OCQ(V) - AX (Avian Exports)

It is not a requirement to be a vet to undertake OCQ (V) training or to hold an OCQ (V) qualification, but only vets who hold an OCQ (V) qualification and are full members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons are able to be authorised as Official Veterinarians. There is no limit to the number of OCQ(V)s that an individual can hold.

Do I have to do any preparation before enrolling on to the OCQ(V)s?
No, although it is useful to have done some research on the AHVLA web site into the relevant areas and read the associated background documents (see useful links).

In addition we would expect you to continue this background reading in order to remain up to date and prepare for revalidation.

The table below shows a brief overview of the planned OCQ(V)s, with a fuller explanation of each underneath this table.

OCQ (V) - ES Essential Skills

The OCQ (V) – ES - Essential Skills (Current General and Notifiable Disease Introductory Module) is the foundation element to all Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) Official Veterinarian (OV) Training and Panel appointments.

This Introductory Module provides an introduction, and essential background information, to the registered Veterinary Surgeon applying to AHVLA for training and appointment as an Official Veterinarian (OV).

The scope of the OCQ (V) - ES training will incorporate:

1. A basic overview of the roles of EU (FVO), OIE, Defra, devolved Authorities, and the structure and work of AHVLA in the context of state veterinary medicine and statutory disease control – including consideration of regulation of animal diseases and protection of animal welfare and
2. An outline of the Terms and Conditions of Appointment, responsibilities and role of an OV working on behalf of AHVLA in relation to full compliance with requirements related to audit trail, protection of animal welfare, H&S and biosecurity aspects, and
3. Clarification of the legal and professional responsibilities of all Veterinary Surgeons in relation to compliance with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct including 12 Principles of Certification, and requirements for impartiality, avoidance of conflicts of interest, protection of animal welfare and management of suspect Notifiable Disease, and
4. Background training related to the diagnosis and statutory disease control of exotic Notifiable Disease including LDCC structure, procedures and the role of the Veterinary Inspector, and
5. The opportunities to access and become familiar with the AHVLA website as a source of OV Instructions, documents, information and guidance directly related to OV work, and to ensure they are able to update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes and to access and familiarise themselves with the Defra, OIE and RCVS websites as additional information sources/guidance related to the subject content of this Module.

All Veterinary Surgeons applying to AHVLA for any OV training and appointment must successfully complete this OCQ (V) - ES training prior to commencing training for all other excepting OCQ (V) - CA which provides a separate self-contained module specifically designed for companion animal vets incorporating essential skills directly relevant to the companion animal vet role.

On successful completion of OCQ (V) - ES training the OV will be required to undergo Revalidation of their OCQ (V) - ES training every 5 years.

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OCQ(V) – TT Tuberculin Testing of Cattle and Other Species

The OCQ(V) – TT  -  Tuberculin Testing of Cattle and other species (Current Panels 1a TB and 6b TB Testing of Deer) Module is relevant to the registered Veterinary Surgeon applying to AHVLA for training and appointment as an Official Veterinarian (OV) to undertake TB testing of cattle and other species.

TB testing is undertaken at the request and on behalf of AHVLA, in addition to carrying out Pre-movement and Private testing and providing advice and guidance to farmers related to the disease and its control.   All such work must be undertaken in full compliance with the requirements of the current applicable TB legislation and AHVLA procedures.

The scope of the OCQ(V) – TT training will incorporate:

1.  Essential background information relating to TB, relevant to the responsibilities and role of an OV undertaking TB testing of cattle and other species, and
2. Detailed procedural training related to TB testing with specific reference to AHVLA OV Instructions for TB and SOPs, including hygiene, biosecurity and health and safety requirements, and
3. Clarification of the legal and professional responsibilities of all Veterinary Surgeons in relation to compliance with the 12 Principles of Certification, avoidance of conflicts of interest, protection of animal welfare and management of suspect notifiable disease, and
4.  The opportunity for Candidates to access and become familiar with the Defra*, AHVLA, legislation and other relevant websites:
   - as a source of documents, information and guidance directly related to OV work and TB testing and
   - in order to update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes

*Defra, AHVLA, Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), The Scottish Government, whichever is/are appropriate to the area in which Candidate will be working.

All Veterinary Surgeons applying for OCQ(V) - TT training are required to have previously successfully completed the following:

1. OCQ(V) -  ES Essential Skills training, and
2. iSAM Training for OVs, and
3. Practical bTB Testing Instruction, delivered by a Veterinary colleague already holding OCQ(V) TT/appointed to Panel 1a TB and assessed as fully competent by the Contractor in accordance with QA requirements

On successful completion of OCQ(V) - TT training the OV will be required to undergo:

1. Assessment of their TB Testing knowledge and practical skills by AHVLA as part of their risk based audit process, and
2. Revalidation of their OCQ(V) - TT training at the specified frequency of two years.

Please note certification will be achieved in two parts, provisional certification and final certification, see practical testing.

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OCQ(V) – SS - Statutory Surveillance, Endemic Diseases

The OCQ(V) – SS - Statutory Surveillance, Endemic Diseases Module is relevant to the registered Veterinary Surgeon applying to AHVLA for training and appointment as an Official Veterinarian (OV) to undertake statutory surveillance activities for ‘endemic’ diseases other than bTB – currently testing for Brucellosis, Anthrax and Sheep Scab.

Both Brucellosis and Anthrax surveillance testing are undertaken at the request and on behalf of AHVLA, whilst investigation of Sheep Scab is undertaken by OVs on behalf of the Local Authority - including providing advice and guidance related to the diseases and their control.   All such work must be undertaken in full compliance with the requirements of the current applicable legislation and AHVLA procedures.

The scope of the OCQ(V) – SS training will incorporate:

1. Brucellosis, Anthrax and Sheep Scab – being the endemic diseases currently specified for inclusion in this OCQ(V) – NB other endemic diseases may be added to the scope of this OCQ(V), and
2. Essential background information relevant to the responsibilities and role of an OV undertaking statutory surveillance for the specified endemic diseases, and
3. Detailed procedural training related to statutory surveillance for the specified endemic diseases – including reference to the relevant AHVLA OV Instructions and SOPs, including hygiene, biosecurity and health and safety requirements, and
4. Clarification of the legal and professional responsibilities of all Veterinary Surgeons in relation to compliance with the 12 Principles of Certification, avoidance of conflicts of interest, protection of animal welfare and management of suspect notifiable disease,  and
5. The opportunity for Candidates to access and become familiar with the Defra*, Gov.UK, AHVLA, legislation and other relevant websites:
   - as a source of documents, information and guidance directly related to their OV work and
   - in order to update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes

* Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), The Scottish Government, whichever is/are appropriate to the area in which Candidate will be working.

All Veterinary Surgeons applying for OCQ(V) - SS training are required to have previously successfully completed the following OCQ(V) - ES training.

The revalidation interval requirement for the OCQ(V) – SS training and work area is 3 years

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OCQ(V) – EX – Exports General

The OCQ(V) – EX - Exports General Module is the foundation element to all Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) Official Veterinarian (OV) export training and appointments.

This Module provides an introduction to the general principles of international trade, export certification, export procedures, and essential background information to the registered Veterinary Surgeon (VS) applying to AHVLA for species/commodity specific training for OCQ(V) – SX, OCQ(V) – UX, OCQ(V) – GX, OCQ(V) – AX, OCQ(V) – PX Modules whichever is/are appropriate to their application.

The OCQ(V) – EX Module forms the only exports training required for certain specific species/commodity export training - for example insects, live fish.  The Veterinary Surgeon (VS) applying for species/commodity specific training outside the scope of the modules listed above should seek clarification from the training provider as to whether the OCQ(V) - EX module alone is appropriate to their application.

The scope of the OCQ(V) - EX training will incorporate:

1. A basic overview of the general principles of international trade, and
2. Emphasis of the legal and professional requirements on all Veterinary Surgeons to undertake certification in full compliance with the 12 Principles of Certification at all times, avoiding conflicts of interest, and protecting animal welfare – including the potential consequences of irregular certification, and
3. Detailed consideration of legal, professional, AHVLA and destination country requirements and procedures relevant to the OV undertaking export certification, and
4. Export Procedures including detailed coverage of roles and responsibilities, the export process from application to completion of travel, meeting documentary, health and welfare requirements, completion of export certification and use of the AHVLA website and OV Instructions for Exports as a comprehensive source of information and guidance, and
5. The opportunity for Candidates to access and become familiar with  the Defra, Gov.UK, AHVLA, RCVS, and legislation websites:
   - as a source of documents, information and guidance directly related to OV export work and
   - to ensure they are able to provide advice to their clients/exporters, and update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes

All Veterinary Surgeons applying for export training must successfully complete the following training schedule:-

1. Initially - OCQ(V) – ES training
2. Followed by - OCQ(V) – EX training
3. AND if appropriate to their application - one or more of OCQ(V) – SX, OCQ(V) – UX, OCQ(V) – GX, OCQ(V) – AX, OCQ(V) – PX Modules appropriate to their chosen species/commodity specific export OV work area(s)

The revalidation interval requirement for the OCQ(V) – EX training and work area is 5 years.

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OCQ(V) – SX – Export of Companion Animals including PETS, pet birds and Commercially Traded Small Animals

The OCQ(V) – SX  –  Export of companion animals including PETS, pet birds and commercially traded small animals (Current Export of Small Animals and PETS, and Part Panels 1h and 1i – Export of Zoo and Laboratory Animals) module is relevant to the registered Veterinary Surgeon applying for training and appointment as an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised to sign Export Health Certificates and Pet Passports related to both the export of companion animals, including PETS and pet birds, and the commercial trade of small animals.

An OV authorised to undertake this work will be required to provide advice to, and undertake this work on behalf of their clients – in full compliance with the requirements of current legislation, professional guidelines and AHVLA/EU/Third Country procedures.

The scope of the OCQ(V) - SX training will incorporate detailed consideration of:

1. The procedures and requirements for the export of companion animals including pet birds – with particular reference to variation of procedural and documentary requirements related to country of destination and species, and relevance to the OV role and
2. The procedures and requirements for the export of commercially traded small animals – with particular reference to variation of procedural and documentary requirements related to premises of origin, country and premises of destination and species, and relevance to the OV role and
3. The scope and rules of the Pet Travel Scheme - with particular reference to preparation procedures and development of skills required for resolution of queries/problems relevant to the OV role and
4. Legal, professional and AHVLA requirements and procedures relevant to the OV undertaking export certification for companion animals, pet birds, and commercially traded small animals and preparation of dogs, cats and ferrets for PETS and
5. Legal and professional responsibilities of the OV in relation to safeguarding the welfare of all small animals and pet birds presented to him/her for export and
6. Access and familiarisation with the Defra, AHVLA, RCVS, and legislation websites for all Candidates:
   - as a source of documents, information and guidance directly related to OV export work and
   - to ensure they are able to provide advice to their clients/exporters, and update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes

All Veterinary Surgeons applying for OCQ(V) – SX training must successfully complete the following training schedule:-

1. Initially - OCQ(V) – ES training
2. Followed by OCQ(V) – EX training PRIOR to commencing this species specific module – including on demand TRACES Official Private Veterinarian (OPV) module training where appropriate to their application (see OCQ(V) – EX Technical Specification Annex for details)

The revalidation interval requirement for the OCQ(V) – SX training and work area is 5 years.

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OCQ(V) – UX – Export of Ungulates Including Equidae

The OCQ(V) - UX – Export of ungulates including equidae (Current Panel 1g - Export/Import of Equine Animals; Panel 1j and 1p - Export of Farm Animals; Part Panels 1h and 1i – Export of Large Zoo and Laboratory Animals) module is relevant to the registered Veterinary Surgeon (VS) applying for training and appointment as an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised to sign Export Health Certificates related to the export of ungulates including equidae.

An OV authorised to undertake this work will be required to provide advice to, and undertake this work on behalf of their clients – in full compliance with the requirements of current legislation, professional guidelines and AHVLA/EU/Third Country procedures.

The scope of the OCQ(V) UX training will incorporate detailed consideration of:

1. The procedures and requirements for the export of ungulates – with particular reference to variation of procedural and documentary requirements related to country of destination, transit counties and species, and their relevance to the OV role
2. Legal, professional and AHVLA requirements and procedures relevant to the OV undertaking export certification for ungulates including detailed consideration of species specific requirements
3. Legal and professional responsibilities of the OV in relation to safeguarding the welfare of ungulates presented to him/her for export.
4. Development of skills required for resolution of queries/problems relevant to the export of ungulates and the OV role.
5. Access and familiarisation with the Defra, AHVLA, RCVS, and legislation websites for all Candidates:
   - as a source of documents, information and guidance directly related to OV export work and
   - to ensure they are able to provide advice to their clients/exporters, and update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes

All Veterinary Surgeons applying for OCQ(V) – UX training must successfully complete the following training schedule:-

1. Initially - OCQ(V) – ES training
2. Followed by OCQ(V) – EX training PRIOR to commencing this species specific module – including on demand TRACES Official Private Veterinarian (OPV) module training where appropriate to their application (see OCQ(V) – EX Technical Specification Annex for details)

The revalidation interval requirement for the OCQ(V) – UX training and work area is 3 years.

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OCQ(V) – AX – Avian Exports

The OCQ(V) - AX – Avian Exports (Current Panel 1k – Export of Birds, Poultry and Hatching Eggs) module is relevant to the registered Veterinary Surgeon (VS) applying for training and appointment as an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised to sign Export Health Certificates related to the export of poultry including Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) and captive birds.

An OV authorised to undertake this work will be required to provide advice to, and undertake this work on behalf of their clients – in full compliance with the requirements of current legislation, professional guidelines and AHVLA/EU/Third Country procedures.

The scope of the OCQ(V) - AX training must incorporate detailed consideration of:

1. The procedures and requirements for the export of avian species – specifically the export of poultry, including the PHS and captive birds – with particular reference to variation of procedural and documentary requirements related to country of destination, transit counties and species, and their relevance to the OV role
2. Legal, professional and AHVLA requirements and procedures relevant to the OV undertaking export certification for avian species including detailed consideration of species specific requirements
3. Legal and professional responsibilities of the OV in relation to safeguarding the welfare of avian species presented to him/her for export.
4. Development of skills required for resolution of queries/problems relevant to the export of avian species and the OV role.
5. Access and familiarisation with the Defra, AHVLA, RCVS, and legislation websites for all Candidates:
   - as a source of documents, information and guidance directly related to OV export work and
   - to ensure they are able to provide advice to their clients/exporters, and update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes

All Veterinary Surgeons applying for OCQ(V) – AX training must successfully complete the following training schedule:-

1. Initially - OCQ(V) – ES training
2. Followed by OCQ(V) – EX training PRIOR to commencing this species specific module – including on demand TRACES Official Private Veterinarian (OPV) module training where appropriate to their application (see OCQ(V) – EX Technical Specification Annex for details)

The revalidation interval requirement for the OCQ(V) – AX training and work area is 3 years.

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OCQ(V) – PX – Exports of Products of Animal Origin including food for human consumption and animal by-products

The OCQ(V) - PX – Export of Products of Animal Origin (Current Panel 1l – Export of Animal Products; Panel 1m – (Part) Export of Fish Products; Panels 3, 4, 5 – Export of Meat and Meat Products) module is relevant to the registered Veterinary Surgeon (VS) applying for training and appointment as an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised to sign Export Health Certificates related to the export of products of animal origin including food for human consumption and animal by-products.

An OV authorised to undertake this work will be required to provide advice to, and undertake this work on behalf of their clients – in full compliance with the requirements of current legislation, professional guidelines and AHVLA/EU/Third Country procedures.

The scope of the OCQ(V) - PX training will incorporate detailed consideration of:

1. The procedures and requirements for the export of products of animal origin including food for human consumption and animal by-products – with particular reference to variation of procedural and documentary requirements related to country of destination, transit countries, and their relevance to the OV role
2. Legal, professional and AHVLA requirements and procedures relevant to the OV undertaking export certification for products of animal origin
3. Development of skills required for resolution of queries/problems relevant to the export of products of animal origin and the role of the OV.
4. Legal and professional responsibilities of all VS in relation to safeguarding animal welfare
5. Access and familiarisation with the Defra, AHVLA, RCVS, and legislation websites for all Candidates:
   - as a source of documents, information and guidance directly related to OV export work and
   - to ensure they are able to provide advice to their clients/exporters, and update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes

All Veterinary Surgeons applying for OCQ(V) – PX training must successfully complete the following training schedule:-

1. Initially - OCQ(V) – ES training
2. Followed by OCQ(V) – EX training PRIOR to commencing this species specific module – including on demand TRACES Official Private Veterinarian (OPV) module training where appropriate to their application (see OCQ(V) – EX Technical Specification Annex for details)

The revalidation interval requirement for the OCQ(V) – PX training and work area is 3 years.

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OCQ(V) – GX – Exports of Germplasm including supervision of AI Centres

The OCQ(V) - GX – Export of Germplasm including supervision of AI Centres (Current Panel 1n – Export of Germplasm) module is relevant to the registered Veterinary Surgeon (VS) applying for training and appointment as an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised to sign Export Health Certificates related to the export of germplasm and associated OV work in AI Centre supervision.

An OV authorised to undertake this work will be required to provide advice to, and undertake this work on behalf of their clients – in full compliance with the requirements of current legislation, professional guidelines and AHVLA/EU/Third Country procedures.

The scope of the OCQ(V) - GX training will incorporate detailed consideration of:

1. The procedures and requirements for the export of germplasm – with particular reference to variation of procedural and documentary requirements related to country of destination, transit counties and species, and their relevance to the Authorised Veterinarian and/or OV role
2. Legal, professional and AHVLA requirements and procedures relevant to the Authorised Veterinarian/OV undertaking export certification for germplasm - including detailed consideration of species specific requirements
3. Legal and professional responsibilities of the Authorised Veterinarian/OV in relation to safeguarding the welfare of donor animals entering and/or residing within germplasm establishments.
4. Development of skills required for resolution of queries/problems relevant to the export of germplasm and the role of the Authorised Veterinarian/OV.
5. Access and familiarisation with the Defra, AHVLA, RCVS, and legislation websites for all Candidates:
   - as a source of documents, information and guidance directly related to OV export work and
   - to ensure they are able to provide advice to their clients/exporters, and update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes

All Veterinary Surgeons applying for OCQ(V) – GX training must successfully complete the following training schedule:-

1. Initially - OCQ(V) – ES training
2. Followed by OCQ(V) – EX training PRIOR to commencing this species specific module – including on demand TRACES Official Private Veterinarian (OPV) module training where appropriate to their application (see OCQ(V) – EX Technical Specification Annex for details)

The revalidation interval requirement for the OCQ(V) – GX training and work area is 3 years

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OCQ(V) – CA – Export of Companion Animals including PETS and pet birds

The OCQ(V) – CA – Export of Companion Animals including PETS and pet birds (Current Export of Small Animals and PETS) module is relevant to the registered Veterinary Surgeon applying for training and appointment as an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised to sign Export Health Certificates and Pet Passports related to the export of companion animals, including pet birds.

An OV authorised to undertake this work will be required to provide advice to, and undertake this work on behalf of their clients – in full compliance with the requirements of current legislation, professional guidelines and AHVLA/EU/Third Country procedures.

The scope of the OCQ(V) - CA training will incorporate detailed consideration of the:

1. Work of AHVLA relevant to the module – including exports/imports, regulation of notifiable disease and animal welfare, with reference to the responsibilities and role of an OV working on behalf of the organisation, and
2. Legal and professional requirements on all Veterinary Surgeons to undertake certification in full compliance with the 12 Principles of Certification at all times, avoiding conflicts of interest - including the potential consequences of irregular certification, and
3. Actions which should be taken by any Veterinary Surgeon considering or suspecting Notifiable Disease as a differential diagnosis, and
4. General principles of international trade – with particular reference to variation of procedural and documentary requirements related to country of destination and species, and relevance to the OV role, and
5. Legal, professional, AHVLA and destination country requirements and procedures relevant to the OV undertaking export certification - including detailed coverage of roles and responsibilities, the export process from application to completion of travel, meeting documentary, health and welfare requirements, completion of export certification and use of the AHVLA website and OV Instructions for Exports as a comprehensive source of information and guidance, and
6. Scope and rules of the Pet Travel Scheme - with detailed consideration of legal, professional and AHVLA requirements related to PETS preparation procedures and the development of skills required for resolution of queries/problems relevant to the OV role and
7. Legal and professional responsibilities of the OV in relation to safeguarding the welfare of companion animals and pet birds presented to him/her for export and
8. Access and familiarisation with the Defra, AHVLA, RCVS, and legislation websites for all Candidates:
   a) as a source of documents, information and guidance directly related to OV export work and
   b)  to ensure they are able to provide advice to their clients/exporters, and update/refresh their knowledge as needed in response to legislative and procedural changes

This OCQ(V) – CA module provides a separate self-contained module specifically designed for companion animal vets.  There is no requirement for applicants to undertake the OCQ(V) – ES and OCQ(V) – EX modules prior to this training, since the essential skills and guidance on export certification and procedures elements relevant to companion animal vets have been incorporated within the OCQ(V) - CA module.

The revalidation interval requirement for the OCQ(V) – CA training and work area is 5 years.

Details of Revalidation modules to follow.