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RVC neurology professor appointed QMHA Clinical Director
Dr De Decker will lead one of the world’s largest and most advanced veterinary hospitals.
Dr Steven De Decker will support one of the world’s leading veterinary hospitals.

Dr Steven De Decker has taken up the role of Clinical Director for the Small Animal Referrals Service at the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA).

A Professor in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the RVC, Dr De Decker will lead one of the world’s largest and most advanced veterinary hospitals.

In his new role, he will work closely with QMHA leadership and clinical teams to support the hospital’s continued development and delivery of specialist care.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr De Decker said: “It is an enormous privilege to take up the role of Clinical Director. While the RVC is at the forefront of clinical service and innovation, it is also a warm, welcoming and empathic place. I look forward to contributing to the further development and growth of the QMHA and its community.”

The QMHA is one of the world’s leading veterinary hospitals, featuring advanced diagnostic and surgical technology, the UK’s largest team of board-certified specialists, and Europe’s only recognised Level 1 Trauma Centre.

As a not-for-profit teaching hospital, clinicians have access to the latest clinical data and advanced equipment, with its specialists leading vital research and care in their relevant fields.

Dr De Decker graduated from Ghent University in 2005 and completed a PhD on the diagnosis and treatment of disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (or wobbler syndrome) in dogs.

He became Head of the Neurology and Neurosurgery service at the QMHA in 2016, with research interests focused on spinal cord disorders, neurosurgery and clinical reasoning in dogs and cats.

Outside of his clinical role, Dr De Decker frequently delivers CPD at a national and international level. He is the Past-President of the British Veterinary Neurology Society and the current Chair of the Education Committee of the European College of Veterinary Neurology.

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.