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Bluetongue restriction zone expands
The UK is said to be in 'a seasonally low vector period' for bluetongue virus.

Defra has identified further cases of the virus in Dorset.

A restriction on the movement of cattle has been extended to Dorset following the identification of bluetongue (BTV-3) disease.

The confirmation of cases by the APHA and DEFRA brings the total number of of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain for the 2024/25 vector season to 212.

A spokesperson for the APHA said: “Following the identification of cases in cattle in Dorset as part of the winter surveillance and in accordance with our policy of seeking to contain and slow the spread of disease by preventing the long distance moves of high-risk infected animals, the restricted zone was further extended on 14 February 2025 to include: Dorset, Additional areas of Wiltshire, Somerset (part), East Devon (part).”

The UK’s chief veterinary officer (CVO) Christine Middlemiss recently stated the UK was currently ‘a seasonally low vector period’ for bluetongue virus, but urged farmers to remain vigilant for the disease.

She added: “We are committed to working with everyone affected and will continue to keep the Restricted Zone under review.”

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease that should be reported to the APHA on 03000 200 301

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RVC leads globally for Veterinary Science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has retained its lead in Veterinary Science education in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The college scored 100 for its Academic Reputation and increased its Employer Reputation to 91.7 points. It also maintained high scores for Citations per Paper and H-Index.

RVC says that its score recognises its students' employability and the institution's standing with employers. It also highlighted the impact that its graduates and alumni are making in the sector.

Stuart Reid CBE, president and principal of RVC, said: "We are dedicated to maintaining the teaching, learning and research that takes place at the RVC.

"I am delighted that the effort from all our staff and students has once again led to a great outcome in the QS rankings; it is a privilege we do not take for granted."

The full rankings can be found here.