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Winners of 2020 European PRRS Research Award announced
The award aims to bolster research into Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

Funding prize will aid understanding of costly disease

Animal health firm Boehringer Ingelheim has revealed the three research proposals which have been awarded this year’s European PRRS Research Award.

The European PRRS Research Award aims to encourage further development of practical methods for controlling Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), as well as providing an opportunity for communication and knowledge sharing between researchers and academics in the field.

The awards are judged by an independent panel of highly regarded professionals from across the swine industry, including researchers and practitioners. The board is chaired by Enric Mateu, a professor of the Department of Animal Health and Anatomy at the Autonomous University of Barcelona’s (UAB) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Science.

Winning proposals were selected for their potential for impact on the swine industry, their originality, and their innovation. Each winner receives €25,000 in funding to support their research.

The winners of this year’s European PRRS Research Award are:

  • ‘Biosecurity and management impact on PRRS status and economical profit: statistical process control after evaluation and improvement’, by Ramis Vidal from The University of Murcia, Spain
  • ‘PRRSV1 genetic recombination in swine herds: an emerging risk or hype’, by Erhard van d. Vries from Royal GD in the Netherlands
  • ‘Impact of weaning procedures on PRRSV in the nursery’, by Pia R. Heiselberg of HyoVet in Denmark.

The winners will receive their prizes at the fifth European PRRSpective, which will take place in 2021, in Bern, Switzerland.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.