The Animal Health Distributors Association’s annual conference returns to Birmingham on the 19th and 20th of September after a two-and-a-half-year break, with an extensive programme of seminars and workshops led by key figures in the industry.
Usually taking place in January, the event will cover topics related to the management of farm, equine and companion animals. This year, Abi Seager, newly appointed CEO of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), will be the keynote speaker.
The speaker programme includes Dr Alison Pyatt (VMD), Dave Bartley (Moredun Research Institute) and Jonathan Statham (Animal Health and Welfare Board for England). There will also be around 50 leading animal health companies including veterinary medicine manufacturers, suppliers and industry groups such as AMTRA, COWS, SCOPS and VMD.
The theme of this year’s event is Working for Positive Change, with day one including workshops on responsible prescribing, faecal egg counting and animal medicine planning. The AHDA has partnered with three key veterinary medicine manufacturers, as well as SCOPS, to help deliver these workshops.
Earlier this year, a campaign was launched to enhance the responsible prescribing process of POM-VPS products, with a focus on anthelmintic resistance. This is to raise awareness of the challenge the farming industry is facing due to resistance and to change the attitudes and outlooks of the end users.
“AHDA’s main purpose is to support RAMAs/SQPs in their role, working with other industry organisations and bodies to support their right to sell and supply the range of prescription animal medicines across all sectors,” explained Bryan Lovegrove, AHDA Secretary General.
“So in raising awareness of the challenges of anthelmintic resistance, and by focussing on it in detail at our conference, we hope to bring some of these areas of focus to life, encouraging conversation and engagement among those directly involved in the prescribing process in order to help the end users – their customers – better understand the topic.
“We’re really looking forward to coming back together after a lengthy break. Exhibitor spaces have sold out, which is a clear indicator of the enthusiasm within the sector, and the importance of meeting in person to share ideas and discuss challenges,” added Mr Lovegrove.
The evening gala dinner on the first day will provide a platform for the annual AMTRA awards ceremony, charity prize draw and after-dinner speaker. Day two will focus on a wide range of relevant and current topics, including companion animal nutrition, lungworm in cattle, and backyard poultry.
There will also be around 60 points available to Registered Animal Medicine Advisors (RAMAs) over the course of the two days.
Paid-up members of AHDA qualify for member rates and general admission tickets are still available. For more information go to www.ahda.co.uk