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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.