SAVETCON

Webinar: Latest Research: Supporting production efficiency of modern livestock
2024-05-22 18:00 - 19:30 (Europe/Helsinki) | Livestorm (online)
Programme:

18h00 – 18h05: Welcoming and introduction of speaker – Adéle Rothmann – Virbac Product Manager: Micronutrients & Nutrition
18h05 – 19h15: Presentation by Dr Paula Gonzalez-Rivas
19h15 – 19h30: Q&A session

Speaker bio: Dr Paula Gonzalez-Rivas is the Technical Services Manager for Livestock Nutrition at Virbac Australia. She is a veterinarian with a Master’s degree in Animal Studies from the University of Queensland, a PhD in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Melbourne, and five years of experience in small and large animal practice in Chile. Paula has experience in research applied to nutrition and heat stress in ruminants. During her Masters, Dr Gonzalez-Rivas studied the role of phosphorus in beef cattle, while in her PhD, she focused on heat stress abatement strategies using nutritional management in sheep and dairy cattle. She has also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in meat quality in feedlot cattle
This webinar was accredited for 1 CPD Point – AC/1828/24

Webinar: Calling all industry leaders!
2024-05-21 19:00 - 20:00 | ZOOM
PLEASE NOTE – THIS WEBINAR IS FOR INDUSTRY ONLY

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of South Africa’s veterinary community?
Join us for an exclusive webinar on Tuesday 21 May at 19h00-20h00, where you’ll discover how you can play a key role in supporting SAVA’s mentorship program.
For over a century, SAVA has been at the forefront of veterinary excellence, adapting and innovating to meet the evolving needs of our profession to enhance animal and human health. Now, more than ever, our community faces unprecedented challenges with a real risk of collapse that will have dire consequences for the industry and production sectors.
Veterinarians are leaving in alarming numbers, and those who remain are grappling with overwhelming mental health pressures.
SAVA’s mentorship program for vets in their Compulsory Community Service (CCS) year was launched in 2020 and has already made significant strides in enhancing clinical skills and improving mental health and well-being among this crucial group of young veterinarians. However, to sustain and expand this program, we need the support of all industries related to animal health.
In this webinar we will discuss:
1. The dire state of veterinary services in South Africa.
2. The critical pivotal role of veterinary services on the entire value chain.
3. The mental health status of veterinarians, and possible solutions.
4. Successes since 2020 of the mentorship program.
5. How industry can be involved in shaping the future of veterinary services.
By joining our webinar, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the mentorship program’s impact, uncover ways you can contribute, and explore the benefits your business can reap by backing this vital initiative.
Don’t miss out on this chance to be a driving force behind the future of veterinary care.
Register now and stand with us as we pave the way for brighter days ahead – for veterinarians, para-veterinarians and the animal population of South Africa.

Gert Steyn, Managing Director SAVA
Dr Paul van der Merwe, President SAVA

SAVA Oranje Vaal Branch CPD Day
2024-05-18 09:00 - 16:00 | Willow Banks Lodge, Parys, Stand no 1 of Portion 160 The Grange, Parys, South Africa

Mpumalanga CPD Evening
2024-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Protea Hotel Nelspruit, 30 Jerepico St, Orchards, Mbombela, Mpumalanaga, South Africa

Webinar: 10 behaviour tips for the veterinary team
2024-05-09 19:30 - 20:30
Behaviour may be a topic that conjures up dread but it doesn’t have to be. The science of dog and cat cognition, neurodevelopment, personality and welfare is progressing at a rapid rate and it can be hard to stay up to date with the ways that this should be changing how we work. In this talk, we will delve into 10 practical things that you can do in practice to support your patients’ mental and emotional health, make things safer for you and your team, and turn tucked tails and hisses into wags and purrs.
About our Speaker:
Dr Aileen Pypers is the owner of Pets at Play Veterinary Behaviour Consultancy in the Western Cape which receives referrals from veterinarians and behaviourists throughout South Africa.
Aileen graduated as a veterinarian in 2010 from the University of Pretoria and completed an honours level module in clinical behaviour medicine in 2013. She also has a Diploma in Higher Education from Stellenbosch University (2018) and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law through Edinburgh University (2023).
She worked as a state veterinarian for over 7 years, has served on animal behaviour and welfare committees of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), currently serves on the management committee of the Cart Horse Protection Association, and is a member of the Cape Animal Welfare Forum.
Aileen does consulting work for Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Humane Society International, has served as an expert witness on several dog bite legal cases, and advises on dog behaviour for several animal welfare organisations.
She has a passion for teaching and has spoken on behavioural medicine and animal welfare topics at multiple conferences and CPD events. She has also done guest lectures on animal welfare, behaviour and one health at the Universities of Pretoria and Stellenbosch.

Worker's Day
2024-05-01

SAAVT Webinar: Test Method Validation of Veterinary Laboratories in SA
2024-04-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Online

Gobiosis Laboratory Launch
2024-04-29 13:00 - 18:00 | Gobiosis Midrand
We are delighted to extend an exclusive invitation to you and your esteemed team to join us for the much-anticipated launch event of Gobiosis, the premier laboratory infrastructure design company. The event will be a dynamic convergence of innovation and expertise, featuring a Smart Lab Infrastructure Workshop, a guided tour of our state-of-the-art Smart Lab Showroom, and culminating in a celebratory cocktail reception.
Event Details:
Date: 29th April 2024
Time: 13:00 – 16:00 hr
Venue: Gobiosis (Building No. 3), Midrand Business Park, 563 Midrand Business Park, Halfway House, Midrand, South Africa
At Gobiosis, we are committed to shaping the future of laboratory infrastructure, and this event presents a unique opportunity for your organization to explore the forefront of lab design and optimization.
Agenda:
▪Welcome Address: Introduction to Gobiosis and Our Vision
▪Smart Lab Infrastructure Workshop: Insights into Design, Efficiency, and Sustainability
▪Guided Tour of Smart Lab Showroom: Experience Innovation in Action
▪Cocktail Reception: Network with Industry Leaders, Customers, Prospective Customers, and Partners
Our expert team will lead engaging discussions and practical demonstrations, providing you with valuable insights and strategies to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of your laboratory spaces.
Please RSVP by 23rd March to confirm your attendance and ensure we can accommodate your team comfortably. You can RSVP by replying to this email or contacting me on telephone number +27 684261460 or +44 7951598377.

39th World Veterinary Association Congress
2024-04-16 08:00 - 2024-04-19 17:00 | Cape Town ICC, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
On behalf of the South African Veterinary Association, the World Veterinary Association and the global veterinary community, we are delighted to invite you to the 39th World Veterinary Association Congress (WVAC2024) that will take place in Cape Town, South Africa from 16 to 19 April 2024. The award-winning Cape Town International Convention Center will host local and international delegates at the backdrop of the iconic Table mountain.
We hope that you will take this opportunity to fulfil your continuing education needs in veterinary science, meet colleagues from all over the world, and visit the wonderful city of Cape Town.
May this be a very successful and enjoyable congress and may your time with us be enthralled with Mzansi* magic.
(*Mzansi is a colloquial name for South Africa and is derived from the Xhosa word umzantsi meaning “south”.)
REGISTER
SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT
BECOME A SPONSOR

Easter Weekend
2024-03-29 - 2024-04-01

SAVA Pretoria Branch CPD Evening
2024-03-27 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-02-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Vethouse, 47 Gemsbok Avenue, Monument Park, Gauteng, 0181, South Africa

Human Rights Day
2024-03-21

Hill's Webinar: Communication tactics: Winning with difficult conversations
2024-03-14 19:30 - 20:30 | Online
Speaker: Desiré Rees, Humanco
Toxic emotions and dysfunctional behaviour happen in the absence of a candid conversation and this causes the greatest damage. Many of us struggle to speak up & have courageous conversations . It is often when it matters most that we do our worst. Join us for strategies on how to win when stakes are high, emotions are strong and opinions differ.

SAVA Pretoria Branch CPD Evening
2024-01-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Vethouse, 47 Gemsbok Avenue, Monument Park, Gauteng, 0181, South Africa
Pretoria Branch CPD Meeting & Dinner – 25 January 2024

Time: 18h30 – 20h30 (light dinner and refreshments at 18h30, CPD talk at 19h00)
Event Address: Vethouse, 47 Gemsbok Avenue, Monument Park, Pretoria
Fees: Branch Members: Free. Non-branch members: R70
RSVP: By no later than Tuesday 23 January for catering purposes
Contact us: admin@savetcon.co.za
RSVP

Secure parking has been arranged, and a light dinner will be served.

Webinar: Farm Animal Reproduction and the Role of Veterinary Diagnostics in Swine Farm Units
2023-12-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
You are invited to join the University of Nicosia for a free webinar on Farm Animal Reproduction, and the Role of Veterinary Diagnostics in Swine Farm Units.

19:00 – Introduction: Dr Manos Vlasiou (Assistant Professor, Head of SVM)
19:10 – Farm Animal Reproduction: Dr Catalina Cabrera (Assistant Professor, SVM)
19:40 – The Role of Veterinary Diagnostics in Swine Farm Units: Dr Georgios Nicolaou (Clinical Assistant Professor, SVM)
20:10 – Questions and Answers
20:30 – Close of Webinar

About our Speakers
Dr Catalina Cabrera is an Assistant Professor of Veterinary Reproductive Biology and Animal Breeding at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nicosia.
Dr Cabrera holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Universidad Nacional de Colombia and a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine from University of California, Davis.
Her research interests include livestock medicine, reproduction and production, advanced reproductive technologies, and preventive Medicine.
Dr Georgios Nikolaou is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Veterinary Pathology at the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Nicosia.
Dr Georgios Nikolaou earned a DrMedVet in Veterinary Science from Szent Istvan University of Budapest – Hungary; and following an one year internship in the department of Veterinary Pathology of the same university he undertook a two year research program in Utrecht University – the Netherlands from where he obtained an MSc in Animal Pathology. He was awarded a scholarship by the British Department of Agriculture to specialize in Veterinary Pathology in Liverpool University and AHVLA.
His research interests are in the fields of infection biology, with particular focus in the pathogenesis and immunology of bacterial and viral infections in farm animal species. He is also interested in oncology diagnosis and prognosis of neoplasms in companion animals. Finally, Dr Nikolaou is in the process of qualifying as a diplomate with American College of Veterinary Pathology and he is also interested in the histopathology of laboratory animals in clinical and preclinical studies.
Proudly hosted by

Webinar: Active Biome + Renal Defence
2023-11-23 19:30 - 20:30 | Online
Optimising the care of pets with chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is common in dogs & cats with 1 in 10 dogs and 1 in 3 cats suffering from this disease.
Pets with CKD can have unique nutrient needs and finicky appetites, which often affects their muscle mass and weight. But with appropriate nutrition, you can help protect your patient’s kidney function, strengthen their gut microbiome, and build their muscle for the fight ahead.
Join us for an informative session,backed by clinical research, hosted by Dr Megan Brown. Fun prizes to be won
About our speaker
Dr Megan Brown
Megan attended Pretoria High School for Girls matriculating in 2006.
She went on to complete her BSc in 2009 and qualified from OP with a BVSc in 2013. Megan completed her Honours in 2017, focussing on anaesthetics and internal medicine.
Megan worked at Lakeside Animal Clinic from 2013-2019 and then went on to locum until she joined Hill’s as a Professional Consulting Veterinarian in 2023.
Megan is married to Dr Geoff Brown, has a son, Stuart, and is also a pet parent to 2 cats.

13th International Veterinary Immunology Symposium
2023-11-17 08:00 - 2023-11-21 17:00 | Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre, Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands
On behalf of the Organising Committee, we are very pleased to announce the rescheduled dates for the 13th International Veterinary Immunology Symposium (IVIS2023), which will now be held from 17-21 November 2023.
We believe that immunology research provides a crucial knowledge base for generating new therapies, disease management, and vaccination approaches, and that IVIS 2023 will be an opportunity for all veterinary immunologists from the global community to meet, engage, and learn from one another in the home of all of Africa’s iconic safari species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra.
We are excited to welcome you to the iconic Kruger National Park in November 2023.

Webinar: Fast & Furious – The Nuts & Bolts of Practice Management
2023-11-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Online
This session is designed to equip veterinary professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required to efficiently run and lead a successful veterinary practice.
We will delve into the critical facets that demand close attention to by practice management and ownership.
Discover the importance of strategic planning, where you’ll gain insights into setting clear objectives, developing actionable strategies, and achieving sustainable growth for your practice. Learn how to effectively mitigate risks through dedicated risk management strategies, safeguarding your practice from unforeseen challenges.
Personnel management is another key focus area. Explore the best practices for hiring, on-boarding, and retaining a skilled and motivated team, crucial for delivering exceptional veterinary care. Gain a deep understanding of regulatory compliance and financial oversight, essential for maintaining the integrity of your practice while ensuring its financial health.
Monica Dixon Perry will share her wealth of knowledge, practical tips, and real-world experiences to help you optimize your veterinary practice’s performance, streamline operations, and achieve long-term success. Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and elevate your veterinary practice management to new heights.
About our speaker
Monica Dixon Perry, CVPM
Monica has been involved in the field of veterinary medicine for more than 37 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Monica has been a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) for more than 20 years and remains a strong advocate for other veterinary practice managers to pursue this designation.
For over a decade, Monica managed a successful full-service, small animal eastern and western medicine veterinary practice in Raleigh, NC. As hospital administrator with Bowman Animal Hospital & Cat Clinic, Inc., she managed every aspect of the seven-day-a-week, nine-doctor hospital’s operations. For 15 years, Monica was a consultant/partner with VMC, Inc. where she presented a seminar called Principles of Veterinary Practice Management throughout the United States and Canada. She has lectured at numerous national veterinary conferences and veterinary schools in the United States. As a consultant, Monica enjoyed lecturing and working with practices that participated in VMC’s on-site consultation services. Monica was also a part-time university lecturer at North Carolina State University in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics where she taught Veterinary Practice Management on the undergraduate level. Monica joined Mission Veterinary Partners at the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic as VP of Strategic Partnerships and later held the position of Director of Practice Management. In her current position, she is Director of Veterinary Consulting Services at Burzenski & Co. and thrilled to return to her passion of working with premier practices throughout the US.
Monica is an active member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, VetPartners, Youth Director at her church and sits on the board of Casa Esperanza Montessori Charter School in Raleigh, NC.
Monica will let you know that her two primary purposes in life are working with veterinary practices and their teams and being the best possible wife and mom. She shares her Raleigh, NC, home with her supportive and loving husband and their daughter.
Monica is the 2022 Practice Management Speaker of the Year at the VMX Veterinary Meeting and Expo

Webinar: One eye on the wheel; one eye on the dashboard
2023-10-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Livestorm (online)
To move your practice forward in an effective and efficient fashion you need to collect data and information that will help you to navigate towards the outcome you so desire. Your practice management software and accounting information can give you more information than you know what to do with. What numbers are most relevant? Where can you find them? How can you monitor them? What do they mean? And, most importantly what impacts them and what to do when they indicate you are not on track?
Learning Objectives: Identify key performance indicators; identify which ones of the many are most relevant; create a tracking dashboard; identify what impacts the KPIs and what you can do to address them.
About our speaker
Dr Peter Weinstein
Dr Peter Weinstein is a husband, father, pet parent, veterinarian and leader.
He has been involved with virtually all aspects of veterinary practice from a 15 year old kennel kid to a hospital owner.
Organized veterinary medicine has been a passion as well with various roles and leadership and presidencies of Southern California VMA, California VMA, and Vet Partners.
He is a published author, most notably of the EMyth Veterinarian-Why Most Veterinary Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It.
Currently, he is teaching business and finance at the Veterinary College of Western University of Health Sciences.
He likes to think of himself as a free thinking change agent and disruptor who, because he has a daughter in veterinary school, is working for an even better veterinary profession in the future.

SAVA Bloemfontein Branch mini-congress
2023-09-30 08:00 - 2023-10-01 17:00 | Ilanga Estate, Plot 9 Frans Kleynhans Ave, Groenvlei, Bloemfontein, Free State, 9301, South Africa
REGISTER HERE
30 September – 1 October
Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein

51st Annual PARSA Conference
2023-09-17 08:00 - 2023-09-20 22:00 | 26 Degrees South, Beyers Naudé Dr, Zwartkops, Muldersdrift, South Africa
51st Annual Conference of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa
17-20 September 2023 | 26 Degrees South Muldersdrift

On behalf of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa and the University of Pretoria I am deeply pleased to invite your participation at the 51st Annual PARSA Conference to be held at 26 Degrees South in Muldersdrift, Gauteng.
PARSA 2023 will be held under the theme ‘Parasites in Society 5.0’.
I am looking forward to a productive and interactive Conference and am confident that you will all enjoy and contribute to the PARSA 2023 Conference.
You are welcome to contact our Conference Secretariat to discuss your requirements for your participation at PARSA 2023.

20th Annual SASVEPM Congress
2023-08-23 08:00 - 2023-08-25 17:00 | Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, Chuma Drive, Gaborone, Botswana
The Southern African Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine is pleased to announce the 20th Annual Congress that will be held from 23-25 August 2023 at the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino in Gaborone Botswana.

ONE HEALTH – WITHOUT BORDERS

SASVEPM believes in healthy animals, healthy humans and a healthy planet. The One Health perspective considers animals, people and environment and ensures that people and communities are involved in the decisions that affect their health and environment. Focussing on animals is just part of caring for the delicate balance of health that includes soil, air, water, topography, population density, markets, culture, and tradition.
A key to the approach is collaboration – across disciplines, professions, borders and groups – that builds holistic solutions with a lens of inter-connectedness.

SAVA Mpumalanga Branch mini-congress
2023-08-18 16:30 - 2023-08-20 14:30 | Ingwenyama Lodge White River, Farm 64, White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa
REGISTER HERE
19-20 August 2023
Ingwenyama Lodge, White River

Hill's & MSD Nurses Hybrid Weekend 2023
2023-08-05 08:30 - 2023-08-06 13:00 | 26 Degrees South, Beyers Naudé Dr, Zwartkops, Muldersdrift, South Africa
Join Hill’s Pet Nutrition and MSD Animal Health for our annual Nurses weekend of great CPD and networking, and of course a bit of fun!
This year’s event will be held at the eclectic 26 Degrees South Boho Hotel in Muldersdrift, Gauteng but will also be a hybrid event so that EVERYONE has access to CPD with local & international speakers!
Mark the date in your calendars and rosters!
The event will also be live streamed for virtual (online) viewing for those that are unable to attend in person. You will also be able to register for the online event and watch the replay at a later stage. All physical attendees will also receive access to the replay.
ONLINE REGISTRATION STILL OPEN

SAVA Eastern Free State Branch mini-congress
2023-07-28 13:00 - 2023-07-29 17:00 | Zuikerkop Country Game Lodge, Tandjiesberg Road, Clocolan, Free State, South Africa
REGISTER HERE

SAVA Western Cape Branch mini-congress
2023-07-21 13:30 - 2023-07-22 17:00 | Krystal Beach Hotel, Breakwater Lane Harbour Island, Gordons Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
REGISTER HERE
***ATTEND THE WESTERN CAPE BRANCH CONGRESS AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE REGISTRATION TO ATTEND THE WVA 2024 IN CAPE TOWN FROM 16-19 APRIL 2024.***

SAVA Pretoria Branch CPD Evening
2023-07-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Vethouse, 47 Gemsbok Avenue, Monument Park, Gauteng, 0181, South Africa
REGISTER HERE
Join us for the Pretoria Branch AGM and CPD presentation (sponsored by ZOETIS) by Dr Vanessa McClure on Monitoring the diabetic patient – can we trust the curves?
19h00 – Arrival and light dinner served
19h30 – Branch meeting
20h00 – CPD presentation
21h00 – End of event
Fees:

Branch Members – Free of charge
Non-branch Members – R70 per person

Webinar: Getting calories in: feeding the inappetant or anorectic cat
2023-07-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Online
Ensuring that a patient receives adequate nutrition may require intervention. This session will help you determine which patients need support, how to provide it (oral vs. feeding tube), how to calculate and ensure appropriate nutrition and when support can be discontinued.
About our speaker
Margie Scherk DVM DipABVP (feline practice)
Margie graduated in 1982 and opened one of the first cat clinics in North America in 1986 in Vancouver, Canada. She became a board-certified feline specialist the first year this specialty became available. She has published several clinical trials and has written and edited numerous books and book chapters. She is an active international speaker and enjoys teaching on-line. She co-edits the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. Margie has served extensively in the American Association of Feline Practitioners as well other veterinary organizations. Her interests include all things feline, especially analgesia, seeing an end to declawing, the peculiarities of the feline digestive system and enabling more positive interactions with cats.

XVI SASSB 2023
2023-07-05 08:00 - 2023-07-07 17:00 | STIAS, Stellenbosch, South Africa
The XVI SASSB 2023 Conference will be hosted concurrently with the 14th International Polychaete Conference (IPC) at STIAS in Stellenbosch. Delegates of the SASSB 2023 Conference can attend the IPC plenary sessions on the 6th and 7th of July whereafter they will continue in a separate venue.
Seperate plenary sessions are also in planning that will be directed specifically to SASSB delegates. Student sponsorships are available to a few students who can apply. Student accommodation will be made available in University residences.
