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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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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.