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RCVS Council amends IELTS requirements for overseas-qualified vets
The RCVS agrees that this flexibility will facilitate further access for overseas vets without compromising the overall standard of English proficiency required.
Those wishing to apply can do so with a 6.5 or C+ grade in any one component. 

The RCVS Council has amended its English language requirements for overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons wishing to join the RCVS register.

In a vote, the council decided to introduce more flexibility into the requirements for English language testing of overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons, in order to boost the number of veterinary surgeons eligible to practice in the UK following shortages in the profession. 

Previously, any overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons wishing to sit the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership, or apply for a full registration to practise in the UK, would require a Level 7 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a Level B in the Occupational English Test (OET) across all components (listening/reading/writing/speaking). 

Now however, the RCVS Council, in agreement with the recommendations of the College's Registration and Education Committees, that veterinary surgeons would be able to achieve IELTS Level 6.5 or OET Level C+ in any one of the four test components, provided that the average score across all components remained at at least Level 7/B. 

This degree of flexibility is hoped to facilitate access to the RCVS Register for a larger amount of veterinary surgeons, which the RCVS considers particularly important in light of the current workforce shortages brought about by the effects of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased pet ownership. 

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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.