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Academic awarded Plowright Prize for cattle disease research
Dr Herman Barkema has been named winner of the Plowright Prize 2021/2022/

Dr Herman Barkema uses epidemiology to study disease pathogenesis, prevention and control.

Renowned adacemic Dr Herman Barkema has been named winner of the RCVS Knowledge Plowright Prize 2021/2022 for his research on mastitis, Johne's disease and antimicrobial resistance.

Dr Barkema, a professor in epidemiology of infectious diseases from the University of Calgary, will receive his award at Royal College Day on Friday, 8 July 2022. 

A globally recognised leader in human and animal health, Dr Barkema uses epidemiology to study pathogenesis, prevention, control, and treatment of infectious diseases, focusing on dairy cattle. 

His work involves creating, putting into place and assessing disease control methods on dairy farms that are affordable and sustainable. Currently, he is conducting leading-edge studies in reducing the use of antibiotics to treat mastitis in lactating cows. 

Chris Gush, executive director of RCVS Knowledge, said: “The Plowright Prize judging panel were incredibly impressed with Dr Barkema’s dedicated work in bovine mastitis, Johne’s disease, and antimicrobial resistance.

“His holistic and multidisciplinary work will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the welfare of dairy cows, as well as antimicrobial resistance, which is a growing global issue for animals and humans worldwide.

“We are delighted to fund vital research in the area of infectious disease in memory of Walter Plowright, benefiting animals, the public and society worldwide.”

Dr Barkema said added: “I am honoured receiving this prestigious award. It is not only recognition for myself, but for all of the dedicated people I work with. I am fortunate to work with a large interdisciplinary and collaborative research team. Thank you very much to RCVS Knowledge for this award.”

Image (C) RCVS Knowledge.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.