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: 30th June 2015
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

New veterinary science centre opens in Wales
Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Farming and Food Rebecca Evans AM, and Mr Phil Thomas, Director, Iechyd Da.
(left to right) Welsh chief veterinary officer, Christianne Glossop; deputy minister for farming and food, Rebecca Evans; and director of Iechyd Da, Phil Thomas.

Centre is a 'key step' on the road to a new vet school

The launch of a new veterinary science centre in Wales yesterday (29 June) marked a key step in the road to a Welsh veterinary school, according to the vice chancellor of Aberystwyth University.

Initially the Wales Veterinary Science Centre will carry out post-mortem examinations on farm livestock, but in time hopes to include companion animals and wildlife species too.

It also aims to support both field practitioners and disease eradication programmes by developing a range of diagnostic services.

Christianne Glossop, chief veterinary officer for Wales, said the centre will have a "significant" impact on animal welfare, making an important contribution to the farming industry and reflecting the role of the veterinary profession.

Welsh deputy minister Rebecca Evans officially opened the centre, which is located on the site of the former Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA) veterinary investigation centre.

She believes the centre will "significantly strengthen and enhance the important contribution the veterinary profession makes to rural life in Wales and raises standards of animal health and welfare."

It was established by Iechyd Da, a consortium made up of independent veterinary practices, Aberystwyth University and Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd.

APHA recently appointed the consortium to provide PMEs of new and re-emerging farm animal diseases.

Iechyd Da's director, Phil Thomas, described the centre as a "One Health institute that recognises the interlocking, overlapping relationships between people, livestock, the wildlife and the environment around us."

Aberystwyth University first announced its intention to open a Welsh vet school in October 2013.

Commenting on the launch of the new centre, Aberystwyth's vice chancellor April McMahon said: "The Wales Veterinary Science Centre is an example of integrated, partnership working in areas vital to the Welsh rural economy. It is also a key step towards our ambition of developing a Vet School for Wales in Aberystwyth."

Image courtesy of Aberystwyth University

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

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. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.