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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th March 2026
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

BSAVA PetSavers to fund exotics education research
Research will ensure exotics health is taught to an appropriate and consistent standard.
It explores how exotics can be integrated into the vet curriculum.

BSAVA PetSavers has revealed that an exotics education research project is to receive its master’s degree by research grant.

The grant, joint funded with the Animal Welfare Foundation, will support a research that will attempt to integrate exotic animal medicine into the UK undergraduate veterinary curriculum.

The project, led by Dr Vicky Strong of the University of Nottingham, will focus on non-traditional companion animals (NTCA) such as rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles. BSAVA PetSavers says that, while ownership of NTCAs is becoming more common, many still experience poor health and welfare.

Dr Strong will seek to build a consensus and practical guidance for integrating exotic animal medicine better into the curriculum.

There will be a particular focus on teaching to an appropriate and consistent standard. It is hoped that the findings will provide clarity to veterinary students and employers on the knowledge that should be demonstrable after graduation.

The master’s degree research project is set to start in autumn.

Dr Strong, who will act as lead researcher in the project, said: “Vets play a crucial role in improving exotic pet welfare, but many lack confidence in this area. Within an already crowded undergraduate veterinary curriculum, our approach to teaching exotic animal medicine teaching needs to be strategic and focused.

“This grant will allow us to clearly define “day one readiness” in exotic animal medicine and create guidance that strengthens graduate confidence and ultimately improves the care and welfare of these species.”

Sarah Williams, the grants awarding and fundraising manager at BSAVA PetSavers, said: “This research has the potential to positively shape the future teaching of exotic veterinary medicine, and we’re delighted to support work that will make such a difference to improving the welfare of millions of NTCAs kept as pets.”

The next grant call for the master’s degree by research will open on 1 August 2026. More information about the research funded by BSAVA PetSavers can be found on the website.

Image © Shutterstock.com/ORION PRODUCTION

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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.