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New pathway for aspiring vet students
Students wishing to commence their studies in September 2019 can now apply for the new course.

University introduces preparatory year 

Harper Adams University has introduced a new pathway for students who need additional learning and experience before starting vet school.

The Extended Degree in Bioveterinary Science (Veterinary Science) includes a preparatory year, with a dedicated pathway for aspiring vet school students.

According to the university, this additional year will help students to advance their practical and academic skills, ready for entry to the Harper and Keele Veterinary School in 2020.

The pathway includes two veterinary related vocational skills modules focused on farm and equine, and companion animals respectively. It also allows students to broaden their outlook by studying global issues and their business impact.

Carwyn Ellis, head of the animal production, welfare and veterinary sciences department, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for someone with the required academic achievements who has been unable to obtain the required levels of practical experience to qualify for vet school, to obtain such experience during a structured year for which student finance is available – for both tuition and living costs.

“It’s not unusual for someone to struggle to gain farm experience, as they might not have the connections. But here we have a full working farm with multiple livestock operations, as well as our companion animal house with a range of species, and specialist staff with veterinary practice experience.”

Students wishing to commence their studies in September 2019 can now apply for the new course. Interviews will take place at the end of August.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.