This course is sponsored by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) and is held 8 - 23 May 2012.

Program Topics

Block 1. Basic Immunology and Principles of Vaccination, taught by James A. Roth, DVM, PhD, DACVM, an award winning instructor. The materials offered in Block 1 of the Veterinary Biologics Programme are also available through an online course. Individuals and groups can take this course at their own pace without travel expense and time away from the office.

Block 2. Procedures for Ensuring Vaccine Safety and Efficacy reviews the requirements and processes for licensing/registration and testing of veterinary biological products and reviews the inspection and compliance process for production, release and post-marketing surveillance of veterinary biological products covered under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act. Information will be presented by regulatory officials from the USDA APHIS VS Center for Veterinary Biologics.

Block 3. Laboratory Testing Related to Biologics Evaluation reviews the principles and procedures for laboratory testing of biologics and diagnostic test kits. Information will be presented by regulatory officials from the USDA APHIS VS Center for Veterinary Biologics (Block 3 will be limited to 32 international government participants).

For additional information on the VBTP 2012 including registration, lodging, maps and directions, to preview the Programme or access and register for the online course, go to: