A major national multidisciplinary veterinary event, Vet26, has opened at The Gleneagle Hotel & INEC Arena, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry today (Friday, October 2).

Veterinary Ireland’s Food Animal, Companion Animal and Equine Groups have joined forces to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and practical information by multiple veterinary disciplines.

Over the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday (October 2-4), expert speakers from practice, as well as from industry, research and academia, will present on critical challenges in animal health and welfare.

The presentations are intended to reflect the respective priorities of food animal, companion animal, and equine veterinary practice.

Following its successful launch last year, the dedicated veterinary nursing stream also returns for this year’s event.

President of Veterinary Ireland, Eoin Glynn commented: “Making the most of the opportunity presented by the consistent success of this event each year since 2023, we are thrilled to continue the collaboration between our Companion Animal, Food Animal and Equine Groups, uniting our diverse and passionate veterinary community under one roof.

“Veterinary medicine is evolving rapidly and Vet26 provides Irish vets with the information and knowledge on how best to deal, at a practice level, with the issues they face day to day.

"Providing a forum for the exchange of information and ideas, our aim is to bring colleagues together from across the profession to talk through common issues and establish strong professional ties that will drive the development of the profession and advance veterinary medicine.”

Vet26 conference

Experts will share the latest research and insights across a comprehensive range of the key issues facing the profession.

Some of the topics covered will include:

A companion animal workshop on building surgical confidence;
An in-depth look at hands-on techniques in farm animal practice;
Horse rescue focusing on management of the animal from incident to extrication.

Three parallel practical sessions - a companion animal-focused dry lab, and two wet labs addressing food animal skills and equine work - acted as a curtain raiser for the conference on Friday morning.

Eoin Glynn continued: “These lab sessions are the result of further extensive collaboration between the Companion Animal, Food Animal and Equine Groups.

"These teaching sessions can make a vital contribution to the development of surgical and practical skills for all the veterinary professionals in attendance.”

A major trade exhibition is also taking place as part of the event and offers the opportunity to network with suppliers and learn about new products and innovations in the veterinary sector.

As part of the exhibition space, the practical village (where delegates have an opportunity to refine practical skills and learn directly from experts in a relaxed, interactive setting) also returns.