Seamus O’Kane outgoing president of AVSPNI welcomed over 110 vets to the AFBI laboratories, Omagh on 10th January.  They had turned out to listen to the four local practitioners who gave presentations on a variety of subjects.  Esther Skelly-Smith from Shanaghan Veterinary Services kicked off the day educating the vets on equine pain; this included the understanding of pain and its assessment and management in the horse over recent years. The talk also provided evidence-based updates on equine pain assessment and its application for the practitioners.
Treenie Bowser from Parklands Veterinary Practice, Portglenone spoke next.  Treenie’s talk on dairy herd fertility gave her colleagues an overview of genomics in Holstein herds, and tips how they can apply this new technology to farms to assist breeding decisions.
After a quick cup of tea or coffee in the break the vets heard a short presentation from Sarah Campbell of MSD, the sponsors for the day.  AVSPNI would like to take the opportunity to thank MSD for their continued support and for helping make events such as this one such a great success.
John Hill then gave a very informative talk outlining some of the challenges facing bees.  The talk covered the antimicrobial properties of honey and propolis as well as lots of other very interesting facts.
Brian Jones brought this part of the day to a conclusion with his talk on reproduction in dogs.  His talk covered collection, preparation, shipping and storage of fresh, chilled and frozen semen as well as A.I. and causes of infertility in dogs.
When the presentations were finished, the speakers had a chance to relax and enjoy the rest of the day which included the AVSPNI AGM at which Phil Walsh was installed as 2018 President.  This was followed by the adjudication and award presentation of the winner’s trophy by RCVS President Stephen May and a three course dinner.  Professor May commented on how much he had enjoyed the day.  He commended all of the speakers and awarded the Frank Mullan memorial trophy to Treenie for her excellent presentation, rounding up an enjoyable and educational day.

Photo credits: David McKeown

A few words from Seamus O’Kane on his recent visit to BCVA congress…
” On 20th October I had the pleasure of attending the dinner, in Southport, to celebrate 50 years of BCVA.
The outgoing President, Andrew Cobner, spoke of the work his predecessors had done to get the Association to the position it currently holds in the conference hierarchy and asked us to stand for a minute’s reflection in tribute to the deceased Past Presidents. He proudly informed us that nearly £40,000 had been raised for Send A Cow during the year by means of cycle rides, raffles and other fund raising eventsThe night continued with food, drink, lots of conversation and entertainment provided by the “Mutt’s Nuts”, a group of vets with a musical bent.
There was plenty of bling on show, as is evident, and AVSPNI demonstrated that it can sit comfortably at any top table.”

A few words from Seamus O’Kane on his recent visit to BCVA congress…
” On 20th October I had the pleasure of attending the dinner, in Southport, to celebrate 50 years of BCVA.
The outgoing President, Andrew Cobner, spoke of the work his predecessors had done to get the Association to the position it currently holds in the conference hierarchy and asked us to stand for a minute’s reflection in tribute to the deceased Past Presidents. He proudly informed us that nearly £40,000 had been raised for Send A Cow during the year by means of cycle rides, raffles and other fund raising eventsThe night continued with food, drink, lots of conversation and entertainment provided by the “Mutt’s Nuts”, a group of vets with a musical bent.
There was plenty of bling on show, as is evident, and AVSPNI demonstrated that it can sit comfortably at any top table.”

BOOK your children’s activities for this years conference NOW to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

We have a selection of outdoor and indoor activates to keep the young ones amused while you enjoy some great lectures in the comfort of the fabulous Slieve Donard!  We start the Saturday off with our Lego and clay workshop brought to us by Northern Irelands very own ‘Bricks4kidz’.  These workshops are the only kind in Northern Ireland comprising both fun and education with Lego and Clay.

The Saturday afternoon will be exceptional for those who enjoy some outdoor fun!  We ask that the kiddies wrap up warm (it is Northern Ireland after all) with outdoor clothing and head to Castlewellan where they will be partaking in Archery and Kayaking!  I’m pretty sure this will be one of the highlights of the weekend!  For those who like the cosy indoors, we have exotic animals coming to visit us with Eco Mantella.  In the evening they can relax in front of a film to end an incredible day of fun!

On Sunday morning Louie the Entertainer will bring his fabulous magic show to conference kids!  Followed by Swim time.  (Please note that Sunday activities require adult supervision).

If you wish for your little/big ones to join in on the conference kids fun, please book NOW as we cannot guarantee places as they are filling up fast.  We don’t want anyone to be disappointed!  This includes those wishing to use our crèche facilities on the Saturday.

If you would like more information about the children’s programme at conference have a look at our conference brochure

For a conference registration form click here