Dr Henry Lamb has been named as the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) 2023 Young Vet of the Year.
The commercial poultry and gamebird vet has secured the title in recognition of his outstanding work in tackling avian influenza (bird flu).
Lamb was presented with the award at this year’s BVA gala dinner yesterday (Thursday, November 16) at the London Marriot Hotel in Canary Wharf as part of the London Vet Show.
Henry was shortlisted for the award alongside vet Rebecca Hampson, who co-founded animal welfare charity Veterinary Education Malawi, and equine vet Camilla Church, who set up her own practice, Perth Equine Vets.
On winning the award, Lamb said: “To be named BVA Young Vet of the Year is a huge honour and it means all the more having heard about the outstanding work, dedication and skills of the other two finalists.
“I’m delighted that after a challenging few years the poultry sector has been highlighted tonight, as all those involved have worked tirelessly to overcome the largest animal health outbreak the UK has experienced in recent times – I hope that winning this award will encourage more young vets to consider joining us in the poultry sector. It’s extremely rewarding work.”
BVA president Anna Judson said: “Henry’s dedication and hard work shines through in what is a particularly testing time for the poultry sector.
“His enthusiasm, not only for the work itself, but for encouraging and supporting other young vets and students to consider roles in the poultry sector, is inspirational.
“On behalf of all the judges, I wish Henry huge congratulations – he clearly has a bright future ahead.”
Henry Lamb
In addition to his work tackling bird flu, the judges also acknowledged Lamb’s role in encouraging other young vets to join the poultry industry.
After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2018, he began working at Crowshall Veterinary Services, Norfolk, providing consultancy and Official Veterinarian (OV) provision to the poultry/gamebird industry across Great Britain and internationally.
This has seen him working through the recent bird flu outbreaks, holding multiple OV panels, and preparing for export changes associated with Brexit, the BVA said.
Lamb is also a mental health first aider and trustee of regional rural mental health charity ‘You Are Not Alone’ (YANA), deputy rotation lead for the new RVC poultry rotation, which takes its first students in 2024, and is also co-lead of his practice green group.
In his role as external lecturer for the RVC, Lamb provides opportunities to engage with avian population medicine for new members of the profession.
UK general manager for award sponsor Zoetis, Oya Canbas, said: “Zoetis is proud to be a partner helping to build a habit of recognition.
“Gaining your qualifications, delivering in your role as a young vet takes time and commitment.
“It is so inspiring to see so many young vets making such a big impact on important issues and going above and beyond. Congratulations to all and thank you for all you have contributed.”
