Animal Health Advance
About the Animal Health Advance Programme
Funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by Mentera and the Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Sciences (ASVS), the Animal Health Advance Programme provides a training and quality assurance programme that supports the Animal Health and Welfare Universal Action of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
Mentera brings extensive experience in animal health programmes and industry collaboration, ensuring farmers and vets receive practical, accessible support that meets the needs of Welsh agriculture.
ASVS provides academic expertise, research insight and specialist veterinary knowledge that underpin the programme’s technical accuracy and professional standards. Together, these partners ensure a programme that is robust, forward‑thinking and grounded in real‑world agricultural practice.
Delivery Partners
Mentera
Mentera is a long-established Welsh economic development dedicated to helping businesses, communities, and sectors across Wales thrive. Operating as a private limited company by guarantee, Mentera has been supporting growth, innovation, and skills development for over 35 years.
As the lead delivery partner, Mentera brings deep regional expertise and a proven track record of delivering impactful programmes across agriculture, food and drink, rural development, workforce skills, and business support. Their 170-strong team works across Wales to provide tailored guidance, training, research, and hands-on support that helps individuals and organisations reach their full potential.
ASVS
Aberystwyth University School of Veterinary Sciences (ASVS) opened its doors in 2021 to its first cohort of Veterinary Science students. Working jointly with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), it is the first and only Veterinary School in Wales, also offering the option of Welsh-medium study.
Staff at ASVS are researchers and clinicians who are passionate about their fields. The Veterinary School provides students with the unique advantage of studying at two well-respected research institutions, with the first two years of the course spent fully immersed in the Welsh countryside. This distinctive setting combines academic excellence with practical experience.
Our Activities
Our Activities
AHIC Vet Training
Our Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) training sessions offer vets a comprehensive, structured learning pathway that builds the skills required to deliver high‑quality on‑farm AHIC’s. Training includes online learning and face‑to‑face workshops guiding participants through the delivery of a structured AHIC and a Biosecurity Assessment for Incoming Stock (BAIS). Each training session is designed to increase confidence, consistency and professional competence, ensuring every AHIC supports meaningful improvements to animal health and farm productivity.
