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Winners announced for Veterinary Evidence Student Awards 2023
Rebecca Hearne has been awarded first place.
A University of Surrey student takes the top prize.

RCVS Knowledge has announced the winners of its Veterinary Evidence Student Awards 2023.

The award recognises students who have demonstrated academic and research skills by submitting a Knowledge Summary to RCVS Knowledge’s journal Veterinary Evidence.

Students are asked to produce a Knowledge Summary, using evidence to answer a focused and specific research question, to the open access, peer-reviewed journal. All submissions are considered for publication, with the top three receiving awards.

The 2023 top prize has been awarded to Rebecca Hearne, a University of Surrey student, for her academic study into the use of prazosin for treating urethral obstruction in male cats.

Speaking about her win, Rebecca Hearne said: “During my time in practice I had experienced mixed opinions from practitioners of the use of prazosin in preventing recurrent urethral obstruction in male cats. I challenged myself to go through the publication process. 

“It is rewarding knowing I have been able to contribute to the available evidence base and influence clinical decisions.”

University of Sydney student Rachel Garrett took second place, for her Knowledge Summary into the treatment of feline immunodeficiency virus. She said: “I wanted to challenge myself to produce a Knowledge Summary of high quality which could make a meaningful contribution to the veterinary industry's evidence base.”

Ebony Crump, from Murdoch University in Perth, was awarded third place for her entry, ‘Effectiveness of F3 feline facial pheromone analogue for acute stress reduction within clinical veterinary practice’.

RCVS Knowledge chief executive officer Katie Mantell said: “I’d like to congratulate all the award winners whose papers have helped to grow the evidence base in the treatment of cats. It’s fantastic to see so many students contributing to evidence-based veterinary medicine and I hope it’s something they’ll continue to do throughout their careers.

“If you’re an undergraduate student and have an interest in improving your research skills, I’d urge you to write a Knowledge Summary and submit it now for next year’s awards.” 

Entries for the Veterinary Evidence Student Awards 2025 will be open from February 2024, with prizes of up to £200 for first, second and third place.

Images © RCVS Knowledge

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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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.