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Conference to examine OV role in a post-Brexit world
"My experiences over the last year have made me even more proud to be part of the veterinary profession" - Andrew Soldan, APHA veterinary director.
Event will discuss all aspects of the role and where it is headed

The role of Official Veterinarians (OVs) and the challenges they face in a post-Brexit world are set to go under the spotlight at this year’s virtual OV Conference.

Run in association with the APHA, the OV Conference is the UK’s only event dedicated to the CPD needs of OVs. This year’s event will take place over three days (28-30 September), and promises more than 18 hours of lectures and Q&A sessions from leading speakers.

“During this year, the realities of our post-Brexit world have started to reveal themselves while we have endured another lockdown before finally starting to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented Sue Hay, head of OV Training at Improve International, which organises the event.

“Throughout the year, OVs have shown huge commitment in working through the eye of the storm. But, while there have been many challenges, there have also been areas of opportunity and the potential for positive change. We look forward to discussing all aspects of the OV’s role and where it’s headed following this extraordinary year during the 2021 OV Conference.”

Among the speakers named for this year's event include BVA President James Russell, Ian Wright, head of the European Scientific Counsel of Companion Animal Parasites UK & Ireland, and Dr Sam Holland, veterinary head of exotics and welfare. Former APHA director Simon Hall will share practical experience from his current role as an export OV.

 “My experiences over the last year have made me even more proud to be part of the veterinary profession, " commented Andrew Soldan, APHA veterinary director. "The role of vets, especially Official Vets, has never been very prominent in our national life...I hope that the OV conference will help you carry out this vital work to the best of your abilities.”

Early Bird tickets for the annual conference are available at officialvet.com

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.