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Survey seeks views on graduate competencies
The VSC hopes that schools will use the information to make analyses of their own graduates.
Questions based on standards defined by the RCVS
 
The Veterinary Schools Council (VSC) has launched a national employer survey to provide data on graduate competencies.

The survey asks for the employer’s feedback on the performance of the most recent graduate from a UK, Irish or Dutch Veterinary school.

The questions ask about both clinical and non-clinical aspects of a graduate’s performance and are based on the standards defined by the RCVS, the Veterinary Council of Ireland and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“It is the employers who see the results of our hard work in the veterinary schools. For this reason, it is important to build on our relationship with them and ensure that dialogue is strong,” commented Professor Ewan Cameron, chair of the VSC.

“This survey will be an excellent way to do this while helping us to ensure the continued quality of our students. Through it, we can work with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to ensure that the outcomes for graduates, which define the goals of veterinary education, are meeting the needs of employers.”

The VSC hopes that schools will use the information to make analyses of their own graduates, while the VSC will issue a report which analyses graduates as a whole.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.