Twenty-four members of the AVC (Association of Veterinary Consultants) from 12 countries round the world gathered in the historic ambience of the Hotel la Zoologie in Bordeaux in early October 2025 for the annual General Assembly (AVC GA).
The AVC, now 30 years old, was formed by veterinarians working in areas such as regulatory affairs, clinical trials, toxicology studies, communication, marketing and other services related to veterinary science. As consultants, we provide, on a daily basis, accomplished and first-rate expert advice to our clients, small and large. Since the start of AVC, next to our consulting businesses, we have also established a solid reputation for impartial, science-based and practical advice with EU and global authorities, including EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and EMA (European Medicines Agency). AVC members have provided feedback, commentary and opinions on new initiatives, actions, regulations and strategies in animal health, welfare, nutrition and veterinary medicines, also contributing to official strategic working groups on, for example, emerging risks and the impact of AI.
The General Assembly is not only a gathering for formal business - each year invited speakers, external and from within the membership, inform and educate – but also offers an enjoyable social programme, which welcomes members’ guests. AVC GA 2025 was no exception, with a fascinating exposé from Dr. Luca Zilberstein of CAP Douleur on how to better assess pain in pet and farm animals. Professor Andy Peters presented African projects supported by the Gates Foundation and others, whereas Dr. Giorgiana Jelescu summarised EU pet food regulations.
The GA elected the new Board of AVC for 2025-2027, with members from Ireland, France, Spain, Belgium and Canada: President Dr Jyoti Soni-Gupta, Secretary Dr Elinor McCartney, Treasurer Dr Eric Brunier, Junior Vice-President Dr Heidi Schwer, Senior Vice-President Dr Rimma Ishimbaeva, and the two ex-officio roles of Auditor, Dr Howard Dobson and Working Group Co-ordinator, Dr Elinor McCartney.
The current AVC Board plans to grow membership activities in Europe and globally, and expand AVC membership.
If you are an independent veterinarian with consulting expertise, why not join the AVC via https://www.avc-eu.de/application-form.html.
