Official Veterinarians to Discuss Their Role in Safeguarding International Trade at 2017 OV Conference 

‘Safeguarding international trade through disease control and surveillance’ is the theme of third Official Veterinarian Conference, organised by Improve International in association with the Animal and Plant Health Agency, and set to take place at Alexandra House in Swindon on 21-22 September 2017. 

The OV Conference programme includes dedicated lecture streams aimed at large animal, small animal and equine practitioners.  Speakers include Ian Wright, Head of ESCCAP UK and Ireland, who will address delegates on exotic ticks; Alan Wright, who will update them on issues relating to backyard poultry and Michael Stanford from the Veterinary Defence Society, who will help delegates to avoid common pitfalls in certification. Following feedback from delegates at last year’s event, the 2017 Conference will also include a series of workshops covering the more specialist Official Controls Qualifications–Veterinary – qualifications.

The annual OV Conference aims to provide a forum to discuss the latest developments in OV work and to offer an opportunity for OVs to network and share experiences and ideas. A collaboration between Improve International, which handles OV registration and training in England, Scotland and Wales; 5m Publishing and the APHA, it also features an exhibition of products and services tailored to the needs of OVs. The exhibition is sponsored by Abaxis UK, Pet Air UK, Woodley Equipment, PLH Medical and Pet ID Microchips.

Commenting, David Babington MRCVS, Managing Director of Improve International, said: “Trade in animals and animal products makes a significant contribution to the UK’s gross domestic product and, through their work in export certification and in disease surveillance and control, OVs play a vital role in helping to reduce endemic disease incidence and in protecting the country from exotic disease. Their work has a direct effect on safeguarding international trade and protecting human health and their role will only become more important during and post-Brexit as we work to protect and sustain our trading relationships.

“We will cover a wide range of issues relevant to OVs during the OV Conference in 2017, but will focus in particular on those aspects which support international trade.”

He added: “The OV Conference has established itself as a regular fixture on the veterinary conference calendar with a loyal following of delegates who return each year. We look forward to, once again, welcoming OVs from across the country to Alexandra House in September 2017."

For more information on the Official Veterinarian Conference and Exhibition or to register visit: www.officialvet.com