Uni of Bristol Veterinary School celebrates 75th anniversary
It is one of the oldest such schools in England
The University of Bristol’s Veterinary School is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Taking its first students in 1949, it is one of the oldest veterinary schools in England.
Over 5000 students have graduated, with the 70th cohort set to graduate this year.
The school has helped advance veterinary medicine and animal welfare across the world.
Professor Jeremy Tavaré, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, said “I’m delighted to be celebrating Bristol Veterinary School’s 75 years.
"Its excellence in teaching and research has resulted in greater understanding and some real-world changes benefiting the health and welfare of both animals and humans, which is testament to the School’s remarkable staff, students and graduates.”
It’s a year of anniversaries for the Bristol Veterinary School, with 2024 also marking the 25th anniversary of the school’s veterinary nursing programmes.
In 2002, the Veterinary School restored the sight of a gorilla at Bristol Zoo Gardens.
Romina underwent the first ever cataract operation performed in Europe on an adult gorilla.
Other achievements include raising awareness of tick-borne diseases, using artificial intelligence to prevent diseases in diary cows, and working with farms to change antimicrobial use.
Bristol Veterinary School has also advanced animal health and welfare internationally.
A study conducted by staff and students last year highlighted Kordofan giraffe extinction risks in Cameroon.
Tim Parkin, Head of Bristol Veterinary School and Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology, said: “We are proud to celebrate our 75th anniversary.
"Bristol Veterinary School remains a dynamic force, preparing veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses for the challenges ahead.”