The Sheep Veterinary Society

"We aim to promote the prevention of disease and the welfare of sheep by providing a forum for discussion, distribution of research results and provision of advice on veterinary matters relating to sheep"

Talking Sheep 2011

Although the Sheep Veterinary Society 'Talking Sheep' season has now finished a report on the season is now available here:

Talking Sheep 2011 report

SVS Autumn Meeting 2011

12th -14th September

The Abbey Hotel,
Malvern, Worcestershire

Booking Forms

Final Scientific Programme

SVS Spring Meeting 2012

Harrogate

21 -23rd May 2012

Watch this space!

The Next International Sheep Veterinary Meeting

18th - 22nd February 2013

Rotorua Convention Centre

New Zealand

Web site here

Further Qualifications in Sheep Veterinary Practice

The Sheep Veterinary Society has always supported specific further education in sheep medicine with the aim of improving job satisfaction and general interest in our chosen species interest.

Whilst recognising that both options currently available involve considerable investment in time and money and that there are few obvious financial benefits of specialist status in the present veterinary practice structure, we are very keen to facilitate participation in these courses.

In addition to providing excellent, value for money, continuing education at our bi-annual conferences we are now looking to facilitate and co-ordinate participation in these further qualifications. In particular we would now welcome registration of interest from SVS members and others for a series of tuition courses in the ‘C’ modules of the CertAVP (see below) beginning this autumn, subject however to a minimum number of 6 candidates.

Certificate of Sheep Health and Production (CertSHP)

This was awarded by the RCVS by examination but discontinued in 2009. From its inception in 1988, 69 Veterinarians gained this well respected postgraduate qualification. SVS have looked into the possibility of providing a direct replacement but for various practical reasons this has proved impracticable.

Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice (Sheep) CertAVP (Sheep)

With the RCVS looking towards a modular examination system that would allow candidates more flexibility in their studies, the Cert AVP was introduced in 2007 and the ethos of this system has recently been expounded in articles in the Veterinary Record (Vet Record careers Jan22nd 2011) and ‘In Practice’ June 2011. Further details are on www.rcvs.

As well as completing the general ‘A’ and ‘B’ modules, which are available from a small number of universities (including RDVC) and other providers, candidates studying for a ‘specialist’ certificate must also complete 3 module C sections related to that topic. Edinburgh University are the only organisation offering examination in the sheep modules, of which there are only 3 listed, namely; C-S.1 Diseases of adult sheep; C-S.2 Reproduction, pregnancy and parturition of sheep; C-S.3 Diseases of lambs and parasitic diseases.

Several potential candidates have commented that the ‘A’ and ‘B’ modules are an unnecessary expense and detract rather than add value to the attractiveness of registering for this qualification. In addition there is currently no specific tuition available in the ‘C’ modules.

Diploma of Small Ruminant Health Management (Dip.ECSRHM)

This is awarded by the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management (ECSRHM) which is part of the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation and was provisionally recognised in 2008. Currently there are 22 Active Diplomates, 8 Active Founding Diplomates and 1 Honorary Member. Successful graduation entitles the diplomate to use the title ‘European Veterinary Specialist in Small Ruminant Health Management’. Candidates are advised to spend 60% of their professional time devoted to their speciality and achieving qualification may involve enrolment in a specialist centre.

SVS Committee. June 2011

Contacting the Society

For general communications please use this link

Society members can also communicate with other members of the society through a dedicated newsgroup. Applicants should be aware this newsgroup is intended to provide a general discussion forum for members of the Sheep Veterinary Society and inclusion is subject to approval by our group moderators. To join please click on the following link: SVS newsgroup. Then click on "Join this Group" button at the bottom right hand side and follow the instructions for registering with Yahoo.

Downloads

SVS Research Grant 2009 Application Form
SVS/BVA Ram Examination Form (18 Jan 2007)
SVS Guidelines to Semen Collection (18 Jan 2007)
SVS Travel Claim Form (21 Feb 2007)

External advice

Environment Agency guidance on sheep dips
RUMA gudelines on the Responsible Use of Vaccines and Vaccination

Useful Links

Farmers Weekly Online
NADIS Disease Information
NFU Online
BVA Website
European College for Small Ruminant Health Management
Vets on line
Scottish Animal Health Planning System

Disease Surveillance Reports

(Veterinary Laboratories Agency / Scottish Agricultural Colleges quarterly small ruminants disease surveillance reports. These reports now include data from England, Wales and Scotland and are compiled jointly by SAC and VLA.)