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Chair in Sustainable Livestock Health and Welfare appointed at Harper and Keele Vet School
Dr Jonathan Statham (pictured) is chair of Bishopton Veterinary Group and CEO of Raft Solutions Ltd.

Dr Jonathan Statham will bring expertise to UK's newest vet school

Harper and Keele Veterinary School has announced the appointment of Dr Jonathan Statham MRCVS as Professor of Sustainable Livestock Health and Welfare.

Dr Statham is an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Cattle Health and Production, as well as chair of Bishopton Veterinary Group and CEO of Raft Solutions Ltd, an innovative veterinary research & consultancy company.

He is currently a member of the Animal Health & Welfare Board of England (AHWBE) and was previously president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA).

Recently, Dr Statham gave a presentation at the United Nations Climate Change COP25 Conference in Madrid. He also gave an invited lecture tour in North America, presenting the work of both RAFT and it's collaborating partners.

Dr Statham will work with Harper and Keele to integrate sustainability into the teaching of production animal studies across the school's five-year programme. He will also be bringing his clinical and industry expertise to current and future research at both Harper Adams and Keele universities.

Commenting on his appointment as chair, Dr Statham said: “Sustainable livestock health and welfare is of critical importance as we strive to understand and manage the challenges presented by food security alongside mitigating the impacts on our environment.

“Veterinary surgeons working in effective partnership with our farming clients offer a vital role in managing this fundamental balance.

“Scientific evidence is essential in finding an effectively sustainable way forward and equipping the veterinary surgeons and farmers of the future with this evidence base and skills starting from their very first days at Harper-Keele is an enormous opportunity.”

Image (c) Harper and Keele Veterinary School.

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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...
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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.