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Former VMD CEO awarded prestigious animal health award
Professor Peter Borriello.
Professor Borriello oversaw launch of charity to improve the regulation of veterinary medicines.

Former VMD chief executive Professor Peter Borriello has been awarded the Special NOAH Award for Contribution to Animal Health. 

Professor Borriello was presented his award during NOAH’s conference on ‘Sustainability, innovation and the role of animal health’.

Presenting the award on behalf of the NOAH board members, NOAH chair Caitrina Oakes said the VMD’s primary role was to protect public health, animal health and the environment.

She said: “During your tenure as Chief Executive, with your science-based principles and global vision, the VMD has been achieving this through being mindful of the need for a thriving UK animal health industry to innovate on a global stage. 

“Times have been challenging – the UK’s exit from the EU has meant much work was needed to help ensure consistent availability of veterinary medicines to UK vets, farmers and pet owners. In a similar manner, the COVID-19 pandemic added another, unexpected, layer of complexity to supply chains.”

Commenting on the responsible use of antibiotics, Ms Oakes added: "The VMD has been a key driver in the One Health challenge of antibiotic resistance, alongside other stakeholders such as RUMA. Under your leadership, the usage of antibiotics by UK vets and farmers has decreased substantially while measures to prevent disease, such as vaccination, have grown."

Ms Oakes also highlighted another milestone achievement of the VMD under Prof. Borriello's leadership - the establishment of the VMD’s Safe Medicines for Animals through regulatory training (aka SMArt) Programme charity. 

She said: “This initiative provides expert training programmes around the world to help build global capacity in responsible governance for the regulation, manufacture, distribution and use of safe and effective veterinary medicines with the associated benefits for the health and welfare of people, animals and the environment – a truly innovative approach from a regulatory authority.”  

NOAH will be donating to the SMArt charity in recognition of the award.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.