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SRUC invests in new Aberdeen equine centre
The new equine centre will create new opportunities for students to learn practical skills.

New centre to be completed by end of summer

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is working on a new centre for equine skills at its Craibstone campus in Aberdeen, which will provide new opportunities for students to learn practical skills.

The College is investing £310,000 into creating new stables for up to six horses, a ménage, equipment storage and supporting facilities for students at the centre. It will seek planning permission for the work in the next few months.

SRUC expects that most of the centre will be completed by the end of the summer, ahead of the arrival of the first cohort of students on the HNC and HND Equine Studies courses at Craibstone. The ménage is expected to be completed in the autumn.

The new HNC course offers practical experience and teaches students about horse care and riding, while the HND course provides more experience and knowledge of management within the equine industry.

The new equine centre will also supply extra opportunities for students on SRUC's Animal Care course.

Education at the new centre will complement the practical training provided by Aberdeen Riding Club through its partnership with SRUC.

Caroline Argo, dean of SRUC’s North Faculty, said: “Horse husbandry, training and business management skills are in high demand. We’re delighted to be able to offer more opportunities for students to help them enter and flourish within the equine industry.

“We’re looking forward to our role as an integral part of the equine community across the North of Scotland.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.