News in 2026

Two Bristol Veterinary School leaders take on senior RCVS roles: a Q&A with Tim Parkin and David Barrett

20 September 2026

Two of our Bristol Veterinary School academics - and Bristol alumni - now hold senior leadership roles within the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) at a pivotal time for the veterinary professions. Head of School Professor Tim Parkin has recently taken up the role of RCVS Senior President, following two previous roles in the RCVS leadership team. David Barrett, Professor of Bovine Medicine, Production and Reproduction has recently been elected Junior Vice-President. They share their perspectives on the future of the professions, their priorities as RCVS leaders, and what their roles mean for Bristol Veterinary School and its students.

Immune 'reprogramming' could protect poultry from deadly diseases without antibiotics, study finds

12 August 2026

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.

Staff story - Kathryn Loft

21 June 2026

Getting to know: Kathryn Loft, Specialist Teaching Technician

Biological invasions can cause significant suffering to animals worldwide, study finds

5 May 2026

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.

Better-fed calves are more moo-tivated to play, pioneering study shows

21 April 2026

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.

A laying hen chick sitting on a person's hand

Human touch leaves chicks feeling egg stra happy, study finds

30 March 2026

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.

Call for pet owners to fill in survey to help improve communication with vets

24 March 2026

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.

Euthanasia rates for stray dogs triple as more animals enter UK shelters

23 March 2026

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.

A male mandrill with young mandrills in the background

Hunting pressure is shrinking safe space for mandrills in Equatorial Guinea

24 February 2026

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.

Introducing our new teaching space - the Blagdon Building

15 January 2026

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.