Agri Kultuur April / April 2016 | Page 42

Article: Provided R oss University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) announced that it has signed an articulation agreement with Stellenbosch University, with the agreement being the first of this kind that has been signed with a South African university, to increase opportunities for Agriscience graduate students to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Through this agreement, students from Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of AgriScience, who meet specified academic requirements, will gain direct admission to RUSVM. Qualified students will have their application fees waived, will be guaranteed interviews and will also be considered eligible for international scholarships. “The new partnership with RUSVM provides direct access for our students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. For some this may be a lifelong dream and for others it will be an opportunity to serve our society through ensuring the health of animals,” said Prof. Danie Brink, Acting Dean, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University. According to a press release from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), there is a demand for a strong and well-trained veterinary network worldwide, due to the growing importance of animal diseases and zoonoses. Infectious disease agents and toxins found in animal populations and animal products are considered an ongoing threat to animal health, economies, biodiversity, food security, food safety and public health. A conference hosted by the OIE in October 2015 reviewed the important need for trained veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals in Africa. “As part of the RUSVM mission, we are committed to providing training Dr. Carmen Fuentealba, Executive Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning, RUSVM and Prof. Danie Brink, Acting Dean, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University.