“First turf” for state-of-the-art large animal surgical centre

From left to right: Mr Miles Littlewort, Alborada Trust; Andrew Trawford, Director of Veterinary Services at the Donkey Sanctuary; Professor Jo Price, Head of the School of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol and Sir David Wills, Chairman of the Langford Trust Tracy Dewey

Press release issued: 15 February 2011

The “first turf” for the new Large Animal Centre, to be known as the Alborada Building, was cut yesterday [Monday 14 February] at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences at Langford.

Work is set to start on a state-of-the-art surgical facility for the treatment of sick horses and farm animals, which will be unique to the region and will provide the best possible medical and surgical treatment for all patients.

The Langford Trust’s Chairman, Sir David Wills, welcomed guests to the ceremony and Mr Miles Littlewort, on behalf of the Alborada Trust, lifted the “first turf”.

The Donkey Sanctuary, a UK based charity working to improve conditions for donkeys and mules internationally, have provided the funding for the major area of anaesthesia in the Large Animal Centre.

The new surgical facility, as well as treating sick horses and farm animals, will also provide space for teaching advanced clinical techniques to an increasing number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Sir David Wills said: “This exciting event is a great milestone for both the Langford Trust and the University’s Veterinary School and we are extremely grateful to the Trustees of the Alborada Trust for making it possible.”

The investigation, diagnosis and treatment of patients at the Large Animal Centre have several important welfare considerations and the collective clinical expertise provides a central referral service to practitioners.

Professor Jo Price, Head of the School of Veterinary Sciences, added: “The Large Animal Centre will house surgical and treatment facilities that will be unique to the region and confirm the University’s Veterinary School as a centre of excellence for the treatment and care of horses and farm animals, the training of undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary surgeons, and the development of welfare research.

“The wider horse and farm animal population also has much to gain from the development of clinical facilities and expertise at the new centre.”

Clinical teaching is of immense value to veterinary students and clinical academics, who take their training into the field in this country and abroad. Information acquired from clinical cases is a source of research data for large animal welfare and disease prevention. This information is made available to horse owners, farmers and veterinary practitioners by the publication of research papers and conference presentations.

Further information

The Langford Trust was established to relieve suffering and to further animal welfare by:
· promoting the practice, advancement and teaching of veterinary science;
· fostering public education in animal health and welfare;
· developing and implementing methods of livestock production conducive to the health and welfare of animals.

Please contact Joanne Fryer for further information.