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Veterinary lecturer awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours
Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock OBE.

Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock developed a mathematical model that informed the easing of lockdown.

A Bristol Veterinary School lecturer has been awarded an OBE for her services to the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) and SAGE during COVID-19. 

Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock, a senior lecturer in veterinary public health, has been a regular contributor to SPI-M - a subgroup of SAGE that advises the government on scientific matters.

During the pandemic, Dr Brooks Pollock developed a mathematical model used by government officials to plan the easing of lockdown. This included the partial re-opening of schools in June 2020, the full re-opening of schools in September 2020 and the vaccination rollout. 

She is currently involved in quantifying the role of groups and gatherings on COVID-19 transmission and showing that single-person households can safely form a bubble with other households. 

Commenting on her achievement, Dr Brooks Pollock said: “I am one of many modellers and scientists supporting the COVID-19 response in the UK and worldwide. I have been studying infectious diseases for 15 years and COVID-19 has tested our knowledge of epidemics and how to control them.

“It’s been a privilege and a unique experience to work with fantastic scientists from all over the UK - mostly without leaving home. I am delighted to receive this award and plan to continue to disease modelling for many years to come.”

Veterinary surgeons Marc Abraham and Professor James Wood were also named in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Marc Abraham received an OBE for his services to animal welfare, while Professor Wood received an OBE for services to veterinary science.

Image (C) University of Bristol.

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.