The region’s first dedicated veterinary show will reflect the huge growth in the number of domestic pets as well as the Arabian passion for horses and camels, a statement said.

Launched by the Institute for International Research (IIR) Middle East, Vet Middle East (Vetme) 2009 will take place from March 30 to April 1 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

“Although no official figures exist, the size of the regional market is estimated to be at least multi-million dollar. The UAE spends $27 million per annum on falconry alone, said Goutam Malhotra, exhibition manager of VETme 2009.

Vetme 2009 will bring together regional veterinary practitioners and public health officials with manufacturers and suppliers of a vast array of products and services from pharmaceuticals to food supplements, as well as the latest technological advances in veterinary healthcare.

Running in parallel with the exhibition is the Vet Middle East 2009 conference, which features a series of comprehensive multi-tracked seminars and workshops.

The seminars will address current regional industry issues relating to the cattle, equestrian and falconry sectors, with an in-depth focus on topics such as rehabilitation, conservation, breeding, animal husbandry, drug development and imaging technologies.

They will also discuss the potentially catastrophic repercussions of viral outbreaks such as bird flu or foot and mouth disease.

“It is hardly surprising that the UAE is investing so much in the veterinary sector, the consequences of a viral outbreak could be absolutely devastating,” commented Malhotra.

The overriding strategic aim of the UAE authorities is to create an environment free of any animal diseases, especially those that can cross-over to harm humans. Therefore veterinary care is of paramount importance, not only to care for the animals but to protect the public.

Imported live poultry and sheep, horses transported in and out of country to compete in races around the world, free-roaming camels in the interior and migrating wildlife all pose potential threats.

However it is public-private sector initiatives such as the mobile veterinary clinics commissioned by the then Ministry of Environment and Water and developed by Dubai-based water treatment company Concorde-Corodex, that can provide effective solutions.

“Although they have been in service now for over two years, these mobile clinics can diagnose infections in birds, cattle and horses,” said Malhotra.

'They can be dispatched to remote areas promptly, saving time and minimising the risk of any potential disease spreading, whilst containing any problem locally,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service