Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Scotland to play host to conservation genetics conference
"We're really excited to welcome everyone to the wonderful city of Edinburgh" - Dr Emily Humble, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute.

Experts will share recent developments in this rapidly-evolving field. 

International experts are set to gather in Edinburgh for the fifth European Conservation Genetics Meeting, taking place across three days in September (August 30 – September 1).

Hosted by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), it is the first time the meeting will be held in the UK - and the first time it has taken place since 2015.

The event will see experts from across Europe and beyond share recent developments in conservation genetics, the study of which is contributing to the conservation of some of the world’s most endangered wildlife.

A rapidly evolving field, scientists hope that by understanding the genetic diversity within a population, they can define what they are working with and how best to protect it.

Dr Kara Dicks, a researcher at RZSS WildGenes, Edinburgh Zoo, commented: "Our planet is facing an extinction crisis, so now more than ever, we are looking forward to hosting an in-person global event to learn and share vital information. By coming together to share our expertise and experience in designing genetic tools, we can protect species around the world and help secure a future for wildlife.”

Dr Emily Humble, a research fellow in conservation genomics at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, added: “This is the first time the European Conservation Genetics Meeting has happened in the UK, and we're really excited to welcome everyone to the wonderful city of Edinburgh.”

The event is taking place both in-person and online. For more information about the conference and to register, visit consgen.org

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.