A first-of-its-kind veterinary conference was officially launched in Bahrain yesterday marking a milestone moment in the kingdom’s journey towards advancing animal healthcare.
The two-day Bahrain Veterinary Conference and Exhibition, organised by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, is taking place at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s Awal Ballroom.
Around 150 veterinary experts have gathered to exchange knowledge on best practices, standards and policies in Bahrain, while also showcasing the latest innovations from both local and international countries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak emphasised the significance of hosting such conferences in Bahrain.
“Veterinary medicine doesn’t just protect the health of animals, it also protects humans and guarantees that the food we consume is safe and meets standards,” he said.
“The conference discusses the most important issues in veterinarian medicine, including veterinary policy and standards in Bahrain, allows experts to exchange best practices and experiences in animal healthcare and to see what direction the field may take in the future.
“The accompanying showcase offers a chance to explore the latest inventions, products and services presented by veterinary hospitals, companies and factories, and creates opportunities for co-operation, partnership and investment,” he added.
Bahrain Businessman’s Association vice chairman Abdulhakeem Al Shammary highlighted the importance of developing the veterinary industry and encouraging investment in the sector.
“Over the past years, the government has worked to increase the nation’s capacity and the number of qualified individuals in this sector,” he said.
“It has put in place systems to regulate the import and production of animal products, focusing on combating animal diseases that cross borders, stepped up preventative measures and incorporated modern technology to monitor animal health.
“These efforts are aimed at maintaining public health and ensuring that food products are safe for consumption,” he explained.
Speaking ahead of her session, Eman Veterinary Clinic owner Dr Eman Jassim told the GDN that such conferences were crucial for fostering collaboration across the veterinary sector.
“This event is essential for professionals to come together, share experiences and collectively address challenges,” she said, adding that the future of veterinary medicine lay in working together.
She also pointed out that each clinic may face different issues depending on its location and clientele.
“In my daily practice, I might encounter something completely different from what another veterinarian sees,” she explained.
“For instance, at our clinic in Riffa, we rarely see cases of feline leukaemia or feline Aids, whereas in other areas those diseases are more common.”
Dr Jassim added that birds and cats are the most frequently treated animals at her clinic, with tick-borne diseases also being a regular concern.
“Even though we are all practising in Bahrain, the challenges can vary significantly,” she noted.
“That’s why it’s so important to discuss these differences, identify what’s working and what’s not, and work toward improving the overall system together.”
Animal Care Clinic director Dr Hend Aboeta said that blocked male cats are a common and serious condition frequently seen at her clinic.
“This is a life-threatening emergency where a cat is unable to urinate due to a urethral obstruction, and it requires immediate veterinary attention,” she explained.
“We sometimes see one of such cases every day.”
Dr Aboeta noted that the condition tends to be more prevalent during seasonal transitions in autumn and spring, likely triggered by changes in weather.
“If diagnosed early, the solution can be as simple as a change in diet,” she said. “But early diagnosis is crucial.”
She urged pet owners to monitor their cats’ urination and bowel habits closely, as these are key indicators of overall health.
Warning signs of a possible blockage include frequent attempts to urinate with little success, urinating outside the litter box, and hiding.
Sessions on the conference’s first day included an Overview of Bahrain’s Veterinary Law, Veterinary Pharmaceutical Regulations and Control of Antimicrobial Resistance, ImportExport and Quarantine Regulations for Animals and Animal Products, Evaluate Alignment with International Standards, Emergency Medicine Approaches, among others.
Today’s sessions include Use of AI, Cloud-Based Patient Records and Tele-Veterinary Services, Sustainable and Eco-conscious Clinic Operations, Preventative Care Trends: Vaccination, Early Detection and Monitoring, One Health, Integrating Animal and Public Health Strategies and more.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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