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RVC launches first ever joint veterinary science degree with Aberystwyth University
The new joint veterinary science degree will welcome the first cohort of students in September 2021.

Follows opening of Wales’ first school of veterinary science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Aberystwyth University have announced the launch of the first ever joint Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree (BVSc), following the official opening of the Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science, taking place today (Friday 28 February).

According to the RVC, the new degree “is designed to meet the growing needs for competent practitioners to work in rural mixed practices,” and will welcome the first cohort of students in September 2021.

The course takes five years to complete, with students spending two years at Aberystwyth University followed by a further three years at the RVC’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire.

Principal of the RVC Professor Stuart Reid said: “We are delighted to be partnering with our colleagues Aberystwyth in providing an offering that will benefit students at both institutions. The RVC’s commitment to the profession in all its manifestations and particularly the rural environment will be bolstered by this important collaboration.”

Commenting on the opening of the new school, vice-chancellor of Aberystwyth University Professor Elizabeth Treasure said: “Agriculture and its related industries play such an important part in the Welsh economy and it is incumbent on us as universities to provide the people and the skills that will contribute to ensuring they thrive for years to come.

"The new school of veterinary science adds a vitally important new piece to the jigsaw, one that will build resilience in the rural economy through education and research at a time of great potential change and challenges.”

The Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science is the first of its kind in Wales and will form part of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences. Aberystwyth University has stated that the Veterinary Education Centre being developed on the Penglais campus, will also benefit from this new facility.

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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...
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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.