Professor Gibbens reminded delegates that the need to ensure animal welfare underpins the majority of the work they undertake and suggested that, in the light of global challenges associated with rising populations and climate change, the balance between food production, animal disease and animal welfare was an increasingly important issue for all stakeholders with veterinary surgeons having a vital role to play.

Professor Gibbens made the remarks as part of his keynote address at the 2016 Official Veterinarian Conference which, this year, took animal welfare and the role of the OV as its overall theme. Attended by more than 200 OVs, it featured lectures and discussions on large animal and small animal topics, including the threat from exotic ticks; pitfalls around certification and current thinking on Bovine Tuberculosis.

A collaboration between Improve International, which handles OV registration and training in England, Scotland and Wales; 5m Publishing and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the annual 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.

Commenting on the conference, 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.”

For more information visit: www.officialvet.com