A naturally occurring gut molecule that could strengthen chickens’ immune response against a wide range of bacterial infections, has been identified by University of Bristol-led research. This new breakthrough, published in The Journal of Immunology today [12 August], offers a major step forward in sustainable farming and the global fight against antibiotic resistance.
A naturally occurring gut molecule that could strengthen chickens’ immune response against a wide range of bacterial infections, has been identified by University of Bristol-led research. This new breakthrough, published in The Journal of Immunology today [12 August], offers a major step forward in sustainable farming and the global fight against antibiotic resistance.
Getting to know: Kathryn Loft, Specialist Teaching Technician
It is well known that biological invasions can be severely harmful to native biodiversity – preventing the damage they cause is a global conservation priority. A new study by the University of Bristol has highlighted a different type of impact that they cause – the often-overlooked animal welfare consequences of biological invasions. The research, published in Nature Communications today [5 May], reveals that invasive species can cause significant suffering to both native and introduced animals worldwide.
New research has revealed dairy calves which are fed less complete tasks faster and remember more in pursuit of milk, but miss out on play.
Chicks, just like pets, also benefit from gentle human touch, new research has revealed. Scientists at the University of Bristol have discovered that gentle human interactions do not only prevent fear in baby chicks but also triggers positive emotions. The findings offer new insights into how early-life handling affects the welfare of young farm animals.
Researchers from the University of Bristol are carrying out a new study with a view to helping optimise the relationship between vets and clients, ensuring every pet receives the best possible care.
A stark rise in the number of stray dogs being euthanised across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with rates more than tripling over a three-year period, are revealed in a new collaborative study. The research is published in the MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute) journal Animals.
Africa’s largest monkey, the mandrill, Mandrillus sphinx, is being forced out of its home within a national park due to hunting pressure, new research has revealed.
The Blagdon Building opened this autumn term as a purpose-built teaching space designed to support small-group, collaborative, tutor-facilitated learning. Spanning two floors and accommodating up to 360 students, the building’s open-plan layout has been carefully designed to encourage interaction and active engagement with teaching content.
Are you interested in working with animals? Animal lovers in Withywood, Hartcliffe and surrounding areas looking for information about career and training options in the animal care and veterinary industry are invited to a FREE community event this week.
We are proud to share the success of our recent Official Veterinarian (OV) Course, delivered by the Veterinary Public Health (VPH) team
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have an odour that can be reliably detected from skin swabs by trained dogs, a new study shows. The research, in collaboration with Medical Detection Dogs and the Universities of Bristol and Manchester, is published in The Journal of Parkinson’s Disease today [15 July].
The new President outlined his vision for how mentorship and respectful, constructive dialogue would help the regulator, and the veterinary professions as a whole, deal with some of the challenges ahead.
Welcome to the latest Research Round-Up. Over the past six months, the five research communities at the Bristol Veterinary School have achieved significant milestones — from publishing in high-impact journals to securing prestigious grants and fostering global partnerships. Our researchers continue to break new ground in areas ranging from antimicrobial resistance and animal welfare to delivering advancements in veterinary education and clinical innovation. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific inquiry, we remain committed to enhancing animal health, welfare, and veterinary practice both locally and globally.
Cats that are neutered at four months old compared to the traditional six months old are not at any greater risk of weight problems as they age, new research has found.
Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the leading cause of death among UK pet cats who are 8 years old or younger, new research has found. This is the first UK-wide study to assess mortality and survival rates in pet cats to include those that do not attend vets or have insurance. The study, by the University of Bristol Veterinary School and Cats Protection, is published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
A new study into medical detection dogs — which use their scent detection abilities to detect diseases or assist individuals with chronic health conditions — reveals that dogs displaying more "optimistic" responses in judgment bias tests tend to perform better overall in detection tasks. In contrast, "pessimistic" dogs exhibit greater scent detection specificity. The University of Bristol-led study, published in PLOS One, could offer valuable insights for improving the training, selection, and support of medical detection dogs.
VetEd, the premier symposium and networking event for veterinary educators and students, is set to take place from July 2nd to 4th, 2025, at Bristol Veterinary School. This annual event, now in its 15th year, brings together veterinary professionals from the UK, Europe, and the United States to share innovative teaching practices, discuss challenges in veterinary education and collaborate on the future of the profession.
Greater openness about complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use has the potential to strengthen farmer-vet relationships, which may prevent potential unintended harm to animals, reduce antibiotic use and improve herd health management, new research has found. The study, led by the University of Bristol, is published today [26 February] in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
We are delighted to share that Bronwyn Bailey, former Bristol Veterinary School student, had her clinical abstract entitled 'Investigating the Prevalence, Predictability and Intervention Efficacy for Feline Peri-anaesthetic Hypotension', accepted for poster presentation at BSAVA Congress 2025.
We are delighted to announce that Bristol Veterinary School will be hosting the prestigious VetEd Conference in July of this year. This internationally recognised event brings together veterinary educators, researchers and professionals to share innovative teaching practices, discuss challenges in veterinary education and collaborate on the future of the profession.
Last year, Bristol Veterinary School celebrated its 75th anniversary. To celebrate this accomplishment, we’re thrilled to announce the release of a limited edition book that captures the rich history, cherished memories and remarkable achievements of our community over the past 75 years.
Bristol Veterinary School is extremely proud to have trained thousands of veterinary professionals over the past 75 years, but we couldn’t do it alone! Our incredible partners help provide placement opportunities for students and bring theory to life. One such partner is Langford Vets where Andrea Turner, Lead Clinician at Langford Farm Animal Practice, has been working for the past 11 years.
Introducing MRes Veterinary Nursing and Bioveterinary Science graduate Olivia Jacques
Getting to know: Jody Belton, Deputy School Manager
Meet Zoe Schlossmacher, BVSc Veterinary Science student, who shared her experience on the course with us.
Congratulations to Professor David Barrett on being elected to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council
Meet Mirabelle Habib, our MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation student, who shared her experience on the course with us.
Introducing Gemma Richards
Charles Wheeler, our MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation alumnus, shared his experience on the course with us
Introducing MSc Global Wildlife Health and Conservation student Tirion Cobby
Francesca Booth, Research Project Officer and alumna of Bristol Veterinary School (BVS), shares her favourite thing about working at BVS and what she enjoys doing at her spare time.
Our final year BVSc student shared why he decided to come to Bristol, what he enjoyed most about being part of the Veterinary School and what he has planned for the future
Ariel, a five-month-old Cocker Spaniel, who had two extra limbs that resembled a mermaid’s tail has had successful specialist surgery carried out by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Bristol’s Langford Vets.
