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Former RCVS president among 10 to receive SRUC Fellowship
Kate Richards, former RCVS president, received an honourary Fellowship.
Kate Richards and Scotland CVO Sheila Voas were recognised in a ceremony.

The chief veterinary officer for Scotland and a former president of the RCVS were among 10 people recognised by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) for their impact on health in the UK.

Sheila Voas and Kate Richards received honorary Fellowships from SRUC as part of the college’s graduation ceremony at Bute Hall, Glasgow.

Mrs Voas became the CVO for Scotland in 2012. Since taking on the role, she has seen a reduction of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) herd incidence in the country, as well as achieving Scottish TB Free status.

Her work has also supported efforts to tackle avian influenza and prevent bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Mrs Voas is an advocate for SRUC’s new School of Veterinary Medicine.

Also recognised was Kate Richards, who sat as president of the RCVS from 2021-2022.

Dr Richards’ career has seen her work in farm animal practice, pharmaceuticals and the civil service. As well as her RCVS presidency, Dr Richards’ non-executive directorship roles have included the Board of the SRUC and the Council of the RCVS.

While at the RCVS, Dr Richards chaired a number of RCVS committees including Education, Standards and the Mind Matters Initiative.

Dr Richards is also a member of the Food Standards Scotland and Moredun Research Boards, and serves as a governor of The Glasgow Academy.

Other recipients of honorary SRUC Fellowships included biologist Appolinaire Djikeng, presenter Carole Baxter and Iain Gillespie, principal of the University of Dundee. John MacDonald, who lectured at the SRUC for 40 years, has been made an Emeritus Fellow.

Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive of the SRUC, said: “We are absolutely delighted to appoint these extraordinary individuals as Honorary Fellows of SRUC.

“As SRUC progresses on its mission to become an enterprise university at the heart of the natural economy, their skills and connections will be of key importance in helping us to achieve our strategic goals. I look forward to working with each of them as we continue our collaborations moving forwards.”

Image © SRUC

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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...
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.