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New Scottish vet school opens for applications
“In light of Brexit and border policy changes, it is now essential for Scotland that we build new homegrown talent pools for ourselves” – Caroline Argo.
The school will train vets for food sector and rural mixed practices.

Scotland’s first new veterinary school in more than a century is now open for applications.

Prospective students can apply through clearing for a place at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

The school plans to register the first cohort of students on its Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSci) degree in mid-October or early November.

The new veterinary school is the third in Scotland, joining the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow. It will prepare students for work in rural mixed practice and the agricultural and food sectors.

Caroline Argo, dean of veterinary medicine and head of school, said: “It is now recognised that the UK veterinary profession is failing to achieve self-sufficiency in generating and retaining homegrown talent. This has serious ramifications for Scotland’s farmers. We are seeking to address this by training the vets that are so essential for our food sector and mixed, rural practices.

“The UK’s vet schools produce professionals of the very highest standard, but changes in the labour market mean that the veterinary profession remains on the Home Office’s ‘Shortage Occupation List’ and has a high turnover rate together with large dependency on non-UK, largely EU vets to address shortfalls in priority areas. These areas include remote and rural practice, veterinary public health, livestock health and welfare, and government services, including certification.

“In light of Brexit and border policy changes, it is now essential for Scotland that we build new homegrown talent pools for ourselves, and equip them with the specialist skills, resilience and diversity that our rural communities, government and food sectors require.”

Applications can be made via the SRUC website.

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.