Thoughts arising from ICAVA Conference and the World Meat Congress.

Recently, there were two events in Dublin that signal the enormous changes which have overtaken the veterinary profession in Ireland in recent decades: one a domestic event, the other an international gathering. The domestic event was the second congress of the Irish Companion Animal Veterinary Association (ICAVA) which took place on May 14th to 16th. The fact that Ireland can sustain a robust and bustling annual conference dedicated to companion animals demonstrates beyond dispute the growth (not to mention the growth potential) of this branch of the profession. Enlivened with the enthusiasm and excitement of a young organisation, ICAVA has created a forum not just for small animal specialists but, perhaps even more importantly, for those from large animal backgrounds who are seeking to expand into this area. The event itself proved to be an enjoyable, stimulating weekend. For those who want to pursue further education in the small animal area, or who were unable to attend this particular event, the most pertinent question is: where to next? There is now a very real challenge facing the profession if it is to catch up with and match the growing sophistication of veterinary medicine internationally. The onus is on the veterinary organisations to encourage the development of a vigorous programme of CPD and to actively encourage members to participate. As we await first sighting of the new Veterinary Surgeons Act, there appears to be little appetite generally for putting CPD on an obligatory footing. At a time when we are drawn frequently to focus on the future good of the profession, CPD must be at the very apex of our agenda, now more than ever. If we do not invest in continuing education now, we may have an unpleasant price to pay later.

As the ICAVA conference was winding up, the 12th World Meat Congress was just beginning in Dublin. At a time when agriculture is experiencing depression, the Congress provided a timely reminder of the dynamics at play in world trade. One of the chief concerns that emerged was the necessity to guarantee food safety; it was a concern that crossed political, geographical and economic boundaries. There was consensus among the main players in the meat industry that science-based procedures are essential if the industry is to meet the challenge to guarantee that meat on offer to domestic and international consumers is pathogen-free, chemically safe, healthy, of high quality and consistently palatable, produced without compromising the environment or the welfare of the animals from which it is derived.

The message ought to be a source of great encouragement for the veterinary profession since it incorporates three objectives to which we have a strong ethical commitment: safety of meat products, welfare of food-producing animals, and protection of the environment.

The need to ensure that the consumer can purchase a safe, healthy product is something that is central to the veterinary ethos and which has been formalised as such by the Veterinary Certified Food Assurance Board. We enthusiastically support the implementation of HACCP programmes in slaughterhouses. On the farm, we have been the prime advocates of prevention of disease as the way forward, not only in terms of the economic benefit to the client but also, very particularly, in the context of public health. The welfare of animals is our core business. Likewise, high on our agenda is the preservation of the environment, the well-being and survival of the many species of animals and plants that are this nation's birthright.