VetSalus at NZVA Conference

VetSalus enjoyed a highly successful few days at the recent New Zealand Veterinary Association Conference which was held at the Takina Conference Centre, Wellington from 4th - 6th June. Represented by Directors Mark Bryan and Lewis Griffiths and Project Manager Warren Webber, the attendees met and interacted with a number of VetSalus consultants, colleagues and industry figures.

The multi stream format presented a wide range of topics and one of the biggest problems faced by delegates was deciding which stream to attend. There were many presentations on subjects which were highly relevant to VetSalus projects. One of the undoubted highlights was a masterly presentation from Professor Ian Lean, of Sydney University and Scibus, entitled “ Methane and efficiency of production - a vets guide to making a difference”. In just 45 minutes Professor Lane managed to condense many hours of highly relevant information. As one attendee commented afterwards;

I have never been in a presentation when so many cell phones were photographing slides!

But there were many, many more highlights including an illuminating talk from Simon Kenny of McDonalds who showed, to perhaps an initially somewhat cynical audience, that behind the Golden Arches lie proactive policies as the business works to reduce its carbon footprint. An entire day devoted to cow “wearables” and the wealth of data they generate was fascinating; there can be little doubt that a more sustainable dairy industry will utilise this data and the accompanying AI which allows the millions of data points to contribute to intelligent herd management. The veterinary profession has been presented with a massive opportunity to become the interpreters and facilitators of this wealth of data. VetSalus sees tremendous potential for the emerging technology to greatly enhance the route to a more sustainable future.

The VetSalus team took part in numerous meetings and networking opportunities at the conference and were particularly pleased to spend some time in discussions with colleagues from Australia’s VfCA group, and their Kiwi partners at Sustainavet. Together they supported the launch of the Climate Care Program Aotearoa, which is utilising a New Zealand modified version of the Carbon Calculator developed by VetSalus and VetSutain, initially in the UK. For further information on this important initiative see: https://www.vfca.org.au/ccp_new_zealand

VetSalus was delighted to be awarded the NZVA’s Environmental Sustainability Award. In the citation accompanying the award, which was presented by the Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard,

The award was collected by VetSalus Director Lewis Griffiths who emphasised VetSalus’s continuing commitment to increase veterinary sustainability in Aotearoa.

VetSalus Director Mark Bryan was also awarded the prestigious NZVA President’s award, in recognition of more than 20 years commitment and support to the veterinary profession. Mark accepted the award and his acceptance speech, presented in his unique and highly entertaining style, was still being talked about many hours later!

VetSalus is also delighted to congratulate Dr Richard Wild, a VetSalus consultant, who became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the recent King’s Birthday Honours.