With thousands of aspiring students waiting to hear if they’ve achieved the grades they need to go to vet school this autumn, Allister Webb takes a look behind the scenes at the University of Central Lancashire’s new veterinary training facilities in Preston.

The department, which is preparing to welcome its third cohort in September, recently opened its new school building following a £40 million building project.

Pete Holland, UCLan’s director of veterinary partnerships, joins Allister to discuss the school’s continuing development and some of the key issues currently facing the veterinary education sector.

Podcast music: "Funky Chunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ixodes species ticks have been spreading tick-borne encephalitis virus throughout Europe, and there are concerns about the zoonotic potential for the UK.

Parasitologist Ian Wright discusses the latest situation in this Vet Times Podcast.

Ian Wright, BVMS, BSc, MSc, MRCVS is a practising vet and co-owner of The Mount Veterinary Practice in Fleetwood, Lancashire.

He has a master’s degree in veterinary parasitology and is head of the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) UK and Ireland, and guidelines director for ESCCAP Europe.

An accompanying article to this podcast, “The rise and rise of tick-borne flaviviruses”, is in Vet Times (2025), Volume 55, Issue 25, Pages 6-10.

It is online at vettimes.com at https://www.vettimes.com/clinical/small-animal/the-rise-and-rise-of-tick-borne-flaviviruses

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we're delving into the pivotal role that research plays in building our understanding of the human-animal bond. Dr Tammie King, senior research manager, and Dr Vanessa Ashall, human-animal interaction technical leader, are both experts from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

SPONSORED

The Waltham Petcare Science Institute is Mars Petcare’s science centre, where their mission is to improve the lives of pets through science, in support of their purpose of creating a better world for pets.

Researchers at Waltham have recently launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study programme, known as PAWS. Working in collaboration with leading global academic institutions and experts, the multi-study PAWS programme will explore the relationships between pets and people and the role pets play in well-being across multiple geographies and demographics.

Engaging more than 35,000 pet owners across more than 20 countries, this ambitious research programme aims to deepen our understanding of the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond through robust scientific data.

Dr Tammie King is a member of the research leadership team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

Her passion lies in improving dog and cat health through evidence-based knowledge. In fact, Dr King holds a PhD in anthrozoology – the study of human-animal interactions – and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in animal behaviour.

Vanessa Ashall is technical lead for the PAWS research programme and is central to defining the research strategy. It’s Vanessa who holds responsibility for ensuring the portfolio of projects truly demonstrate Waltham’s commitment to robust, innovative and impactful research into the human-animal bond.

Vanessa is a European veterinary specialist in animal welfare science, ethics and law, a bioethicist, a social scientist and a cross disciplinary HAI researcher.

In this podcast Phil Elkins discusses respiratory diseases in cattle, essentially preventive versus reactive care, and ensuring farm vets and farmers engage on countering the threats.

Phil Elkins qualified in 2005 from The University of Edinburgh and, following stints in Cheshire and New Zealand, spent the majority of his career in clinical practice in Cornwall, during which time he gained a certificate in advanced veterinary practice in cattle.

Following 15 years in clinical practice and a stint working for an agri-tech company, Phil now works as an independent consultant to both farms and industry bodies. He is a former council member of the BVA.

He wrote “Respiratory disease in cattle: preventive versus reactive care” for Vet Times Livestock (2025), Volume 11, Issue 1, Pages 9-10 (which went out with Vet Times Volume 55, Issue 12). The article is available online at vettimes.com [https://www.vettimes.com/clinical/livestock/respiratory-disease-in-cattle-preventive-versus-reactive-care]

SPONSORED

This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis, which has recently launched Protivity, the UK’s first authorised Mycoplasma bovis vaccine for cattle.

What if you could be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to Mycoplasma bovis?

Protivity, the first modified-live vaccine for Mycoplasma bovis in cattle, is now available in the UK.

The days of relying on antibiotics alone to help control Mycoplasma bovis are over. It’s time to change the game for your herds with Protivity.

To learn more, UK veterinary professionals can visit the website. [https://bit.ly/4jRJxv3]

Vet Times was recently invited to the biggest vet show on earth – VMX in Florida, where we had the pleasure of catching up with the man behind it all, NAVC CEO Gene O'Neill…

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, Stephanie Armstrong, regional president at Zoetis, explores the mental health landscape in today’s veterinary profession, including the challenges and possible counteractions.

Sponsored:

As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals.

After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers.

The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in more than 100 countries.

About the interviewee:

Stephanie Armstrong is regional president at Zoetis, part of the Zoetis senior leadership team, where she oversees operations and growth across her team.

A trained veterinarian and successful business leader, Stephanie encompasses a rare combination of frontline veterinary experience and strategic acumen in the animal pharmaceutical industry, making her uniquely positioned to drive innovation and impact across the animal health sector.

An advocate for positive change with a one health approach, Stephanie is also deeply committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of veterinarians, recognising the unique challenges they face. Stephanie is headstrong in her commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the industry, as it is a topic she is particularly passionate about, often talking about this global issue from a thought leadership perspective.

Stephanie is dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession by elevating the voices of industry talent, advocating for vets, and shining a light on the critical challenges faced by both vets and livestock farmers today.

As a member of the council at the RVC, Stephanie plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of veterinary education and advancing initiatives that bridge the academic and practical applications of animal care.

Speaking to editor James Westgate, Wellvet co-founder Liz Barton delves into the often tricky topic of menopause and discusses what can be done to support veterinary professionals impacted by perimenopausal symptoms.

Liz also introduces Wellvet’s free expert menopause resources for veterinary teams, designed to help reduce the impact of physical and psychological symptoms in the clinic and beyond....

For access to these resources, visit https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we discuss innovations in testing and diagnostics with Mars Science and Diagnostics’ chief medical officer Jimmy Barr – including what Antech has planned in the future.

𝗝𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗥 𝗗𝗩𝗠, 𝗗𝗔𝗖𝗩𝗘𝗖𝗖

As chief medical officer (CMO) for Mars Petcare’s Science and Diagnostics division, James (Jimmy) Barr, DVM, DACVECC, oversees the quality organisation and leads delivery of medical care for the global Antech veterinary diagnostics business.

Additionally, Jimmy serves a key role in connecting science and diagnostics with the Mars Petcare ecosystem and the veterinary profession.

Most recently, Jimmy was Blue Pearl’s CMO, a position he held since 2018, growing the clinical affairs team and taking it to new levels of medical leadership and excellence.

While serving as CMO of BluePearl, Jimmy helped establish the Board of Chief Veterinary Medical Officers, which is an important collective of more than 60 top veterinary medical leaders from across the profession representing various industry segments. Jimmy currently chairs the Board of Chief Veterinary Medical Officers.

Jimmy holds undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Louisiana State University and completed his residency in emergency and critical care at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. Jimmy worked clinically at BluePearl starting in 2007 and served on the faculty at Texas A&M University before serving in BluePearl leadership.

Find out more about Antech at stand G10 at London Vet Show or at https://antechdiagnostics.co.uk

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗

Experience one of the world’s largest reference laboratory networks, comprehensive in-house analysers and solutions, the most trusted diagnostic imaging equipment, advanced telemedicine and AI-powered solutions, and the flexibility to practice medicine your way.

Antech. Smarter Diagnostics. Better Care.

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, George Giles and Becca Cavill join us to discuss innovations, AI and how technology and management tools are helping vets and farmers work together for livestock health, welfare and productivity.

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𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗖𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗲𝗱, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗔𝗩𝗣(𝗖𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲), 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦

Becca graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2003 and spent 18 years in clinical farm practice before becoming ruminant veterinary advisor for the south of the UK at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health in 2021.

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𝗚𝗘𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗕𝗩𝗠, 𝗕𝗩𝗦, 𝗗𝗕𝗥, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦

George is a director of Giles and Parsons Farm Vets, a dairy-focused vet practice in Cornwall. His main areas of interest are change management and communication strategies to improve herd health and production.

Working with a variety of dairy systems from extensive block calving herds to high yielding indoor systems, he actively seeks to challenge and motivate dairy farmers into making the most of their chosen system.

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𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗

Optimax is an adaptable framework based on lean management principles to support farm vets in helping clients streamline processes, reduce waste while optimising calf health, and improve job satisfaction and farm productivity.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working with vets to introduce the process with practical on-farm meetings.

One of the main items on the agenda at BCVA Congress 2024 in Newport was the bluetongue outbreak that many vets and farmers have faced up to over the past couple of months.

Joining Vet Times’ chief reporter Allister Webb to discuss the situation and what we may be able to learn from it is Fiona Lovatt, who is a member of the Ruminant Health and Welfare bluetongue working group.

𝗙𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗧 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰, 𝗗𝗦𝗛𝗣, 𝗣𝗵𝗗, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗦𝗥𝗛𝗠, 𝗙𝗛𝗘𝗔, 𝗙𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦

Fiona is a European and RCVS-recognised specialist in sheep health and production. She runs the sheep veterinary consultancy company Flock Health, and is a clinical associate professor at Nottingham Vet School.