An exciting year for BSAVA Congress
More than 6,000 delegates attended this year's BSAVA Congress.
Another year's BSAVA Congress is drawing to a close today, after four days crammed full of fantastic CPD, exciting launches and social events.
Birmingham's NIA and ICC have been swarming with more than 6,000 delegates heading off to thought-provoking lectures or visiting the hundreds of stands in the exhibition to find out what's new in the industry.
BSAVA's theme this year has been "global outlook" - a vision that outgoing president Michael Day feels strongly about.
Linking in with this theme, a press conference held at the start of the event brought together key figures, including Prof Day and Luke Gamble, who launched Mission Rabies at last year's congress.
Professor Sarah Cleaveland from the University of Glasgow shared her views and knowledge on rabies research and said we must remain "vigilant and alert" in light of changes to the Pet Travel Scheme in 2012.
Meanwhile, Luke gave an update on Mission Rabies, which to date has seen more than 85,000 dogs in India vaccinated against the disease. The project is now travelling to Goa, with the aim of vaccinating and neutering 28,000 dogs in six months.
Dr Alice Roberts gave the congress keynote speech to a packed lecture hall, where she explored the connections between animals and humans by looking at embryonic links.
This year's lecture programme included a big issues stream, where views on pet imports and rabies risk were discussed by speakers from the RSPCA, Defra and City of London Animal Health and Welfare Services.
The congress also saw VMD launch a system for reporting adverse reactions to microchipping, in light of new legislation to make the procedure compulsory for dogs in England by 2016.
PetSavers also celebrated its 40th birthday this week by announcing £40k funding for the UK's veterinary schools.
Delegates last night had the chance to unwind after three full-on days of learning. Guests at this year's party night enjoyed the quick wit of Marcus Brigstocke and music by Lawson.
Prof Day hands over presidency to former JSAP editor Katie McConnell at the BSAVA AGM this afternoon.
Bigger and better than ever, BSAVA Congress has once again proved an essential event in the small animal veterinary calendar, with fantastic CPD, important new launches and spectacular social events.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
