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Vet receives first ever RCVS Queen's Medal
buckingham palace
The Queen's Medal is the highest award that can be received by a veterinary surgeon.
Award presented in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Her Majesty the Queen has presented a Belfast-based veterinary surgeon with the first ever RCVS Queen's Medal. It the highest award that can be received by a vet and recognises outstanding contributions to the profession.

Des Thompson OBE received his award in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace on October 8.

He said: "It was a complete honour and a wonderful experience to be received by Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace today, and I’m thrilled to have been awarded the RCVS Queen’s Medal.

"Her Majesty was interested to hear about Northern Ireland, and the fact that I’ve been practising there since I qualified."

The ceremony was also attended by RCVS president Stuart Reid, past president Colonel Neil Smith and RCVS registrar Gordon Hockey.

Mr Thompson received two separate nominations for the medal, both of which praised him for his work helping other members of the profession. In his work for the Young Vet Network in Northern Ireland and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, he has particularly helped young vets embarking upon their careers.

The nominations also highlighted the decades Mr Thompson has spent actively involved in veterinary politics. He has been president of the RCVS, BSAVA, Society for Practising Veterinary Surgeons, Northern Ireland Veterinary Association and many other organisations.

The Queen's Medal was introduced last year with the approval of Her Majesty, who is patron of the RCVS.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.