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Wales "paving the way" for vet school
Aberystwyth uni
Aberystwyth will be taking its first cohort of students from September 2015.
University introduces new degree in Veterinary Biosciences

Aberystwyth University has introduced a new Veterinary Biosciences degree to help "pave the way" for the UK's eighth veterinary school.

The opening of new veterinary schools in the UK has been the subject of contentious debate in recent years, with many fearing this will have adverse effects on extra mural studies and the veterinary jobs market.

Aberystwyth said it is exploring the possibility of a new vet school to ensure future veterinary needs in Wales are met.

By working closely with the Welsh Government, private veterinary practices and industry, the university said it aims to help address the challenges and opportunities facing food suppliers and the livestock industry, to the benefit of the Welsh rural economy and beyond.

From September 2015, the university's Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences will take its first Veterinary Biosciences students.

The course, which will pave the way for the development of a veterinary degree programme, is centred on the biology underpinning veterinary medicine.

Students will acquire the applied and analytical skills needed for careers such as veterinary laboratory diagnostician, nutritionist, researcher, welfare inspector and animal care worker.

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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.