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Veterinary lecturer awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours
Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock OBE.

Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock developed a mathematical model that informed the easing of lockdown.

A Bristol Veterinary School lecturer has been awarded an OBE for her services to the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) and SAGE during COVID-19. 

Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock, a senior lecturer in veterinary public health, has been a regular contributor to SPI-M - a subgroup of SAGE that advises the government on scientific matters.

During the pandemic, Dr Brooks Pollock developed a mathematical model used by government officials to plan the easing of lockdown. This included the partial re-opening of schools in June 2020, the full re-opening of schools in September 2020 and the vaccination rollout. 

She is currently involved in quantifying the role of groups and gatherings on COVID-19 transmission and showing that single-person households can safely form a bubble with other households. 

Commenting on her achievement, Dr Brooks Pollock said: “I am one of many modellers and scientists supporting the COVID-19 response in the UK and worldwide. I have been studying infectious diseases for 15 years and COVID-19 has tested our knowledge of epidemics and how to control them.

“It’s been a privilege and a unique experience to work with fantastic scientists from all over the UK - mostly without leaving home. I am delighted to receive this award and plan to continue to disease modelling for many years to come.”

Veterinary surgeons Marc Abraham and Professor James Wood were also named in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Marc Abraham received an OBE for his services to animal welfare, while Professor Wood received an OBE for services to veterinary science.

Image (C) University of Bristol.

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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...
News Shorts
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.