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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
 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.