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Award for young bioveterinary scientist
Undergraduate wins competition with research paper

A UK veterinary student has won the Alltech Young Scientist Award competition for her bright scientific thinking.

Bioveterinary science student Becca McLean, from Harper Adams University in Shropshire, won by submitting a scientific paper on Strepococcus equi superantigens (bacterium).

The study had been part of her final year project, which showed that she is capable of writing a sound academic research paper.

Ms McLean will receive a trophy, certificate and a commemorative memory stick in recognition of her achievement.

"I entered the competition after Alltech came to speak to students at the start of the academic year," she said. "I was also encouraged by my lecturer, Dr Sandy Mackenzie."

Describing herself as "extremely chuffed" about winning against numerous UK undergraduate competitors, Ms McLean hopes the award will benefit her in the future.

"I want to peruse a career in research, therefore I hope this award will be recognised when I apply for PhDs at various universities."

Every year the competition takes place at the annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium, at the Alltech headquarters in Kentucky, USA.

Entrants are asked to submit their paper on either veterinary science, animal nutrition, feeding technology, agricultural developments or agricultural management.

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.