The Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC) has welcomed Ben Lake, MP for Ceredigion and Preseli, to the centre to discuss the long-term future of livestock disease surveillance in Wales and the vital role played by the WVSC.
The WVSC was established in 2015 to deliver expert post-mortem examinations of new and re-emerging diseases from animals on behalf of the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The centre also supports both the veterinary and agricultural sectors with diagnostic laboratory testing, expert advice and professional training.
Earlier this year, the centre announced a significant funding boost from the National Lottery to help realise a social connections and refurbishment project.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Lake said: ‘Wales is fortunate to have the benefit of the services provided by WVSC. The team in Aberystwyth is crucial to our biosecurity and is vital for the country’s disease monitoring. It was great to meet the team in person, and to learn more about their plans for the future.’
WVSC Director, Ms Kate Hovers said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Lake to the centre to see how our not-for-profit business has become a significant player in livestock disease surveillance. The nature of the business means that we continue to offer additional services which are vital to the sector. For example, the WVSC not only provides BVD testing for cattle farmers within Wales but also provides help, support and advice to both them and their vets in the appropriate actions based on interpretation of the results”.
Dr Hazel Wright, WVSC Centre Manager added, “From small beginnings with just one member of staff, the WVSC continues to grow and expand its services. We continue to be ambitious and to seek opportunities which will aid the livestock industry in attaining premium health and welfare.
“Our work would not be possible without the support of our wider stakeholders and we continue to seek collaborations which will provide tangible benefits to disease control and management” added Dr Wright.