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Professor Michael Day receives posthumous award from the RCVS
Michael Day was awarded with the RCVS International Award for his contributions to raising standards of veterinary care internationally.

Former VP of WSAVA Foundation is recognised for contributions to AFSCAN project.

Emeritus Professor Michael Day, who sadly passed away last year, has been recognised for his work by the RCVS in the College's annual Honours and Awards.

Professor Day was honoured posthumously with the RCVS International Award, which recognises veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses or laypeople who have worked internationally, from either within or outside the UK.

He was nominated by Dr Frances Barr FRCVS, a veterinary surgeon who worked with Professor Day at the University of Bristol and during his time as chair of the BSAVA's Education Committee.

She said: “Michael Day was a prolific researcher and writer, focusing on companion animal immune-mediated and infectious diseases. His contributions to the field were acknowledged by many awards, including the BSAVA Amoroso Award, the RCVS Trust's G Norman Hall medal and the Pet Plan Charitable Trust Scientific Award.

“Michael's involvement with the international veterinary sector strengthened when he began a long and fruitful association with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association in 2003. He was Chair of the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines group from 2009 - 2020. In 2010 he became the founding chair of WSAVA's One Health committee.

“He was also vice-president of the WSAVA Foundation, helping to develop and lead the scientific aspects of the pioneering AFSCAN project to raise standards of companion animal veterinary care in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Just under two weeks before he passed away in May 2020, Professor Day received the prestigious WSAVA Award for Global Meritorious Service in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the understanding of immunology and vaccination.

Image (c) WSAVA.

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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.