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RCVS honours vet’s commitment to fish welfare
Professor Richards
Professor Randolph Richards CBE.

Professor Richards praised for his contributions to the field of aquaculture

A renowned vet who has dedicated his life to advocating the importance of fish health and welfare is to be presented with the Queen’s Medal - the highest honour that the RCVS can award.

Professor Randolph Richards CBE, an Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, was nominated by by fellow veterinary surgeon,  Dr Peter Jeffries.

Dr Jeffries praised professor Richards for his contributions to the field of aquaculture, fish health and welfare, as well as his active role in representing the veterinary profession, industry, academia and international associations.

“I’m absolutely delighted and feel incredibly honoured to be the recipient of the RCVS Queen’s Medal,” said Professor Richards. “It is particularly satisfying to receive this recognition from my veterinary peers.”

The Queen’s Medal is open to all members of the RCVS and can be awarded to one veterinary surgeon each year.

“We are proud to to present Professor Richards with this recognition of his contributions to veterinary excellence," commented Dr Bradley Viner, president of the RCVS.

“His commitment to foregrounding fish health and welfare in particular is truly exemplary, and the bestowing of the Queen’s Medal is a testament to the value of his work.”

Dr Jeffries’ nomination was supported by Professor Julie Fitzpatrick OBE, scientific director and chief executive of the Moredun Research Institute, and Professor Peter Wells, honorary professor of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics at the University of Nottingham.

Professor Richards will receive his medal at RCVS Day on Friday, 15 July at the Royal Institute of British Architects.  

Image (C) Denny Conway of the Institute of Aquaculture

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.