Chief vet awarded CB in New Year Honours
“I am very proud of the work we do and I am passionate about inspiring confidence in women and girls hoping to pursue careers in science" - Dr Christine Middlemiss.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer (CVO), has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the King's New Year Honours list.
The Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry and is second only to a damehood or knighthood. Dr Middlemiss received the honour for maintaining the UK's high animal health and welfare standards following Brexit and her efforts to manage the UK's largest ever outbreak of avian influenza.
Dr Middlemiss said she was “truly humbled” to be awarded the honour, adding that it “demonstrates the recognition of the importance of having vets in government and what we do”.
“As we’ve seen over the last few years, vets have a critical role in a variety of issues including new and emerging diseases, food supply and supporting people fleeing conflict with their beloved pets,” she said.
“I am very proud of the work we do and I am passionate about inspiring confidence in women and girls hoping to pursue careers in science, as well as ensuring that we have highly expert and experienced public sector vets to continue to make a significant positive impact.”
Since becoming CVO in 2018, Dr Middlemiss has led the UK’s approach on various vital issues ranging from global animal health issues; biosecurity and disease risk management; and trade and market access agreements.
Most recently she has played a key role in efforts to mitigate the spread of avian influenza and manage its impacts on farmers, the public and international trade. She also directed efforts to ensure Ukrainian refugees could bring their pets to the UK and helped to develop the Government's response to the Independent Review on bovine TB.
Defra permanent secretary Tamara Finkelstein said: “Since becoming Chief Veterinary Officer in 2018, Christine has achieved accomplishments of national and international importance, so I am delighted to see her huge contributions to veterinary, farming and the United Kingdom being recognised in this way.
“She has repeatedly provided outstanding leadership and valuable expert advice whilst dealing with extremely challenging issues - her honour is thoroughly deserved.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
