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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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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.