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Royal Veterinary College moves to instil confidence in food market
The RVC course will explain intensive livestock systems.
The RVC course will explain intensive livestock systems.

Free online course will explain intensive livestock systems

With consumer confidence "at an all time low" following the horse meat scandal, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has launched a free online course to explain how intensive livestock systems work.

The three week, part-time, flexible course focuses on how food is made safe, the costs of its production, and the people involved from the farm to the table.

There is a specific focus on the pork and egg sectors which have some of the most developed production systems in the agri-food sector.

The course only requires two or three hours a week of study time, and incorporates quizzes, video and live discussion as well as written course material.

A certificate will be given to all participants who complete the course.

Prof Stephen May, deputy principal at the RVC, said: “I am really excited to be involved with this novel and enterprising course, which is a first for the RVC.

"Food is a subject which is literally ‘a matter of life and death’ for us all, so it is important that all members of society can understand and contribute to the important debate on our food supply and its safety.”

Enrolment for Food for Thought - The truth about food systems will start on Monday (10 with the course running from February 24 to March 14.

For further information, or to self-enrol on the course, please visit academy.rvc.ac.uk/info

This course has been funded by the Advanced Training Partnership in Intensive Livestock Health and Production.

– This article initially made reference to the RCVS being involved in the course. This was an error and we apologise for any confusion.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.