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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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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.