VetIreland25 opens in Killarney

Conference celebrates 25 years of Veterinary Ireland

Ireland’s premier multidisciplinary veterinary event, VetIreland25, takes place this weekend at The Gleneagle Hotel & INEC Arena, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, and marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of Veterinary Ireland.

The conference was opened by Michael Healy-Rae T.D., Minister of State, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Veterinary Ireland’s Food Animal, Companion Animal and Equine Groups have again joined forces to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and practical information by multiple veterinary disciplines.

Over the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday (October 3-5), expert speakers from practice, as well as from industry, research and academia, will present on critical challenges in animal health and welfare. The wide range of presentations, which will be delivered in parallel streams, are intended to reflect the respective priorities of food animal, companion animal, and equine veterinary practice. This year’s event will also introduce a dedicated nursing stream.

Jane Pigott, President, Veterinary Ireland, commented: “Following on the success of last year’s event, we are thrilled to continue the collaboration between our Companion Animal, Food Animal and Equine Groups, uniting our diverse and passionate veterinary community under one roof. I am also delighted that this year we have further expanded the scope of our event with the addition of a nursing stream of highly informative and topical presentations.

“Our collaborative approach has only grown stronger year on year, and I’m incredibly committees who have worked tirelessly to put together this year's outstanding line-up of speakers. In its scope, ambition and commitment to the veterinary profession, this proud of the effort and dedication shown by the various VetIreland25 organising year’s event is an appropriate salute to Veterinary Ireland’s 25th anniversary.”

The Veterinary Ireland President added: “Veterinary medicine is going through a period of rapid change and the Irish veterinary community has come together at VetIreland25 to provide Irish vets with the information and knowledge on how best to deal, at a practice level, with the issues they face day to day.

Providing a forum for the exchange of information and ideas, our aim is to bring colleagues together from across the profession to talk through common issues and establish strong professional ties that will drive the development of the profession and advance veterinary medicine.”

Experts will share the latest research and insights across a comprehensive range of the key issues facing the profession. Some of the topics covered will include:

• a masterclass in companion animal neurology;

• calf nutrition; and,

• equine dentistry.

Three parallel practical sessions — a companion animal-focused dry lab, and two wet labs addressing food animal skills and equine work — acted as a curtain raiser for the conference on Friday morning. Veterinary Ireland President Jane Pigott noted: “These lab sessions are the result of a highly effective collaboration between the Companion Animal, Food Animal and Equine Groups. I am confident that these teaching sessions will make a vital contribution to the development of surgical and practical skills for all the veterinary professionals in attendance.”

A major trade exhibition is also taking place as part of the event and offers the opportunity to network with suppliers and learn about new products and innovations in the veterinary sector. In an additional enhancement to the programme, VetIreland25 hosts a practical village within the exhibition area where delegates can further hone their skills.

Further details of the conference are available at www.vetcve.com