Jon King, a speaker at this year's OV Conference
Programme For 2019 OV Conference Unveiled - 25-26 September 2019, Swindon
5 years ago 
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The programme for the 2019 Official Veterinarian (OV) Conference has been unveiled and – as in previous years – promises a varied selection of lectures. 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 at: https://officialvet.com/programme/
For more information on the Official Veterinarian Conference and exhibition or to register visit: www.officialvet.com.
Notes to editors:
OV training is provided 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) qualifications, which cover all areas of OV work. Veterinary professionals or employers fund their own OV training but benefit from the fact that they can access 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 20-year track record in providing structured continuous professional development (CPD) for veterinary professionals. Part of Benchmark Holdings and based in Swindon, Improve provides high quality CPD in a range of formats for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, practice managers and receptionists 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.
For further information:
Rebecca George, George PR, Tel: 01449 737281/07974 161108
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