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FVE welcomes PHC for Campylobacter spp.
Effective PHC must be combined with interventions on poultry farms, such as improved biosecurity measures and rapid testing of flocks.
Calls for EU to agree PHC at slaughterhouse level
 
The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) has welcomed the introduction of process hygiene criterion (PHC) for Campylobacter spp. for poultry carcasses.

FVE is now calling for EU policy makers to agree upon a PHC at slaughterhouse level that will benefit the poultry market in the EU and increase protection for consumers.

Veterinary interventions to control Salmonella spp. - particularly in poultry flocks - alongside the use of microbiological criteria, resulted in a 44 per cent reduction in human salmonellosis cases within the European Union from 2008-2014.

FVE believes a similar approach could be used to reduce contamination from Campylobacter spp. in poultry, with major control measures at farm level, good hygienic practices (GHPs), hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) programmes and the adoption of a PHC at slaughterhouse level.

Effective PHC must be combined with interventions on poultry farms, such as improved biosecurity measures and rapid testing of flocks, the federation added.

Consumer awareness campaigns on hygienic handling, preparation and consumption of meat is also key. Epidemiological data suggest 20-30 per cent of human cases of campylobacteriosis are linked with cross-contamination of food in the home.

FVE has made three recommendations to EU policy makers:
  1. A PHC at slaughterhouse level which will benefit the EU poultry market and increase consumers' protection
  2. Regulate the implementation of Harmonised Epidemiological Indicators for Campylobacter spp., in particular the pathogen testing at farm level whose results will lead to the risk categorisation of poultry flocks
  3. Reinforce awareness among consumers on hygiene and handling practices of poultry meat and products at home

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.