Improve International Launches OCQ(V) To Help Official Veterinarians Deliver Cymorth TB In Wales
9 years ago 
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Improve International, the veterinary CPD specialist which handles Official Veterinarians (OV) training in England, Scotland and Wales, has launched a new OCQ(V) to prepare OVs to deliver Cymorth TB, a Welsh Government initiative which provides advice, support and bespoke veterinary interventions for all Welsh cattle keepers in the fight against bovine TB.
The new OCQ(V) aims to minimise the impact of bovine TB, clear up breakdowns more rapidly and to prevent the disease from spreading. It equips OVs with the skills to provide support and advice to farmers whose cattle have TB, whose neighbours have TB or to maintain Officially TB Free (OTF) status. It is open to all vets but expected to be taken mainly by Welsh veterinary surgeons already appointed as OVs to undertake TB testing of cattle and other species. Revalidation is required every two years.
Commenting, Sue Hay MRCVS, Head of Practical Skills Training at Improve International, said: " In order to carry out Cymorth TB-related work for the Welsh Government, vets must hold this qualification though the knowledge gained will also be useful in related areas. They must also hold the existing OCQ(V) Essential Skills foundation module applicable to all OVs and the OCQ(V) in Tuberculin Testing.
"The new qualification enables vets to build on their knowledge, giving them the information and training they require to deliver a high quality, herd health-focussed, disease-management farm visit to affected farmers as part of the Cymorth programme. Topics covered include the TB disease management process; farm/herd biosecurity and informed purchasing."
Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer of Wales, added: "The OCQ(V) has been funded by the Welsh Government and will be available in both English and Welsh. The Welsh Government is offering a number of subsidised places and more information will be made available through the Veterinary Delivery Partners. Cymorth TB is a key component of our TB Eradication Programme."
Ifan Lloyd, a senior partner at St James Vet Group, Swansea and one of the first Welsh vets to qualify for the OCQ(V), said: "Holders of the OCQ(V) Cymorth TB are focused on providing primary health care for the herd. The enhanced support programme builds on the existing working relationship between veterinary practices and their farmer clients; their understanding of the health of the herd and their knowledge of local disease situation."
OV training is developed by Improve International, a veterinary CPD specialist, in conjunction with its assessment partner the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and Harper Adams University, which validates the qualifications. Improve was appointed to handle OV registration and training in England, Scotland and Wales by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in 2014. It has launched 11 separate OCQ (V)s covering a variety of topics important for OVs, including a couple of modules which form the foundation for the rest of the courses. Individuals or employers fund their own OV training but benefit from the fact that they can access the majority of course content 24/7 online at a convenient time and without having to be absent from the practice. More information is available at www.improve-ov.com.
Improve International is one of the UK’s leading veterinary training companies with a 17 year track record in providing structured continuing professional development (CPD) to veterinary professionals. Acquired by Benchmark Holdings Plc in February 2015 and based in Swindon, Improve provides high quality CPD in a range of formats for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, receptionists and practice managers to help them to develop their skills and knowledge, using a combination of review lectures, case-based discussion and where, applicable, hands-on practical sessions.
10 August 2015
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Rebecca George, George PR
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