Ian Wright, Head of ESCCAP, who spoke at the conference on tick-borne diseases; Lisa Girdwood, a delegate from West Mount Vets and Professor Nigel Gibbens.

Nigel Gibbens speaks at 2016 Official Veterinarian Conference 

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbons has highlighted the importance of the Official Veterinarian (OV) in safeguarding animal welfare and sharing best practice.

Speaking at the annual OV Conference (39 and 30 September), Professor Gibbens reminded delegates that the need to ensure animal welfare underpins the majority of the work they undertake.

He suggested that, in light of global challenges associated with climate change and rising populations, the balance between food production, animals disease and animal welfare was an increasingly important issue.

Over 200 OVs attended the 2016 Official Veterinarian Conference, which took animal welfare and the role of the OV as its overall theme.

The conference features discussions and lectures on large and small animal topics, including pitfalls around certification, current thinking on bovine TB and the threat from exotic ticks.

Organised by Improve International, 5m Publishing and the APHA, the annual conference aims to provide a forum to discuss the latest developments in OV work. It also gives OVs the opportunity to network and share experiences and ideas.

Commenting on the event, David Babington, managing director of Improve International, said: “Talking to delegates during the two days, I was particularly impressed with the level of enthusiasm they showed. It was clear that they really did want to hear the latest thinking from the experts and to put their new knowledge into practice.   

“The exhibition of products and services of relevance to OVs was also very well-supported. We are delighted at the positive feedback we have received from speakers, delegates and exhibitors and are making plans for the 2017 event which we will announce in due course.”

Image (C) George PR