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Former RCVS president among 10 to receive SRUC Fellowship
Kate Richards, former RCVS president, received an honourary Fellowship.
Kate Richards and Scotland CVO Sheila Voas were recognised in a ceremony.

The chief veterinary officer for Scotland and a former president of the RCVS were among 10 people recognised by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) for their impact on health in the UK.

Sheila Voas and Kate Richards received honorary Fellowships from SRUC as part of the college’s graduation ceremony at Bute Hall, Glasgow.

Mrs Voas became the CVO for Scotland in 2012. Since taking on the role, she has seen a reduction of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) herd incidence in the country, as well as achieving Scottish TB Free status.

Her work has also supported efforts to tackle avian influenza and prevent bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Mrs Voas is an advocate for SRUC’s new School of Veterinary Medicine.

Also recognised was Kate Richards, who sat as president of the RCVS from 2021-2022.

Dr Richards’ career has seen her work in farm animal practice, pharmaceuticals and the civil service. As well as her RCVS presidency, Dr Richards’ non-executive directorship roles have included the Board of the SRUC and the Council of the RCVS.

While at the RCVS, Dr Richards chaired a number of RCVS committees including Education, Standards and the Mind Matters Initiative.

Dr Richards is also a member of the Food Standards Scotland and Moredun Research Boards, and serves as a governor of The Glasgow Academy.

Other recipients of honorary SRUC Fellowships included biologist Appolinaire Djikeng, presenter Carole Baxter and Iain Gillespie, principal of the University of Dundee. John MacDonald, who lectured at the SRUC for 40 years, has been made an Emeritus Fellow.

Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive of the SRUC, said: “We are absolutely delighted to appoint these extraordinary individuals as Honorary Fellows of SRUC.

“As SRUC progresses on its mission to become an enterprise university at the heart of the natural economy, their skills and connections will be of key importance in helping us to achieve our strategic goals. I look forward to working with each of them as we continue our collaborations moving forwards.”

Image © SRUC

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.