Susanna receiving her award at The House of Lords.

Dr Susannah Williamson honoured for role in pig disease surveillance

APHA vet Dr Susanna Williamson has won the David Black Award 2016 for her huge contribution to the pig industry.

The David Black Award, awarded by AHDB Pork, is the highest award within the pig industry. Recognising an individual’s valuable and sustained contribution, the award is named after the East Anglian pig producer who introduced it.

The judges’ citation said: “Susanna has devoted her time, energy and considerable talent in service to pig producers and she contributes greatly to keeping this country safe from the threats of existing and emerging disease.”

Dr Williamson is President of the Pig Veterinary Society and leads APHA’s Pig Expert Group. In 2000, she joined APHA Bury St Edmunds shortly before the outbreak of swine fever which led to the slaughter of almost 75,000 pigs.

Since the outbreak, Dr Williamson been involved in the diagnosis and investigation of many disease outbreaks in pigs, together with projects on bacterial and viral diseases.  

The esteemed vet also leads scanning surveillance activities at APHA in relation to pigs, to detect, investigate and tackle new and emerging disease threats and better understand existing porcine diseases.

Receiving her award at an industry breakfast, Dr Williamson said: “I didn’t even know I had been nominated and that would have surprised me, let alone finding out that I would receive the award.

“I appreciate the honour but really owe this award to my colleagues. I can only fulfil my role in pig disease surveillance and investigation through working as part of a team, within APHA and also with colleagues in the pig industry and pig veterinary community.”

“Successful disease surveillance is about working in partnership, and also requires access to a wide range of veterinary, scientific and technical expertise. This is especially important as the industry strives to address disease issues and minimise antimicrobial use.”

Image (C) APHA