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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.