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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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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.