Professor Day recently retired from a 35-year academic career as a veterinary pathologist and immunologist.

Emeritus Professor Michael J Day is to receive the prestigious Award for Global Meritorious Service from the WSAVA in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the understanding of immunology and vaccination.

The Award for Global Meritorious Service is presented annually to a veterinary surgeon who has contributed meritorious service to the veterinary profession in the broadest sense.

Professor Day began working with the WSAVA in 2003, holding a range of roles, including membership of the Gastrointestinal Standardization Group and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee. He was chair of the WSAVA's Vaccination Guidelines group from 2009 until March 2020, when ill-health necessitated his stepping down.

The inaugural vice-president of the WSAVA Foundation, Professor Day helped to develop and lead its Pioneering African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN) project. He also chaired the BSAVA Scientific and Education Committees and served as BSAVA President in 2013-2014.

In 2017, Professor Day retired from a 35-year academic career as a veterinary pathologist and immunologist with a research focus on companion animal immune-mediated and infectious diseases. He holds the titles of Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Bristol, UK, and Adjunct Professor of Veterinary Pathology at Murdoch University, Western Australia.

“Michael is a towering figure on the global veterinary stage and has achieved so much, particularly in his work for the WSAVA,” commented WSAVA President Shane Ryan. “Under his leadership, the Vaccination Guidelines Group has produced both and Regional Guidelines which are transforming vaccination practice and, in so doing, supporting the welfare of millions of companion animals around the world.”

He continued: “His contribution to the WSAVA Foundation’s AFSCAN project has also been immense as it continues to accelerate the development of companion animal medicine across the continent. Michael is a true veterinary leader, but he is also a colleague and a much-loved friend.

“There is no more deserving recipient of the WSAVA Award for Global Meritorious Service and we are delighted and privileged to present it to him.”