Re-Introductions

With the website getting a large update, I thought it apt to reintroduce myself to you all. Over the next few paragraphs, I'll say a little something about myself, about the role of SQPs, Target Worm Counts' mission and ethos, and discuss what we've achieved so far.

Who am I?

My name is Chloe Dix; an Animal Medicines Advisor qualified to advise on and prescribe medicines for horses, livestock, and companion animals. I graduated from the University of Gloucestershire in 2015 with a 1st Class Honour’s Degree in Animal Biology, and am currently pursuing an MSc in the Biological Sciences. My research focuses on Evidence Based Medicine and its approaches to sustainable parasite control in horses, and was a contributing factor to me becoming an AMTRA qualified SQP.

What is an SQP?

A Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) is someone with a professional qualification that entitles them to prescribe and provide specific veterinary medicines under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. Every SQP engages in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure that the advice and service provided is the most relevant and up to date for the customer. They are required to earn 70 points in the CPD period through lectures and modules, and the more committed they are to Continuing Professional Development the more points they earn. I am proud to say that I hold 189 CPD points for the current period.

Target Worm Counts

When I took the reins of Target Worm Counts, I aimed to provide an affordable alternative to ‘blanket worming’ through faecal egg counts and targeted de-worming programs. This aim evolved into our mission to promote responsible and efficient worming in order to slow the spread of anthelmintic resistance. This kind of resistance is a hereditary immunity in parasites to wormers (anthelmintics), and is a result of generations of parasites being exposed to those agents and building resistance. The Worm Egg Count service, provided by Target Worm Counts, prevents any unnecessary worming, gives you more control over your horse’s health, and potentially saves you money.

Your SQP

This is a theme that runs throughout Target Worm Counts as a business, the belief that a service should be personalised to each customer, as each need is different. AMTRA are currently promoting a similar campaign under the name of 'Ask Your SQP/ Animal Medicines Advisor' to improve understanding of the nature of SQPs. Both of these aim to encourage you as a customer to engage with your SQP (me), not only to improve the service provided, but also to promote the highest standard of animal welfare.

Awards

I've been lucky enough to be considered for and receive several awards since I started running the business, which I thought deserved a mention here. I will go into more detail on them in a later article, but I included them in this reintroduction to assure you of the level of our service and operational quality.

(Won) Venture into Business Green Award for Sustainability (2015)

(Finalist) Dodson and Horrell Equine Career Bursary in the Animal Health Category (2016)

(Won) Over the Counter Equine SQP of the Year (2016)

That's about enough for this post, but I wanted to make it clear that it's part of my mission to keep all of you informed on everything going on at Target Worm Counts.

Please get in touch if you have an questions about our products and services.

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