Feline medicine FRCVS recognised in New Year Honours
“This reflects the exceptional support the University of Edinburgh has given to feline medicine, culminating in the first OBE awarded in this field." - Prof Gunn-Moore
Three veterinary surgeons, alongside two other recipients from the animal healthcare sector, will be recognised by the King in his New Year Honours list.
Tim Parkin, president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, says that the honours recognise the contribution of veterinary surgeons, and other animal health advocates, make to society.
Among those receiving accolades was Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore, who is chair of feline medicine at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Prof Gunn-Moore, who is also a member of the Feline Infectious Peritonitis Advisory Group, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to feline veterinary medicine.
Prof Gunn-Moore said: “This reflects the exceptional support the University of Edinburgh has given to feline medicine, culminating in the first OBE awarded in this field. The University can be very proud of its legacy. I am personally extremely grateful to the staff and students who have supported me over so many years.”
Major Amanda Claire Hewitt MRCVS, was also recognised in the 2026 list. Major Hewitt, who serves in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), has received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) as part of the Military Honours List.
Professor David Campbell James Main, deputy vice-chancellor and professor of production animal health and welfare for the Royal Agricultural University. Prof Main, who was also chair of the Home Office’s Animals in Science Committee, becomes a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for his services to animal welfare.
Outside of the veterinary sector Major Mark Stephen Gibbs, from the RAVC, received a King’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Military Honours.
Meanwhile farmer Gwyn Jones has received a BEM for service to animal health and welfare.
Mr Jones was formerly the chair of the Cattle Sector Group of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. This vet-led programme was designed to offer financial support to farmers in England, with the goal of improving health and welfare for cattle, sheep and pigs.
Prof Tim Parkin said: “It is always fantastic to see veterinary colleagues receive the recognition they deserve in our honours system, and my sincere congratulations go out to them on this achievement.
“These awards alone do much to highlight the breadth of contribution that veterinary surgeons make to our society, as well as highlighting the contribution that non-vets can make to animal health and welfare in collaboration with our professions.”
Image © Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
