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Royal (Dick) School appoints new head
Professor Lisa Boden will take up the role in September.
Expert in veterinary public health takes up the role.

Professor Lisa Boden has been appointed as head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

She will begin her new role in September 2023, succeeding interim head Professor Dylan Clements, who has held the role since May 2023. The most recent permanent incumbent, Professor David Argyle, has recently been appointed as vice-principle and head of the University of Edinburgh’s College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

A specialist in veterinary public health and population medicine, Professor Boden is a senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security.

She is deputy director of the Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks (EPIC) which advises the Scottish government and livestock industry on how to prepare for emerging animal diseases and respond to outbreaks.

In 2019, she launched
the One Health FIELD Network to bring together experts from across different academic disciplines to develop methods for improving food security in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Professor Boden said: “I am excited and honoured to take on this role. It is a privilege to be able to lead this school, which has such extensive history and tradition, but remains a beacon of excellence for research-led teaching and innovation in clinical veterinary medicine, agriculture and biomedical research. I look forward to this opportunity to help shape the future of our veterinary profession.”

Professor Argyle added: “I am delighted that Professor Boden will be the next Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. She is an exceptional and inspirational veterinary academic leader and I know the School can look forward to a bright future and continued success.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.