Leadership of BOVA University Network handed over to Lithuania

The BOVA network brings together four Baltic universities operating in the fields of veterinary medicine, agriculture and forestry: in addition to us, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Latvia), Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (Lithuania), and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Veterinary Academy (Lithuania).

At the beginning of each year, one of the network universities hosts the others, providing a valuable opportunity to stay continuously informed about developments and innovations at our partner institutions. Since 2021, the BOVA network secretariat has been located at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, and at this year’s meeting we handed over the coordination role to Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy in Kaunas. We wish our Lithuanian colleagues every success and courage in implementing new initiatives.

The meeting also reviewed the activities of the past year. In cooperation between the universities, nine intensive courses were organised, involving more than 200 students. We also had the opportunity to present our plans for the BOVA network’s 30th anniversary event, which will take place on 5–6 May in Tartu. For 2026, nine BOVA intensive courses were once again confirmed, three of which will be hosted by the Estonian University of Life Sciences.

On 28 January, a visit was organised to the veterinary academy’s wildlife rescue centre, opened in 2024. The centre’s mission is to provide daily assistance and rehabilitation for injured wild animals. In addition, it cooperates closely with the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency and offers a home to exotic animals that have been kept in poor conditions. At present, the centre houses many birds, several snakes, as well as a crocodile and two tigers.