PLANS to bring veterinary medicine training to Aberystwyth have been discussed at a special round-table meeting for representatives from the veterinary and animal health sector in Wales.

The consultancy meeting heard how Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London are working together on proposals for a joint BVetMed degree.

Organisations represented at the event included the British Veterinary Association, the Iechyd Da consortium of independent veterinary practices, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the Farmers’ Union of Wales, the Wales Veterinary Science Centre, the Pig Veterinary Society, the Sheep Veterinary Society, the British Horse Society, Farming Connect, the RSPCA and others.

Opening the meeting, Prof John Grattan, pro vice-chancellor for the student experience at Aberystwyth University, said: “We all agree as academics and industry professionals that Wales needs high quality veterinary training provision. The rural economy here is highly dependent on animal production but there are currently no vet training opportunities in Wales.

“In response to this need, representatives from the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Science (IBERS) and the RVC are discussing the detail of how we can deliver a joint BVetMed degree and we will continue to refine our proposals over the coming months. We will also continue to engage with the industry in Wales and with government as we work on turning our ambitious plans into reality.”

The meeting was given further information about how the proposal for a joint degree between Aberystwyth University and the RVC would work.

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