Jonathan Edwards MP visits centre during a visit to the Gelli Aur campus of the the Coleg Sir Gar
A Welsh MP has highlighted the importance of the RVC's Welsh Regional Veterinary Centre (WRVC).
Jonathan Edwards, the Plaid Cymru MP for Camarthen East and Dinefwr, met staff and students from the WRVC during a visit to the Gelli Aur campus of the Coleg Sir Gar - a further education college in Carmarthenshire.
The campus is home to the 211 hectare Gelli Aur College Farm, which hosts the regional centre.
A collaborative project between the RVC and the Dairy Development Centre, the WRVC supports vets, local farmers and their animals by providing a farm health investigation service. Investigation teams of experienced veterinary surgeons and final year veterinary students work with farmers' local vets to determine any problems which may be compromising the welfare, productivity or health of livestock.
The WRVC also gives RVC veterinary students a chance to experience managing farm animal population health. In addition, centre staff carry out research projects, which support the health of animals in Wales and beyond.
Following his visit to the Gelli Aur campus this month, Mr Edwards said: "The location of the Royal Veterinary College regional centre at the college means that those training to become vets will undertake study, research and work experience here in Carmarthenshire.
"Some of the students I met on the visit had come from as far afield as California and Canada. The programme on offer at Gelli Aur brings enormous benefits to both students and local farms."
Dr Neil Paton, lecturer in Farm Animal Health and Production based at the WRVC, commented: "The team at the WRVC provide valuable exposure to farming for the RVC student alongside advisory expertise to the farming community in Wales. The range of advice and assistance we can give is growing. Visits from MPs and AMs allow us to showcase the talents of the students in giving advice relevant to farming and inform the assembly about the potential at the WRVC."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
