in the UK certification system. OVs must be well trained; to be seen to maintain their competence and to be appropriately regulated by both RCVS and APHA. Certification Support Officers have also now been introduced to assist OVs when certifying animal products for export.
“In the light of these developments, I’m particularly looking forward to this year’s 2019 OV Conference. It’s an occasion to hear about the latest issues, to receive OV-relevant CPD and to meet old and new colleagues alike.”
The full programme can be found here.
