HORIBA UK announces that the latest CPD webinar in its free-to-attend educational veterinary series will focus on “Raw Feeding part II – Bacteriological Risks and Benefits in Companion Animals.” On 7th July 2022 at 7.30pm, veterinary expert Dr Conor O’Halloran BVSc MSc PhD MRCVS will give an online presentation, followed by an open Q&A session on this much discussed subject area. Free registration and further information are available through the veterinary pages of HORIBA UK’s website and also at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6301418110266818573
This latest sponsored CPD veterinary webinar focusing on the bacteriological aspects of raw feeding, offers a follow-on to HORIBA’s previous highly informative webinar on raw feeding and the control of endoparasites in pets [1]. It aims to provide all veterinary practice staff with useful information with which they can help pet owners make fully informed decisions when deciding what to feed their pets. This is important as it is easy to underestimate the impact that different feeding regimes can have on the health and wellbeing of pets, their owners, and the wider community.
Feeding companion animals with more unprocessed products has become increasingly popular, and whilst ready-prepared pet foods are produced in highly controlled environments, they may still present bacterial risk when using them. Conor O’Halloran’s presentation will provide vital support and information on keeping pets and the people that care for them safe when using raw feed diets. His points of discussion will include the main pathogens that can cause issues, such as E. coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella. He will also touch on potential risk to owners, for example raw food associated with zoonotic diseases, including TB; whilst also covering possible benefits too.
Conor is well placed to provide this information. Qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Liverpool, he has also undertaken both an MSc and then PhD at the University of Edinburgh, studying and undertaking research into a variety of infectious diseases of dogs and cats. His PhD thesis focussed on mycobacterial diseases of companion animals in particular. Enjoying the daily variety of general practice, Conor has a particular passion for internal medicine, alongside infectious diseases which continue to be an area of ongoing active clinical research.
“Veterinary teams are in a unique position when it comes to supporting and advising owners on day-to-day care. However, they cannot dictate what owners must feed their pets,” said Paul Lymer, Veterinary Business Manager, HORIBA UK. “We appreciate though that raw feeding is definitely a topic which prompts discussion amongst both veterinary staff and pet owners. So, our latest CPD webinar will help to educate and present a balanced view, ensuring that although the choice remains with the owner on what to feed, veterinary staff are armed with the knowledge to help them do so safely.”
HORIBA veterinary experts will also be available following a Q&A session with Conor O’Halloran at the end of the webinar to answer any diagnostics related queries and discuss how HORIBA’s range of veterinary testing products can support in daily practice.
For free registration and more information on HORIBA’s online CPD meeting on “Raw Feeding part II – Bacteriological Risks and Benefits in Companion Animals”, see the HORIBA UK website, or https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6301418110266818573
Reference: 1 – Ian Wright (2022). Controlling Parasites Associated with Raw Feeding and the Role of Testing. HORIBA UK Veterinary CPD Webinar, 27th January 2022.
