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Former VMD CEO awarded prestigious animal health award
Professor Peter Borriello.
Professor Borriello oversaw launch of charity to improve the regulation of veterinary medicines.

Former VMD chief executive Professor Peter Borriello has been awarded the Special NOAH Award for Contribution to Animal Health. 

Professor Borriello was presented his award during NOAH’s conference on ‘Sustainability, innovation and the role of animal health’.

Presenting the award on behalf of the NOAH board members, NOAH chair Caitrina Oakes said the VMD’s primary role was to protect public health, animal health and the environment.

She said: “During your tenure as Chief Executive, with your science-based principles and global vision, the VMD has been achieving this through being mindful of the need for a thriving UK animal health industry to innovate on a global stage. 

“Times have been challenging – the UK’s exit from the EU has meant much work was needed to help ensure consistent availability of veterinary medicines to UK vets, farmers and pet owners. In a similar manner, the COVID-19 pandemic added another, unexpected, layer of complexity to supply chains.”

Commenting on the responsible use of antibiotics, Ms Oakes added: "The VMD has been a key driver in the One Health challenge of antibiotic resistance, alongside other stakeholders such as RUMA. Under your leadership, the usage of antibiotics by UK vets and farmers has decreased substantially while measures to prevent disease, such as vaccination, have grown."

Ms Oakes also highlighted another milestone achievement of the VMD under Prof. Borriello's leadership - the establishment of the VMD’s Safe Medicines for Animals through regulatory training (aka SMArt) Programme charity. 

She said: “This initiative provides expert training programmes around the world to help build global capacity in responsible governance for the regulation, manufacture, distribution and use of safe and effective veterinary medicines with the associated benefits for the health and welfare of people, animals and the environment – a truly innovative approach from a regulatory authority.”  

NOAH will be donating to the SMArt charity in recognition of the award.

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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.