Three vets receive OBEs for services to animal welfare and science
Three veterinary surgeons and one retiring member of the RCVS Council have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to animal welfare and veterinary science.
Commenting on the awards, RCVS president Neil Smith said: "I am delighted to see these very deserving people from the veterinary world receive their due recognition in this year's Birthday Honours."
Sarah Cleaveland from the University of Glasgow was one of three vets to be awarded an OBE. The professor of comparative epidemiology is a founding director of the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, which aims to prevent deaths from the disease on an international scale. She was honoured for her contributions to veterinary epidemiology.
Meanwhile, Julie Fitzpatrick, scientific director of the Moredun Research Institute also received an OBE for services to animal health and science.
Professor Fitzpatrick has been involved with many high profile activities to promote education and understanding of livestock health and welfare.
Chairman of the Moredun Foundation Ian Duncan Miller said she "richly deserved" this recognition of her "outstanding contribution to improving and promoting livestock health and welfare."
Finally, Northern Ireland's former chief veterinary officer Robert Houston was also honoured for services to veterinary science in the country.
Caroline Freedman, retiring member of the RCVS Council, was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to animal welfare in Edinburgh. She officially retires from council on RCVS Day in July, but will remain on the Practice Standards Group as a lay member.
Image courtesy of Moredun
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
