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Vets recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours
julie fitzpatrick
Julie Fitzpatrick received an OBE for services to animal health and science.

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

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.