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RVC professor scoops prestigious research award
Professor Harriet Syme.

Professor Harriet Syme named winner of Petplan Charitable Trust Scientific Award 2020.

Royal Veterinary College (RVC) Professor Harriet Syme has won a prestigious award for her outstanding contributions to veterinary research.

Professor Syme was named winner of the Petplan Charitable Trust Scientific Award 2020, which honours the work carried out by organisations and individuals to further the health and welfare of companion animals. The award is presented annually to a scientist, selected from nominations submitted by the UK's eight veterinary schools and the Animal Health Trust (AHT).

Professor Syme's research concentrates on the pathophysiology and epidemiology of feline hyperthyroidism and the endocrinological diseases that lead to hypertension in cats. Hypertension and hyperthyroidism are common conditions that particularly affect older cats, and Dr Syme's work has advanced clinical practice in their diagnosis and management.

Professor Syme has also made contributions to RVC's research into feline chronic kidney disease and the endocrinology of bone mineral disturbances associated with this common feline medical condition.

Commenting on her award, Professor Syme said: “I am thrilled to receive this award. It is made particularly special by the fact I was nominated by my peers.

“It is important to emphasise though that research is a team effort, and I am just one of many people, vets and nurses alike, working together at the RVC to try to further our understanding of the diseases that old cats get so that we can improve their quality of life.”

RVC vice-principal for research and innovation, Professor Jonathan Elliott, said: “We are delighted that Professor Syme has won this prestigious award. Her research has made such a difference to the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring of common medical problems in both dogs and cats.

“On top of this, she is also a great inspiration to her colleagues and students, particularly those who have benefitted from her mentoring and supervision over the years, many of whom are now winning research funding and leading their own research projects from clinically active posts in veterinary schools.”

Image (C) RVC.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.