Conference Speakers (2024)

The 2023 conference saw a wealth of knowledge from key industry speakers, discussing a large range of topics relevant to today’s world in animal health and welfare. We are delighted to announce the speakers for our 2024 conference.

AHDA members can view presentations from the 2023 conference via the AHDA members online portal.

To register for a login, click here.

Speaker Dr Alison Pyatt – Veterinary Medicines Directorate
Presentation ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANCE IN HORSE PARASITES
Description Initiating stakeholder engagement and contribution to tackle the critical problem of anthelmintic resistance in horses.
Bio Dr Alison Pyatt oversees innovative portfolio of training, international activities, and capacity building in the veterinary medicine regulatory sphere at the VMD. She co-chaired the VMD’s recent equine anthelmintic stakeholder workshop. She holds a doctorate in Veterinary Services, is an experienced academic, and a visiting lecturer in professional veterinary services.
Speaker Jonathan Moore BVSc MBA MRCVS – Chanelle Pharma
Presentation WHAT ARE GENERIC MEDICINES?
Description Choosing a branded originator or generic product; what’s the difference?’
Bio Jonathan graduated as a veterinary surgeon in 2003. After 10 years in practice, he then completed his MBA before entering industry. He has held sales, technical and marketing roles across multiple species areas. He joined Chanelle as the company’s Veterinary Technical Services Manager in 2022
Speaker Dr Wendy Talbot – Zoetis
Presentation BEST PRACTICE USE OF ANTHELMINTICS   
Description  A concise overview on current best practice, how to perform a risk assessment and selective therapy
Bio Dr Talbot is the National Equine Veterinary Manager for Zoetis UK, the manufacturer of Equest and Equest Pramox. Prior to joining Zoetis, Dr Talbot completed a residency in Equine Internal Medicine at The University of Liverpool and worked in Equine practice for 9 years. She is a European and RCVS specialist in Equine Internal Medicine. Dr Talbot regularly provides anthelmintic CPD training to RAMAs, Vets and Students with a focus on responsible and practical parasite control plans.
Speaker Patricia van Veen DVM MRCVS – Zoetis UK Ltd
Presentation MULTIPLE – ACTIVE ANTHELMINTICS
Description The role of multiple-active anthelmintics as part of a sustainable worm control plan
Bio Originally from the Netherlands, Patricia graduated as a vet from the University of Ghent, Belgium. In her 16 years in mixed and dairy practice, she worked with farms to help optimise animal management and develop bespoke health plans. In 2020 Patricia joined the Zoetis Ruminant team, currently as UK National Vet for the Ruminant VPS portfolio
Speaker Lesley Stubbings – SCOPS
Presentation TBC
Description
Bio Lesley is an Independent Consultant and has a central role in SCOPS. Over the last five years she has been heavily involved in sheep scab initiatives, including the VMD and RDPE projects and the Code of Practice for dipping contractors
Speaker Alison Lambert – Onswitch
Presentation PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE – Be more human, connect and influence your customers
Description Customer behaviour and how to engage customers
Bio Following qualification from Liverpool University in 1989, Alison worked in practice for several years before pursuing a business career with Hills Pet Nutrition and MARS, where she discovered the passion for the customer experience that her award-winning company, Onswitch, is renowned for today. Established in 2001, Onswitch promotes customer-centred practice so pets, horses and livestock receive the best care; providing research, marketing, CPD and business consultancy with an effective, innovative, straight-talking and client-led approach.

Alison is Associate Professor of Veterinary Business at SVMS, teaching Customer Understanding on the undergraduate curriculum. She is published widely and regularly speaks at key international veterinary congresses and events.
Matt Colston
Speaker Matthew Colston – Elanco Animal Health
Presentation LOOKING AFTER THE WORMS – WHY SHOULD FARMERS PICK UP MORE SHHHHH !
Description Better parasite control for your farmer customers, one step at a time.
Bio Matt has been working with Elanco as a Ruminant Technical Consultant for just over 10 years as part of Elanco’s vet team. Prior to this he spent many years in mixed, mainly large animal practice, initially in the south of Scotland and then in Cumbria where he now lives. While working in general practice Matt served a term as President of the Sheep Veterinary Society, and as a Director of the Moredun Foundation.
Speaker George Aspey – Harper Adams University
Presentation HARPER ADAMS – CHANGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Description Changes to exam systems, helping you help your staff, and future qualifications
Bio George is a registered veterinary nurse and worked in veterinary practice for 13 years before joining Harper Adams as a lecturer. He took over the role of course manager for the range of AMTRA SQP modules in February 2022. He is particularly passionate about SQP education and creating opportunities.