University of Cambridge to keep vet school open

Veterinary education at the University of Cambridge will continue after university leaders reversed a proposal to close the program following widespread backlash.

In December, the university’s School of the Biological Sciences informed staff and current and prospective students that it was recommending the veterinary department close by 2032. The announcement prompted immediate concern across the profession.

Both the British Veterinary Association and the National Farmers' Union formally urged the university to maintain the program, highlighting its importance to animal health, food security, and the veterinary workforce. The BVA also published an open letter co-signed by 19 other veterinary organizations calling for the school’s continuation.

Following what the university described as a strong response from stakeholders, leadership confirmed that veterinary education would continue and that the proposed closure would not move forward. The university stated it had “heard the strength of feeling” and would keep admitting students to the program. Offer letters for students due to begin this autumn are expected to be sent shortly.

The university’s general board acknowledged that the School of the Biological Sciences cannot be solely responsible for the long-term future of veterinary education at Cambridge. It added that alternative models for delivering veterinary training at the institution would be developed and evaluated.

The announcement comes after the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons gave the university 10 months last November to address recommendations for improvement to its veterinary degree program.

Approximately 160 staff members are employed within the department, and about 65 students graduate from the program each year.

Read more on BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8ljqq09z7o