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College to explore new system for language testing
Councillors decided to explore the option of the Occupational English Test (OET), which focuses on communicating in a healthcare setting.
Proof of language ability could be extended to EU citizens post-Brexit

The RCVS will explore a new system of language testing for overseas graduates who wish to join the register after Brexit.

Under current arrangements, the college is legally required to have only limited requirements for proof of language ability from EU applicants.

For non-EU overseas applicants, however, a higher standard of evidence is required. Those who hold a veterinary degree that is not recognised by the RCVS and are not native English speakers must pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test at Level 7.

EU applicants can only have their English language ability tested if the college has ‘serious and concrete doubts’ about individual applicants when they visit Belgravia House to formally join the register.

RCVS Council members were asked to consider how this system may need to change when the UK leaves the EU, at the latest meeting in November.

Councillors decided to explore the option of the Occupational English Test (OET), which focuses on communicating in a healthcare setting. It is currently used by a number of UK health regulators and veterinary regulators in Australia and New Zealand. The OET Level B is the equivalent of IELTS Level 7.

This will now be further explored, with proposals coming back to a future meeting of the council.

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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.