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University of Surrey announces Animal Health Innovation Network
The network will use state-of-the-art technology to address global health issues.

Network will address zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistance. 

The University of Surrey has announced a new network, The Animal Health Innovation Network, which will tackle animal-to-human virus transmission, antimicrobial resistance, sustainable food supply and pet welfare.

Partnering with organisations across Surrey and Hampshire, the network will also see the university working with the Enterprise M3 (EM3), Local Enterprise Partnership, and centres including The Pirbright Institute, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (vmd) and Sparsholt College.

Professor Alasdair Cook, head of vHive, the University of Surrey's veterinary health innovation hub, said: "I am delighted to be working with prestigious organisations across the region as part of the Animal Health Innovation Network. 

"The network will use the University of Surrey's cutting-edge expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence to create new veterinary solutions that benefit the health of our pets who, of course, play a critical role in supporting our mental and physical health. 

“Another goal is for the network to contribute to the global discussion of how we make our food supply more sustainable so we can eliminate hunger and improve the health of our planet.”

The network will also work alongside industry partners, including Zoetis, the global animal health company.

Dr Theo Kanellos, director of business development and commercial alliances at Zoetis commented: "The Animal Health Innovation Network has a unique concentration of expertise and infrastructures through their partnering organisations that could bring disruptive innovation in digital, data analytics, diagnostics, biodevices, vaccines, and overall control of animal infectious diseases. 

“This novel type of public-private network will accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies that could contribute to the quest for global sustainability."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."