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HAVING been awarded the contract for training and revalidating OVs in June (VR , June 28, 2014, vol 174, p 643), Improve International launched its new training modules, known as Official Controls Qualifications (Veterinary) (OCQ[V]s), in August, together with a new registration database. To date, it was reported at the press briefing, which was held at Improve International's headquarters in Swindon on September 26, over 1500 existing and new OVs have signed up to the database.
Both new and existing OVs must register on the new database, which allows the transfer of old OV panels to the new system. At the press briefing, it was explained that the database would help give the AHVLA a clear picture of how many OVs are currently active. It would also help with administration, by allowing all OVs to be contacted easily if training requirements change, and allow reminders to be sent when an OV must begin the revalidation process.
According to Simon Hall, veterinary director at the AHVLA, who spoke the press briefing, 'By next year, we'll know that the OVs that are on the system actually need the qualification, are...