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Academic awarded Plowright Prize for cattle disease research
Dr Herman Barkema has been named winner of the Plowright Prize 2021/2022/

Dr Herman Barkema uses epidemiology to study disease pathogenesis, prevention and control.

Renowned adacemic Dr Herman Barkema has been named winner of the RCVS Knowledge Plowright Prize 2021/2022 for his research on mastitis, Johne's disease and antimicrobial resistance.

Dr Barkema, a professor in epidemiology of infectious diseases from the University of Calgary, will receive his award at Royal College Day on Friday, 8 July 2022. 

A globally recognised leader in human and animal health, Dr Barkema uses epidemiology to study pathogenesis, prevention, control, and treatment of infectious diseases, focusing on dairy cattle. 

His work involves creating, putting into place and assessing disease control methods on dairy farms that are affordable and sustainable. Currently, he is conducting leading-edge studies in reducing the use of antibiotics to treat mastitis in lactating cows. 

Chris Gush, executive director of RCVS Knowledge, said: “The Plowright Prize judging panel were incredibly impressed with Dr Barkema’s dedicated work in bovine mastitis, Johne’s disease, and antimicrobial resistance.

“His holistic and multidisciplinary work will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the welfare of dairy cows, as well as antimicrobial resistance, which is a growing global issue for animals and humans worldwide.

“We are delighted to fund vital research in the area of infectious disease in memory of Walter Plowright, benefiting animals, the public and society worldwide.”

Dr Barkema said added: “I am honoured receiving this prestigious award. It is not only recognition for myself, but for all of the dedicated people I work with. I am fortunate to work with a large interdisciplinary and collaborative research team. Thank you very much to RCVS Knowledge for this award.”

Image (C) RCVS Knowledge.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."