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New veterinary science centre opens in Wales
Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Farming and Food Rebecca Evans AM, and Mr Phil Thomas, Director, Iechyd Da.
(left to right) Welsh chief veterinary officer, Christianne Glossop; deputy minister for farming and food, Rebecca Evans; and director of Iechyd Da, Phil Thomas.

Centre is a 'key step' on the road to a new vet school

The launch of a new veterinary science centre in Wales yesterday (29 June) marked a key step in the road to a Welsh veterinary school, according to the vice chancellor of Aberystwyth University.

Initially the Wales Veterinary Science Centre will carry out post-mortem examinations on farm livestock, but in time hopes to include companion animals and wildlife species too.

It also aims to support both field practitioners and disease eradication programmes by developing a range of diagnostic services.

Christianne Glossop, chief veterinary officer for Wales, said the centre will have a "significant" impact on animal welfare, making an important contribution to the farming industry and reflecting the role of the veterinary profession.

Welsh deputy minister Rebecca Evans officially opened the centre, which is located on the site of the former Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA) veterinary investigation centre.

She believes the centre will "significantly strengthen and enhance the important contribution the veterinary profession makes to rural life in Wales and raises standards of animal health and welfare."

It was established by Iechyd Da, a consortium made up of independent veterinary practices, Aberystwyth University and Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd.

APHA recently appointed the consortium to provide PMEs of new and re-emerging farm animal diseases.

Iechyd Da's director, Phil Thomas, described the centre as a "One Health institute that recognises the interlocking, overlapping relationships between people, livestock, the wildlife and the environment around us."

Aberystwyth University first announced its intention to open a Welsh vet school in October 2013.

Commenting on the launch of the new centre, Aberystwyth's vice chancellor April McMahon said: "The Wales Veterinary Science Centre is an example of integrated, partnership working in areas vital to the Welsh rural economy. It is also a key step towards our ambition of developing a Vet School for Wales in Aberystwyth."

Image courtesy of Aberystwyth University

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.