Cambridge Vet School decision hugely positive, BVA says

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has responded following the news that the University of Cambridge General Body has decided against proposals to discontinue Cambridge University’s undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine.

The General Body met yesterday (23 February) to make a decision on the school’s future, which has been uncertain since the School of Biological Sciences made a recommendation to close the school in December last year.

Working on behalf of its members and the wider UK veterinary profession, BVA had joined forces with Cambridge students, alumni and university staff, the Association of Veterinary Students and MPs to support the joint Save the Vet School Campaign and help make the case for the university to continue the course.

Responding to the news, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said: “We’re pleased that Cambridge University’s governing body has listened to concerns raised by BVA and so many across the whole veterinary profession and has come to the decision not to close its veterinary school.

“A resilient veterinary workforce relies on a healthy pipeline of homegrown talent and the UK’s vet schools, including Cambridge, play a crucial role in this. In our open letter to the school last month, we underlined how its closure would not only have represented a ‘profound gamble with public health and scientific excellence’ but also would have had a significantly negative impact on the future supply of highly skilled veterinary professionals.

“However, whilst today’s decision is a step in the right direction, it’s essential the University commits to ensuring the school is appropriately resourced to preserve its vital role at the forefront of global health and scientific leadership, now and in the future.”

ENDS/

Notes for Editors

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