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College to explore new system for language testing
Councillors decided to explore the option of the Occupational English Test (OET), which focuses on communicating in a healthcare setting.
Proof of language ability could be extended to EU citizens post-Brexit

The RCVS will explore a new system of language testing for overseas graduates who wish to join the register after Brexit.

Under current arrangements, the college is legally required to have only limited requirements for proof of language ability from EU applicants.

For non-EU overseas applicants, however, a higher standard of evidence is required. Those who hold a veterinary degree that is not recognised by the RCVS and are not native English speakers must pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test at Level 7.

EU applicants can only have their English language ability tested if the college has ‘serious and concrete doubts’ about individual applicants when they visit Belgravia House to formally join the register.

RCVS Council members were asked to consider how this system may need to change when the UK leaves the EU, at the latest meeting in November.

Councillors decided to explore the option of the Occupational English Test (OET), which focuses on communicating in a healthcare setting. It is currently used by a number of UK health regulators and veterinary regulators in Australia and New Zealand. The OET Level B is the equivalent of IELTS Level 7.

This will now be further explored, with proposals coming back to a future meeting of the council.

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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.