The conference themed ‘Reducing the Impact of Notifiable Diseases in the UK’ took place at the Alexandra House Hotel and Conference Centre in Swindon on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 October 2015. Topics under discussion ranged from new thinking on the eradication of bovine TB, the potential threat to UK pets from Echinococcus multilocularis and an update on avian influenza. Round table debates gave delegates a chance to quiz speakers directly with a recurrent plea from OVs for more information, such as that given by APHA speakers, during the conference.
What delegates said:
Delegate feedback was overwhelmingly positive and many made useful suggestions as to hot topics for 2016.
“I do a lot of TB testing so the topics covered were very relevant and interesting. One of the speakers, Christianne Glossop, CVO for Wales, talked about a new era of increased information flow between APHA, private vets and farmers and this event is certainly a good first step in this direction. The venue was convenient with excellent facilities.” Paula Hunt, Synergy Farm Health, Dorset
“Very topical subjects, especially those relating to small animal imports on pet and commercial licences. The session on parasite control with travelling pets has made my practice rethink how we educate clients on this subject. I would certainly recommend the event to a fellow OV and I will be coming next year!” Julie Ling, Veterinary Surgeon, Vets4Pets, Nottinghamshire
“The conference ticked all boxes as far as Large Animal notifiable disease was concerned and was a useful part of the revalidation process for OCQ(V)s which I hold. I appreciated the ease of access and the fact that I could easily secure two days of specialist CPD which are needed for my role as an experienced OV within my practice.” Andy Lewis, Oak Vets, Pembrokeshire
“The subjects covered were topical and useful, including up to date information on TB control and management options. I would certainly recommend it.” Polly Gratwick, Independent Veterinary Advisor, Devon
“The subjects were topical and I found it useful to discuss common problems and challenges with other OVs and to meet some of the Defra veterinarians whom I know by email but have never met.”
John Grieve, Cambridge Vet Group, Cambridgeshire
Exhibitors Will Be Back!
A carefully selected exhibition of companies selling products and services of direct relevance to OVs ran alongside the conference. Many reported great interest from OVs and are already planning their presence for 2016!
“It was a well organised event and we would definitely exhibit again.”
Nova Laboratories
“It was excellently organised and I got a number of good leads. I will certainly exhibit again.”
Pet Air UK
“We found it an excellent platform and would definitely exhibit again.”
Kiwikit
“It was a good platform and the delegates who visited our stand were really engaged. We will definitely consider exhibiting again.”
Merck