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| Macedonia Tour Spring 2007 |
Veterinary Public Health Association - 2007 Study Tour to Macedonia |
Veterinary Public Health is more than just about meat hygiene. Apart from visiting a slaughterhouse which was "state of the art" during the communist era, the 40 delegates also visited an intensive integrated dairy cattle farm, a sheep farm producing cheese in the traditional way and a Hydrobiological Institute where research is undertaken into trout rearing.
The delegates ranged from a wide variety of veterinary public health disciplines and included private Veterinary Practioners, Official Veterinarians working for the MHS, Veterinary Officers employed by Animal Health, Portal Official Veterinarians, Veterinary Advisors working for the FSA, Veterinary Pathologists and Environmental Health Practitioners. They all shared a common interest being veterinary public health; but of course, the greatest benefits of the tour were obtained through their own exchanges of information and networking. This was facilitated during the various social events that were also organised which included a visit to an orthodox monastery, a boat trip on Lake Ohrid and a meeting with the Municipal Town Mayor at Ohrid - the oldest town recorded to have had a civilisation. All this was accompanied by traditional food, local wines and Macedonian merriment.
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The whole trip was meticulously organised through various contacts made with the Veterinary Faculty of Macedonia. The University faculty also hosted the first day where a workshop was held. Several presentations were made by UK and Macedonian delegates who helped us appreciate the cultural, political and veterinary diversities of our two nations.
The entire VPHA study tour was, yet again, hailed a tremendous success. Both with regards the tremendous quality and value of CPD gained, but also the opportunity to experience a snapshot of this beautiful country through the eyes of fellow veterinarians who are striving to attain the standards needed for accession to the EC.
VPHA is open for anyone who shares an interest in Veterinary Public Health. Practitioners are particularly encouraged to join where they would gain a wider understanding of their vital role in this field of veterinary work. More information is available on www.vpha.org.uk |
Lévon Stephan
VPHA Membership Secretary
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