Business Details
11 Years
experience
Expert Veterinary Postmortem and Diagnostic Services in Wales
Established in 2015, the Wales Veterinary Science Centre (WVSC) operates as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing veterinary and agricultural health in Wales. Founded by Iechyd Da in collaboration with Aberystwyth University, we serve as a partner provider for the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), delivering expert postmortem examinations (PMEs) to monitor new and re-emerging diseases in farm animals. Our services extend beyond PMEs to include diagnostic laboratory testing, professional training, and advisory support for veterinary and agricultural sectors. With a team of experienced veterinary disease investigators, laboratory specialists, and technical staff, we prioritise quality diagnostics while maintaining rapid turnaround times. Our work contributes to the UK's national livestock disease surveillance network, ensuring early detection and response to potential threats.We collaborate closely with private veterinary practices, farmers, and industry stakeholders to provide actionable insights that improve animal health and productivity. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in initiatives like the Cull Ewe Health Monitoring scheme, which addresses chronic 'Iceberg Diseases' in sheep flocks. Accredited by our partnerships with leading institutions, we combine academic rigor with practical field experience to deliver trusted, evidence-based solutions. As a socially responsible organisation, we also invest in community projects, including recent funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for facility improvements. Our decade of service, marked by the 2025 Veterinary Champion Cymru award, underscores our position as a respected authority in veterinary science across Wales.
Services
Postmortem Examinations
Carcase Collection
Laboratory Services
CPD Courses
BVD Testing
Sheep Scab Antibody Testing
Lungworm Diagnostics
Disease Surveillance
Veterinary Training
Health Monitoring
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer government-subsidised postmortem examinations with expert analysis of livestock diseases
- Our team collaborates with Aberystwyth University and APHA for enhanced diagnostic capabilities
- We provide rapid test turnaround times while maintaining rigorous quality standards
- Our Cull Ewe Health Monitoring scheme addresses chronic sheep diseases through proactive surveillance
- We deliver CPD-accredited training courses for veterinary professionals across Wales
Associations and certifications
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Services
Postmortem Examinations
We conduct government-subsidised postmortem examinations for livestock, focusing on diagnosing new and re-emerging diseases. Our PMEs help farmers identify causes of animal deaths and prevent disease spread. The service includes detailed pathology reports within 48 working hours, with additional testing available for complex cases.
Carcase Collection
Our free carcase collection service operates in eligible Welsh postcodes to support disease surveillance. This service ensures timely transportation of specimens to our laboratory, maintaining sample integrity for accurate diagnostics while reducing barriers to participation in surveillance programmes.
Laboratory Services
We offer comprehensive laboratory diagnostics including BVD testing, sheep scab ELISA, and lungworm analysis. Our facilities process samples for bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases, providing veterinarians with reliable data to inform treatment and herd management decisions.
CPD Courses
Our continuing professional development courses cover cattle scanning, postmortem techniques, and disease management. Designed for veterinary professionals, these hands-on training sessions combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills to enhance diagnostic capabilities and farm animal care.
BVD Testing
We provide BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) testing services for Welsh cattle herds, including sample submission and analysis. Our diagnostic support helps farmers meet testing obligations for agricultural shows and implement effective disease control strategies to maintain herd health.
People
Dr Hazel Wright
Centre Manager
Dr Wright leads operational management at WVSC, bringing extensive experience in veterinary science and laboratory coordination. She oversees the centre's strategic direction and quality assurance processes.
Dr Caroline Ford
Laboratory Technical and Quality Manager
Dr Ford manages laboratory operations and quality control systems, ensuring compliance with diagnostic standards. Her expertise ensures accurate test results and continuous improvement in technical procedures.
Dr Beverley Hopkins
Veterinary Manager
Dr Hopkins coordinates veterinary services and disease investigations. With deep knowledge of livestock health, she provides expert guidance on diagnostic approaches and surveillance strategies.
Professor Will Haresign
Director
As a board director, Professor Haresign contributes strategic oversight to WVSC's operations. His academic background in veterinary science informs the centre's research and industry partnerships.
Jane Lindop
Veterinary Disease Investigator
Jane conducts detailed disease investigations, combining fieldwork and laboratory analysis. Her work focuses on identifying disease patterns and providing actionable insights to veterinary practitioners.
Questions
How do I request a postmortem examination?
Contact your private veterinary practice to discuss with our duty Veterinary Investigation Officer. They'll assess suitability and arrange submission if appropriate.
Which areas do you serve?
We cover Wales, with free carcase collection available in eligible postcodes. Use APHA's postcode finder to check your eligibility for transport services.
What laboratory tests are available?
We offer BVD testing, sheep scab ELISA, lungworm diagnostics, and general disease screening. Download submission forms from our website for sample requirements.
Are there training opportunities?
Yes, we provide CPD-accredited courses including cattle scanning and practical postmortem techniques. Check our events page for upcoming training dates.
How quickly are results delivered?
Most results are reported within 48 working hours. During busy periods, we prioritise urgent cases while maintaining our standard turnaround commitments.
What is Cull Ewe Health Monitoring?
This service investigates 'Iceberg Diseases' in sheep flocks through postmortem analysis of clinically healthy cull ewes, helping identify hidden disease burdens.
