AFBI hosts Erasmus student

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has hosted a visit by Erasmus+ student, Ainhoa Valldecabres, a recently graduated veterinary surgeon from Spain.

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has hosted a visit by Erasmus+ student, Ainhoa Valldecabres, a recently graduated veterinary surgeon from Spain.

Ainhoa has been based in the Disease Surveillance and Investigation Branch of AFBI’s Veterinary Sciences Division for two months obtaining training on AFBI’s Cattle Health Scheme,  a voluntary scheme for farmers set up to help tackle four of the most economically damaging endemic diseases of cattle here; infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), Johne’s disease and Leptospirosis.

Erasmus+ is an EU-funded programme supporting higher education students to study abroad for up to one year in another European university or to gain valuable international work experience in a European organisation. Ainhoa said “It’s very important for me to get as much practical experience and lab time as possible, and I’m very lucky that the ERASMUS+ scheme has allowed me to be able to work in AFBI’s world class laboratories. I have enjoyed my time at AFBI and the opportunity to see at first hand the operation of first class scientists providing such an excellent service to the farming community in Northern Ireland”.

AFBI’s Cattle Health Scheme tests are accredited to the highest international standard (ISO 17025) and the scheme is one of a range of animal health services provided by AFBI to DARD, private veterinary practitioners and the farming community. 

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland …  … serving the world”.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office 

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