AHT scientist presented with prestigious award
The Animal Health Trust’s (AHT) Head of Bacteriology, Dr Andrew Waller, has been presented with the Welfare Award for excellent service in the cause of equine welfare at the British Horse Society (BHS) awards.
The event was held on Friday 2 November and actor and BHS president, Martin Clunes, presented the award.
The BHS awards are presented to individuals and organisation who have given outstanding service to the cause of equestrianism and equine welfare. Dr Waller received the Welfare Award in recognition of his dedication to combat strangles; the most commonly diagnosed infectious disease of horses worldwide.
Dr Waller has played a crucial part in the development of blood and DNA tests to diagnose horses infected with strangles. Both tests were launched in 2008 and there are now developments to launch the first safe strangles vaccine. He has also collaborated with the BHS on strangles education for many years and assisted with the development of the Strategy to Eradicate and Prevent Strangles (STEPS).
Upon receiving the award Dr Waller said: “I am extremely honoured and humbled to receive this award for our work towards the eradication of strangles.
“It is so important that our new diagnostic tests meet the needs of the horse-owning public and we are delighted that they are already having an important impact in preventing and controlling this devastating disease.”
BHS Senior Executive (Welfare) Lee Hackett said: “Strangles is a horrible disease that can have devastating effects on horse health and lead to financial ruin for some equestrian businesses. The incredible work done by Andrew and his colleagues at the AHT has advanced our understanding of strangles enormously and there is no doubt that many horses, and indeed people, have benefited greatly from their research.
“The BHS has been privileged to work closely with Andrew and his team and there is no more deserving recipient of this award.”
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