New AMTRA-Accredited Training Course on Orf for SQPs
NoBACZ Healthcare releases AMTRA-Accredited Training: Tackling Contagious Pustular Dermatitis (Orf) in Small Ruminants
NoBACZ Healthcare Ltd have again teamed up with Virtual Business Management Solutions to deliver a comprehensive training session on Contagious Pustular Dermatitis (Orf), a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats, with significant economic and welfare implications for UK flocks. The course is accredited by AMTRA allowing SQPs to gain CPD points.
Delivered by NoBACZ Healthcare’s International Business Development Manager Dr David Charles MRCVS- an RCVS Recognized Advanced Practitioner in Sheep Health and Production, this course provides essential knowledge and practical recommendations for managing orf outbreaks effectively. Topics covered include:
- Understanding Orf: Causes, transmission, and zoonotic risk.
- Economic Impact: Losses exceeding £17.8 million annually in the UK sheep sector.
- Current Challenges: High prevalence (73 % of flocks affected in the last 12 months) and common mismanagement practices. With highlights of new research undertaken by NoBACZ Healthcare and The Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
- Prevention Strategies: Vaccination protocols and farmer engagement.
- Innovative Solutions: Introduction of AMBUGREEN®, a new topical zinc-based gel barrier and highlighting case examples presented at leading international veterinary conferences.
Why This Matters for SQPs:
With 95% of orf diagnoses currently made by farmers and limited veterinary involvement, SQPs play a critical role in guiding correct product use, improving flock health, and reducing zoonotic risk. This course equips SQPs with evidence-based advice and introduces practical tools to support farmers in sustainable disease management.
“Orf remains one of the most underestimated challenges in sheep production, requiring a true team approach from everybody advising the farm business,” said Dr David Charles. “By equipping SQPs with the latest science and practical tools, we can reduce its impact on animal welfare, farm profitability, and even human health. This course is about empowering advisors to make a real difference on the ground.“
Course Highlights:
- Accredited by AMTRA for CPD points.
- Practical insights from recent UK case studies.
- Guidance on responsible medicine use and non-antibiotic alternatives.
Availability:
The training is now live and accessible via VBMS’s CPD platform. For more details, visit the SQP Training Portal
https://sqptraining.vbms-training.co.uk/groups or contact sqp@vbms-training.co.uk
