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Bristol Vet School hosts Official Veterinarian Course
The OV course enables students to join the NOV programme to work with the FSA.
The course was designed as a 10-day EMS placement.

Bristol Veterinary School is marking the success of its dedicated Official Veterinarian (OV) Course for final year students.

The course, delivered by the Veterinary Public Health (VPH) team, welcomed final year veterinary students for a 10-day Extra Mural Studies (EMS) placement.

Students from veterinary schools across the country took part, with a total of 51 enrolling in the course. This is a national first for a student-only OV course on that scale.

The OV course is designed to teach a wide curriculum in a short period, including technical scenarios and formal assessments.

Through the completion of the course, students receive the necessary qualifications to enter the National Official Veterinarian (NOV) programme. It is through completion of this programme that they will be able to work on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Official Veterinarians are considered by the European Federation of Veterinarians to be an ‘essential public good’, involved with the safeguarding of animal welfare during transportation and on farms.

The course explored the broader career opportunities qualified OVs would have available to them, including the transferable skills such as legislation, ethical-reasoning and problem-solving. Students also received individual career advice and networked with key industry stakeholders.

The programme featured a number of guest speakers, including Natalie Sampson, deputy chief veterinary officer for the Welsh government, and Enrique Vega, the interim head of veterinary advisory services for the FSA.

Speaking about why they chose the course, a student said: “I am hoping to work in mixed practice in the future and didn’t have a farm animal background before vet school, which made me feel inadequate for the role.

“Therefore, the opportunity to receive the certification was inviting. While doing the course, I realised I found animal welfare very interesting and want to pursue it in the future!”

Image © Shutterstock

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here. 

Click here for more...
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WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.