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RCVS Council temporarily suspend EMS requirements
The RCVS has said it will review the situation after eight weeks.

New flexibility granted in response to COVID-19 outbreak

The RCVS has announced that it will temporarily suspend its requirements for UK veterinary students regrading extra-mural studies (EMS), in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a teleconference with the Veterinary Schools Council (VSC), the RCVS Council has recognised that, over the next eight-week period, it should not be compulsory for students to complete EMS. This applies to students in any year of study and the situation will be reviewed after this eight-week period.

The RCVS expects that there should be sufficient time for students in years one to four of their studies to make up the full 38 weeks of EMS required to complete their degree programme. However, this will be reviewed as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.

According to the statement, the RCVS understands that students in their final year of study may find it difficult to make up any missing EMS prior to graduation. It urges vet schools to continue to support students and explore alternatives for final-year students’ EMS placements, adding that any shortfall in up to four weeks’ duration in EMS, relative to the requirements, should not be a barrier to completion of the programme.

In a statement issued to all UK veterinary schools, RCVS President Niall Connell said: “Extra-mural studies (EMS) are an important and valued part of the veterinary programme, and all students are required to complete a total of 38 weeks across the full programme.

“However, the health and safety of students and staff are paramount, and we are aware that a number of restrictions are being put in place at this time to ensure their safety and minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission.”

The RCVS further stated that it recognises that it may now be necessary for UK veterinary schools to consider alternative methods to assess students in certain areas. These methods should continue to be “robust, valid and reliable”, and veterinary schools should also continue to ensure students have met the RCVS Day One Competences.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.