Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 3rd June 2019
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Experts recognised for work to improve canine health
Winners were awarded prize money to further their work in the field of canine research.

Awards ceremony honours five for genetics work

Five veterinary professionals and researchers have been recognised for their work to tackle inherited diseases in dogs at this year’s International Canine Health Awards.

The awards ceremony, organised by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, recognises innovative researchers, veterinary scientists and students who have a significant impact on dog health and wellbeing.

Winners were chosen by a panel of respected vets and scientists and awarded prize money to further their work in the field of canine research.

The 2019 awards went to:

Dr Danika Bannasch, awarded £40,000 for the International Award: Dr Bannasch has been responsible for developing DNA tests for seven canine diseases, affecting millions of dogs worldwide.

Associate professor Gary Johnson, awarded £10,000 for the Lifetime Achievement Award: Johnson’s lab at the University of Missouri offers around 40 different genetic tests and his work has generated 153 whole genome sequences in dogs of various breeds, diagnosing 83 different heritable diseases.

Adrian Baez-Ortega, awarded £10,000 for the Postgraduate Student Inspiration Award: This award will help Adrian to further his research into the evolution of canine transmissible venereal tumours, which is likely to have fundamental importance in developing new treatment methods.

Nivan Mamak, awarded £5,000 for the Undergraduate Student Inspiration Award: Nivan is using advanced computer programming methods to investigate paroxysmal dyskinesia, a genetic disorder in golden retrievers.

Liz Branscombe, awarded £1,000 for the Breed Health Co-ordinator Award: Veterinary nurse Liz was recognised for her hard work educating pet owners about the health of flat-coated retrievers.

Professor Steve Dean, chairman of trustees of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which runs the International Canine Health Awards, said: “We are inspired to award these five talented professionals for their hard work and dedication into improving canine health and welfare.

“These people have demonstrated their commitment to increasing our knowledge and understanding of canine diseases and thoroughly deserve the awards they have been honoured with today. We want to thank them for their contribution to improving dog health, they are truly an inspiration.”

Image © ICHA
 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.