The UK’s chief veterinary officer (CVO), Christine Middlemiss, has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for her services to the veterinary and farming sectors.
Middlemiss has been given the title, a British order of chivalry that is second only to a damehood or knighthood, as part of the King’s New Year Honours.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the honour aims to recognise Middlemiss’ crucial role in maintaining the high standard of animal health and welfare in the UK.
The department also noted that she made “significant efforts” in managing the largest ever outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in the UK.
Defra Permanent Secretary, Tamara Finkelstein, said: “Since becoming chief veterinary officer in 2018, Christine has achieved accomplishments of national and international importance, so I am delighted to see her huge contributions to veterinary, farming and the United Kingdom being recognised in this way.
“She has repeatedly provided outstanding leadership and valuable expert advice whilst dealing with extremely challenging issues – her honour is thoroughly deserved.”
On receiving the honour, Middlemiss said: “I am truly humbled to be awarded this honour. For me, it demonstrates the recognition of the importance of having vets in government and what we do.
“As we’ve seen over the last few years, vets have a critical role in a variety of issues including new and emerging diseases, food supply and supporting people fleeing conflict with their beloved pets.
“I am very proud of the work we do and I am passionate about inspiring confidence in women and girls hoping to pursue careers in science, as well as ensuring that we have highly expert and experienced public sector vets to continue to make a significant positive impact.”
Christine Middlemiss
Middlemiss became CVO in 2018 and, since then, has achieved accomplishments of national and international importance, according to Defra.
Middlemiss has been credited with leading the UK’s approach on vital issues ranging from global animal health issues, biosecurity and disease risk management and trade and market access agreements.
This year in particular, the department said, Middlemiss has been “instrumental” in the government’s efforts to manage the unprecedented ongoing outbreak of bird flu, which has seen 153 confirmed cases in the UK since October 1, 2022.
Defra said she has helped to limit the spread of the disease and mitigate its impacts on farmers and the public, as well as international trade.
Middlemiss also led efforts to ensure that Ukrainian refugees were able to bring their pets to the UK, and also played a key role in developing the government’s response to the Independent Review on bovine TB and promoting the importance of vaccination and biosecurity on farms.
