A new £2.4m Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety has been officially opened at the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

The centre, at the University’s Garscube campus, was opened by Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, at a ceremony on Monday 8 November.

With an international track record in the training of large animal veterinary surgeons, the new centre covers the entire length and breadth of the food chain, treating farm animals on a referral basis, dealing with surgical cases, maintaining two isolation units and is a leader in food safety and public health. Staff also conduct consultancy visits to external sites to assess the health of herds and flocks and work closely with several major players in the food industry.Veterinary student Pete Dillon examines a cow watched by Prof Anton Muscatelli and Richard Lochhead MSP.

The new centre was supported using funds gifted by three major donors, the largest being meat producer ScotBeef.  The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and a private donor also made considerable gifts towards the new facility which is one of the finest of its kind.

Professor David Logue, an expert in food animal disease, said: “This is a marvellous facility for training both vets and other scientists, advisers and workers interested in production animal health and welfare, as well as food safety, whether in Scotland or further afield.  We provide undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD training and our Masters in Veterinary Public Health will particularly benefit from this investment.

“The health of production animals and food safety is a huge area of concern for producers and the public alike. Consumers want to know the meat they eat is safe and that the animals concerned enjoyed good health and were well cared for.  Producers in Scotland know the importance of ensuring this and veterinarians are integral in all aspects of this food chain.”

Mr Lochhead, who was given a tour of the facility with Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “This centre is a fantastic addition to Scotland’s world-renowned animal science sector. The state-of-the-art facilities will help our vets of tomorrow build the skills they need for a successful future and further improve animal health and welfare.

“Our livestock industry will directly benefit from the improved facilities and this will ultimately lead to the production of high-quality produce further enhancing Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink.”

Professor Stuart Reid, Head of the School of Veterinary Medicine added: “The investment demonstrates the University’s commitment to the food and farming sector and its huge importance to the rural economy. The new centre will make an impact on education, an impact on practice and an impact of policy. Together, with our partners, we are dedicated to ensuring Scotland is at the forefront of food production that is safe, welfare friendly and environmentally sustainable.”

For more information contact Stuart Forsyth in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 4831 or email stuart.forsyth@glasgow.ac.uk

First published: 8 November 2010

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