Veterinary Biologics Training Program
The Veterinary Biologics Training Program (VBTP) provides an overview of the USDA regulatory process for assuring the purity, safety, potency, and efficacy of veterinary biologics (vaccines, bacterins, antisera, diagnostic kits, and other products of biological origin). Representatives from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) present information on the requirements and processes for licensing/registration and testing of veterinary biological products. The inspection and compliance process for production, release, and post-marketing surveillance of veterinary biological products is covered in both lectures and workshops.
Professionals working in the veterinary biologics industry, researchers developing biologics, and regulatory personnel are encouraged to attend and learn about current CVB requirements. This course is a highly regarded overview of the current regulatory guidelines in the U.S. The Program is organized by the Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics (IICAB) and is co-sponsored by the USDA APHIS CVB and the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Program has been offered annually from 1996-2022. Over 3300 individuals have attended the program, including 905 international attendees from 97 countries.
Agenda
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Registration Options
Participants can register for the entire program or individual days.
Pricing
Group | Full Program: 5 days | Single Day(s) |
Industry | $2,200 USD | $550 |
Government / Academic | $1,100 USD | $275 |
Upcoming training: May 15-19, 2023 Ames IA
- This will be the only VBTP meeting in 2023. We plan to resume our pre-COVID schedule of one meeting per year in May.
- Meeting location: Gateway Hotel, Ames IA (see below for lodging links)
- Recommended Airport: Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is 40 miles (65 km) from the meeting.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, breaks, and 2 dinners (Mon and Thur) are included.
- International Attendees: We will provide transportation between the DSM Airport and the meeting hotel. You must arrange your own housing at the Gateway Hotel through this link . If your flight departs on Saturday please plan to stay in Des Moines at a hotel with an airport shuttle Friday night.
- Weather averages: Temperature high/low: 70/50 F (21/10 C). Rains more than half of the days in May. Actual high/low temperatures can vary up to 15F/ 8C from the average.
- Smoking: Not allowed in most places (hotel rooms, meeting rooms, meeting building) Only allowed in limited outdoor locations.
- Shopping/Dining/Transporation: Ames is a typical Iowa town that is very spread out. Restaurants and shopping are 3-8 mi (5-13km) from the meeting hotel. There is a public bus system , but it has limited routes. You may want to plan on renting a car at the Des Moines airport or using Uber or Lyft while in Ames.
- US Attendees: Conference location: Gateway Hotel, Ames IA .
- Useful information about Ames
- RACE® CE: The program was approved by the Registry of Approved Continuing Education for in-person attendance by veterinarians or veterinary technicians for 35 hours of CE.
- Presentations will be in English, we will provide access to the presenters’ slides.
- Covid-19 policies will be consistent with CDC, State of Iowa, Iowa State University, and City of Ames applicable recommendations.

CVB
More information about the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics
IICAB Immunology Courses
The IICAB offers three courses related to veterinary immunology and vaccinology. The courses range from a five-hour introduction to a more in-depth study of veterinary immunology and vaccinology. This material was part of the VBTP for 15 years and can be helpful for researchers or industry personnel hoping to better understand veterinary vaccinology.
More information