20/12/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

BETA have announced a CPD programme for SQPs taking place at six locations from January to April.

With this CPD programme, BETA have concentrated on areas which can assist SQPs within their work environment. The day looks at the likely changes in the legislation but also at potential profit advancement. For some, this could come from the changing approaches to Worming Horses, current thoughts on worming programmes and better knowledge of how to sell testing kits and monitor the results. For others, the Small Animal Exemption Scheme could add ideas for new products or to consider AVM-VPS products for different species. It will be a busy day, but should give new inspiration and have an element of fun. You also get you 44 CPD points!

More details including the dates and application form on the CPD events page of the AMTRA website.

(This article was amended on 7 January to reflect a slightly amended timetable which is now shown on the AMTRA website.)

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20/12/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

The VMD’s Animal Medicines Inspectorate’s (AMI’s) office at Stoneleigh Park will close by 31 December 2010. This is for information only as the service provided to SQP businesses by the AMI will not change.

The Government’s agenda to reduce the size of the Crown Estate requires Departments to take licence breaks on properties as they fall due. The licence on the Stoneleigh property is an annual year by year lease and as such falls due for renewal at the end of 2010.

The VMD have looked at the costs and benefits of maintaining a small out stationed office in the Midlands and have concluded that this cannot be financially justified. With regret, they have decided to close the AMI’s Stoneleigh Park office.

The VMD is making arrangements for the AMI Administration Team currently located at Stoneleigh Park to continue their work using the VMD Weybridge office as their base.  The team will retain their current e-mail addresses but will use VMD based phone numbers and the VMD’s postal address:

Phone numbers:

Clare Crowley: 01932 338474
Marion Yapp: 01932 338475

Postal address:

Animal Medicines Inspectorate
Veterinary Medicines Directorate
Woodham Lane
New Haw
Addlestone
Surrey KT15 3LS

It is the VMD’s aim that you will receive the same level of service from Clare Crowley and Marion Yapp as before and have the same level of access to them.

If you require any further information about these changes, please contact John Millward at  j.millward@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk

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01/12/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

AHDA is coordinating a series of 10 regional CPD meetings, AMTRA-accredited. At each venue there will be an afternoon session on companion animals and an evening session on farm livestock. SQPs may attend either or both.

AMTRA is following on at a further five venues, repeating the companion animal content in more eastern locations.

SQPs from AHDA members can attend the AHDA events free of charge – subject to available space, so book now. Other SQPs at the AHDA events, and all SQPs at the AMTRA events, £18 inc. VAT per person.

All the afternoon courses will run from 2.15pm until 4.45pm, with registration and a hot buffet available from 1.30pm. The course will cover companion animal ectoparasites, endoparasites, and a regulatory update from VMD/AMI and AHDA.

All the evening events will run from 5.30pm until 8.00pm, with registration from 5.00pm, followed by a hot buffet. The course will cover the new COWS (Control of Worms Sustainably in Cattle) recommendations, a fluke presentation, and a regulatory update from VMD/AMI and AHDA.

Each event will be worth 19 CPD points, or 35 for both (because the VMD/AHDA content is duplicated).

Confirmation of your place and details of the venue and how to get there will be sent on receipt of your application form and payment (where appropriate).

We advise you to book early as demand for places will be high. Click here to download an Application Form.

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