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RVC professor scoops prestigious research award
Professor Harriet Syme.

Professor Harriet Syme named winner of Petplan Charitable Trust Scientific Award 2020.

Royal Veterinary College (RVC) Professor Harriet Syme has won a prestigious award for her outstanding contributions to veterinary research.

Professor Syme was named winner of the Petplan Charitable Trust Scientific Award 2020, which honours the work carried out by organisations and individuals to further the health and welfare of companion animals. The award is presented annually to a scientist, selected from nominations submitted by the UK's eight veterinary schools and the Animal Health Trust (AHT).

Professor Syme's research concentrates on the pathophysiology and epidemiology of feline hyperthyroidism and the endocrinological diseases that lead to hypertension in cats. Hypertension and hyperthyroidism are common conditions that particularly affect older cats, and Dr Syme's work has advanced clinical practice in their diagnosis and management.

Professor Syme has also made contributions to RVC's research into feline chronic kidney disease and the endocrinology of bone mineral disturbances associated with this common feline medical condition.

Commenting on her award, Professor Syme said: “I am thrilled to receive this award. It is made particularly special by the fact I was nominated by my peers.

“It is important to emphasise though that research is a team effort, and I am just one of many people, vets and nurses alike, working together at the RVC to try to further our understanding of the diseases that old cats get so that we can improve their quality of life.”

RVC vice-principal for research and innovation, Professor Jonathan Elliott, said: “We are delighted that Professor Syme has won this prestigious award. Her research has made such a difference to the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring of common medical problems in both dogs and cats.

“On top of this, she is also a great inspiration to her colleagues and students, particularly those who have benefitted from her mentoring and supervision over the years, many of whom are now winning research funding and leading their own research projects from clinically active posts in veterinary schools.”

Image (C) RVC.

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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.