School of Veterinary Science
Tāwharau Ora
The School of Veterinary Science advances knowledge in animal health and welfare, biosecurity, conservation and sustainable productivity. We are a world-leader in our field, working with governments, other universities, international and national organisations and companies to improve animal health and production, and human health. We have:
- Over 1000 students
- 250 staff
- 170 research programmes
Study
Massey University offers New Zealand’s only veterinary degree (Bachelor of Veterinary Science), accredited internationally.
We also have a range of internationally recognised postgraduate and professional development courses and qualifications.
Note that there are a number of policies and procedures that apply to vet students.
Research
The School of Veterinary Science conducts research across a large number of species in a wide range of disciplines.
Our research underpins advances in New Zealand’s primary industries, companion animals,public health, biosecurity and animal welfare.
Meet our graduates
I was amazed by the knowledge of the lecturers at Massey and the high quality of teaching provided within the programme.
Alexandr Mastakov
Avian and exotic animal residency at the University of Queensland
Master of Veterinary Medicine
When I saw that Dr. Mary Anna Thrall, the author of one of the most reputed textbooks in the field, will be teaching the clinical pathology courses at Massey, it was an easy decision for me.
Dr Reine Wang
Master of Veterinary Medicine
Massey University was the obvious choice. My supervisory team is made up of top representatives in their field. We meet regularly and I feel like I can always approach them for a chat.
Kat Littlewood
PhD (Animal Science)
I thoroughly enjoyed my 5 year degree at Massey. I made lifelong friends while learning essential knowledge and skills which have helped me to start my new career.
Shawn Chandrakumar
Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Location
The School of Veterinary Science is located on Massey’s campus in Palmerston North. Academic and administrative staff are located in the Hopkirk building, Veterinary Building and the Vet Tower just off the Ring Road. These offices are adjacent to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Wildbase Hospital and within walking distance of the Equine Veterinary Clinic and Farm Services.
Staff and careers
Head of School of Veterinary Science
Professor jon huxley
Professor Huxley joined Massey University in May 2018, from the University of Nottingham. His research expertise is in dairy cow health and endemic diseases of dairy cattle, particularly lameness and the impact of the housed environment on animal health and welfare.
College of Sciences
The School of Veterinary Science is one of six interconnected schools within the College of Sciences.
Research centres and groups
Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre
The Centre focuses on animal welfare in a diverse range of human-animal interactions. This includes the use of animals in research, teaching and testing, on farms, in the home, for sport, recreation and entertainment, in service roles, in zoos and the wild, and in other arenas.
EpiCentre
The EpiCentre is the largest veterinary epidemiology training and research centre in Australasia. It is widely considered to be one of the leading groups in the world. We have expertise in the understanding and control of disease in animal populations, the transmission of disease from animals to humans, and hazards in food of animal origin.
Equine Research Centre
Much of the equine research carried out in New Zealand is conducted at Massey University. Our aim is to perform scientific research and promote education to optimise equine health, welfare and the productivity of the equine industry.
Hopkirk Institute
The Hopkirk Institute is a joint institute – scientists are from both AgResearch and Massey University. It has the southern hemisphere's largest concentration of health sciences for pastoral-fed animals.
Scientists collaborate on researching solutions for the sustainable control of parasitic diseases, primarily in sheep and cattle including:
- evaluating more effective vaccines to combat infectious disease, including tuberculosis, Johne's disease, mastitis and pneumonia
- identifying and predicting food poisoning threats in New Zealand and devising strategies to minimise their prevalence and impact.
Infectious Disease Research Centre (IDReC)
The Centre engages in applied research concerning multi-host pathogens and fundamental research regarding pathogen evolution and disease emergence. We cover the spectrum of population-based infectious disease research from microbiology, through population genetics, epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, disease ecology, statistics, mathematical modelling, and public health.
One Health Aotearoa
Massey University scientists are part of One Health Aotearoa. An alliance of New Zealand’s leading infectious diseases researchers, this group work together to address important health hazards in New Zealand.
Wildbase research centre
Research at Wildbase promotes collaborative investigation of wildlife in support of the welfare and conservation of New Zealand native fauna. Our research expertise covers a wide range of wildlife issues.
Working Dog Centre
We work to improve the health and working life of working and service dogs through cutting-edge scientific investigations.
mEpiLab
The mEpiLab's works to improve the health of New Zealanders by developing and applying new techniques to inform decision making and guide the prevention and control of infectious disease.
Participate in research studies
Are tail docking and castration a pain in the rear for lambs?
This research is supported through a Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFFF) grant from the Ministry for Primary Industries
The aim of this study is to find out sheep farmers' perceptions of the pain associated with castration and tail docking in lambs and their opinions towards the use of pain relief for these procedures.
Tail docking and castration are routine surgical procedures that have the potential to cause pain in lambs. We would like to hear from New Zealand sheep farmers about (1) their current methods for performing tail docking and castration on farm, (2) their perceptions of the level of pain and other potential impacts of these procedures on lambs, and (3) their opinions towards and willingness to use pain relief for these procedures. Information from this survey will be used in conjunction with the latest scientific research to develop guidelines to help sheep farmers align their on-farm practices with the current consumer demands for animal health and welfare.