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RCVS institutes new policy to support refugees with veterinary degrees
Overseas vets must take and pass the Statutory Examination to join the RCVS register and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK.
Policy will provide financial support to refugees taking the Statutory Examination for Membership.

The RCVS has instituted a new policy that will provide financial support to refugees with veterinary degrees to enable them to take the Statutory Examination for Membership.

The new policy has been developed in collaboration with the Refugee Council, a support and advice charity for UK refugees and asylum seekers. It will provide financial help to refugees who have a veterinary degree that is currently not recognised by the RCVS.

Overseas vets must take and pass the Statutory Examination to join the RCVS register and practise as veterinary surgeons in the UK. The funding will be paid on behalf of the candidate by the Refugee Council, covering the cost of taking the exam itself, in addition to any associated travel costs and English-language test fees.

Dr Susan Paterson, chair of the RCVS Education Committee, said: “As a compassionate regulator, we thought it was only right to institute this policy to support a number of people with refugee status and with overseas veterinary degrees who, each year, would like to apply to become registered vets in the UK through the Statutory Examination for Membership but for whom the costs involved represent a barrier.

“Many of these people have come from extremely traumatic and challenging circumstances and are looking for a chance to rebuild their lives and professional careers in the UK, so we are happy to do what we can to support them in this endeavour.

Fahira Mulamehic, employment programmes manager at Refugee Council, said: “We are delighted that we were able to contribute to the development of the new policy at the RCVS. Providing financial assistance to refugees with a veterinary degree to help with the Statutory Exam for Membership will enable them the right to practice in the UK."

She added: “We look forward to supporting refugee veterinarians in collaboration with the RCVS.”

 

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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.