Cambridge University urged to keep vet school open

Organisations have written to Cambridge University to urge it to keep its veterinary school open.

Recommendations to close the department by 2032 were put forward by its School of the Biological Sciences, with staff, current and prospective students told about the proposal in December.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the National Farmers' Union (NFU) both wrote letters urging for the continuation of the school.

A spokesperson for the University of Cambridge said: "We understand that this is a difficult time for colleagues and students in the veterinary school and are putting in place support structures for both staff and students who may be affected."

In November last year, the university was given 10 months to meet recommendations for improvement of the veterinary degree by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

About 160 people are employed at the site and about 65 students pass through the school each year.

A final decision will be made by the university's general board next week.

The BVA published an open letter, co-signed with 19 other veterinary organisations, calling for the continuation of the school.

Rob Williams, president of BVA, said the potential closure was "extremely worrying" and that it would "undoubtedly affect current and future veterinary students".

He said: "The shockwaves will be felt far more widely, with serious implications for food safety, animal and human health and welfare; scientific research and progress.

In a separate letter to Prof Deborah Prentice, the university's vice-chancellor, the NFU urged the council and board to reconsider the decision.

It read: "Its closure would undermine efforts to train future farm vets and maintain academic excellence.

"The university is a valued NFU member and we trust it recognises the critical need for accessible veterinary services and expertise."

A spokesperson for the university said: "The recommendation comes after the university's general board asked the school council to consider various options for the sustainable delivery of clinical services.

"After careful consideration, it was concluded that there was no viable long-term solution."

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