VETS COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING WITH MENTER MOCH CYMRU

Welsh vets have just completed the final elements of a pig health and welfare training course specifically designed for veterinary professionals.

Led by Menter Moch Cymru, working with the Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC), Iechyd Da, and Animal Health Services, the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training schedule has included a mix of practical and lecture days.

The intensive six-day training programme began in May. It was delivered by specialist pig vet Dr Annie Davis of the George Veterinary Group, along with a host of expert guest speakers, and practical sessions were augmented by visits to outdoor and indoor pig units.

Topics covered over the past five months include the Wales Animal Health and Welfare framework, disease surveillance, nutrition, clinical health profiling and planning, AI, husbandry and management, blood sampling, and the responsible use of antibiotics.

Held at the WVSC in Aberystwyth, the final two days of the training focussed on pig post-mortems and the second part of the course’s Pig Health Planning element. 

Pig post-mortem theory was combined with practical examinations, and the health planning training covered areas that included bespoke health planning, methods of performance, and future innovations.

Menter Moch Cymru Development Officer, Elin Haf Jones, said, “The CPD training has been very well received by the vets, with great positive feedback. The six training sessions have enabled them to expand their professional knowledge and give them the opportunity to engage in practical work with pigs.”

In their feedback, vets praised the CPD training given for increasing their knowledge and confidence:

“Great theory and practical sessions that covered a wide range of topics that can be applied in practice day-to-day.”

“Good balance of theoretical and practical with very interesting visits on farms.”

“Excellent course that covered a range of topics. The farm visits were great for practical skills and gaining knowledge for different set ups.”

“Lots of information, all useful and still a very relaxed atmosphere.”

“Very enjoyable and practical CPD that has definitely improved my confidence with pigs.”

WVSC Veterinary Disease Investigator and Pathology Manager, Dr Beverley Hopkins, said, “This is the most useful and practical pig CPD for vets in practice I’ve attended. It was a pleasure to organise this course in collaboration with Menter Moch Cymru and the feedback from those who attended has been fantastic.”

The Menter Moch Cymru project is funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 -2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.