Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS honours vet’s commitment to fish welfare
Professor Richards
Professor Randolph Richards CBE.

Professor Richards praised for his contributions to the field of aquaculture

A renowned vet who has dedicated his life to advocating the importance of fish health and welfare is to be presented with the Queen’s Medal - the highest honour that the RCVS can award.

Professor Randolph Richards CBE, an Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, was nominated by by fellow veterinary surgeon,  Dr Peter Jeffries.

Dr Jeffries praised professor Richards for his contributions to the field of aquaculture, fish health and welfare, as well as his active role in representing the veterinary profession, industry, academia and international associations.

“I’m absolutely delighted and feel incredibly honoured to be the recipient of the RCVS Queen’s Medal,” said Professor Richards. “It is particularly satisfying to receive this recognition from my veterinary peers.”

The Queen’s Medal is open to all members of the RCVS and can be awarded to one veterinary surgeon each year.

“We are proud to to present Professor Richards with this recognition of his contributions to veterinary excellence," commented Dr Bradley Viner, president of the RCVS.

“His commitment to foregrounding fish health and welfare in particular is truly exemplary, and the bestowing of the Queen’s Medal is a testament to the value of his work.”

Dr Jeffries’ nomination was supported by Professor Julie Fitzpatrick OBE, scientific director and chief executive of the Moredun Research Institute, and Professor Peter Wells, honorary professor of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics at the University of Nottingham.

Professor Richards will receive his medal at RCVS Day on Friday, 15 July at the Royal Institute of British Architects.  

Image (C) Denny Conway of the Institute of Aquaculture

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.