A very special event is being planned for July 2009: an international get-together of camelid vets from around the world, to be held in Galway in Ireland. Dates are now confirmed as 9 to 12 July 2009.

The conference is being organised by Denis Ryan on behalf of Australian Alpaca Veterinarians. Denis estimates the conference costs to be around 500 euros (excluding accommodation). A final figure and booking form will be posted here as soon as possible. Speakers already confirmed include David Anderson, Chris Cebra, Claire Whitehead, Jane Vaughan and Pat Long, with more to come. The intention is to run "a pretty tight programme" of lectures on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, with a practical day on Friday.

Many of the Australian and American vets attending will be bringing families, so there is a social element as well. Aside from the conference a golf day is planned, as is a sightseeing tour to the Cliffs of Moher. Our very own Donal Connolly is the man on the ground organising these events. There will be a conference dinner on the Saturday night.

The conference venue will be the Radisson Hotel in Galway city. Booking details for the Radisson as part of the conference group will appear here as soon as possible, but if you might prefer an alternative (perhaps less expensive) hotel it might be a good idea to book sooner rather than later as Ireland in mid-summer can get crowded.