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Innovation award for animal welfare courses
The on-campus Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare was introduced by Professor David Wood-Gush, one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of large-scale farming on animals.
Edinburgh courses recognised for role in transforming animal care
 
Two animal welfare courses have been recognised for the role they have played in transforming the care of pets, livestock and wild animals worldwide for more than a quarter of a century.

The on-campus and online programmes at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies received the Innovative Developments in Animal Welfare Award from the British Society of Animal Science and the RSPCA.

Over 600 students have completed the on-campus Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare, which was introduced in 1990 by Professor David Wood-Gush, who was one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of large-scale farming on animals. It is led jointly by the University of Edinburgh and the SRUC.

According to the university, alumni have gone on to make significant achievements in animal welfare globally, forging careers in research, education, government, veterinary practice and within non-governmental or industry organisations.

The online Masters in International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law was launched in 2012 and graduates have already made notable impacts in legislation and policy changes.

Professor David Argyle, head of the Royal (Dick) Vet School said: “We are committed to training the animal welfare leaders of the future and are thrilled that these programmes, run jointly with SRUC, have been recognised for their success.”

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.