More than 1,300 professional pet breeders and pet industry leaders attended the fifth annual breeder’s educational conference, sponsored Sept. 17-18 in Joplin Mo., by The Hunte Corp. (Goodman, Mo.).

In the keynote address, Dr. Johnny Hoskins talked about puppy health and care, Hoskins is professor emeritus at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (Baton Rouge) and author of several textbooks, including Veterinary Pediatrics: Dogs and Cats from Birth to Six Months.

Other speakers included Dr. Robert Gibbens, Western regional director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Dr. Richard Meadows of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine (Columbia); Dr. Gerryll Hall of Schering-Plough Animal Health (Union, N.J.); Dr. Gene Warren of Pfizer Animal Health (New York); and Dr. Carmen Battaglia, president and chief executive officer of the American Kennel Club’s Companion Animal Recovery program (Raleigh, N.C.).

Perhaps the most interesting attraction was the “Ask a Veterinarian” booth. Veterinarians from the Hunte staff showed breeders how they conduct puppy examinations, and explained how to prevent genetic problems, how to spot health problems, and what to look for in healthy puppies.

Attendees also got to visit Hunte’s state-of-the-art distribution and retail facility, which was in the final stages of construction.

“The Breeder Educational Conference gives us the perfect opportunity to educate others on how to continually improve our industry standards,” said Andrew Hunte, founder and chief executive officer of The Hunte Corp. “We are fortunate that so many knowledgeable industry leaders participated in this year’s conference. Education is key to achieving the highest standards in animal care.”

The conference, which included exhibits by various vendors, services and associations, is the largest educational meeting for professional pet breeders in the United States.

Dates for the sixth annual breeders conference were not available at press time. For more information, call Hunte at 800-829-4155, or visit www.thehuntecorporation.com. [December 2004 PET AGE]