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BSAVA reveals 2025 award winners
Paulo Steagall wins this year's Bourgelat Award.
The awards celebrate unsung heroes in the veterinary profession.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has revealed the winners of its awards for 2025.

Their contributions to the veterinary profession will be celebrated at an awards ceremony during the BSAVA Congress and Expo on Friday, 21 March. The ceremony will see 12 awards given to the ‘unsung heroes’ of the veterinary profession.

This year’s Bourgelat Award is awarded to Paulo Steagall, professor of veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia at the City University of Hong Kong. Prof Steagall is recognised for his contributions to pain management awareness, as well as his work raising global animal welfare standards.

It also commends his collaborative work in animal shelters and his mentorship of his students.

Richard Meeson is awarded this year’s Simon Award. Prof Meeson has worked with clinical practice to improve patient outcomes, as well as developing veterinary knowledge of feline orthopaedics.

The Woodrow Award goes to Holger Volk, professor of small animal diseases at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover. Prof Volk works in neurology, leading his team to investigate nutritional effects on epilepsy and the use of faecal implants to treat it.

The J.A. Wight Memorial Award will be awarded to Mark Morton. Presented by the Blue Cross, he is celebrated for his work with the RCVS Knowledge Canine Cruciate Registry, which has become a worldwide campaign to improve management of canine cruciate disease.

Recognised for her work as a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) is Tina Parnell, who receives the Bruce Vivash Jones Veterinary Nurse Award. Ms Parnell is recognised for her dedication to RVN training, which has seen her take on further education to improve her teaching skills.

The BSAVA PetSavers Clinical Research Abstract Award goes to Shona Bloodworth, while the BSAVA PetSavers Annual Research Award has been awarded to Sam Khan.

BSAVA honorary secretary Adam Gow said: “We had many outstanding nominations this year, and the awards have gone to some exceptional individuals.

“A huge congratulations to all our well-deserved winners, we look forward to presenting and celebrating the awards at Congress and Expo in March.”

Image © BSAVA

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
VMD issues guidance on AVM-GSL packaging

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has shared advice on its requirements for medicines considered AVM-GSL.

The guidance explains the information that should be on the outer package, and sets out the typical maximum pack size for an AVM-GSL product. It also describes the user-friendly language, structure and phrases required on packaging and product leaflets.

AVM-GSL products do not require discussion between the purchaser and a veterinary professional. This means that clear product information is needed to support sales choices.

The information will be useful for submitting new products to the AVM-GSL category and lowering the distribution category of products from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL.

The VMD's guidance can be accessed here.