BVA Honors Members Fergus Mitchell and Amelia Handford for Their Contributions

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) proudly recognized two exemplary members during an event this year, coinciding with the introduction of its new officer team.

Fergus Mitchell BVM BVS MRCVS was awarded the BVA Council Impact Award (Bleby Cup) for 2026. This annual accolade highlights a BVA Council member's significant contributions to the council, its members, and overall animal health and welfare. Elected to represent the South-West in 2024, Fergus has actively engaged local members, ensuring their perspectives are included in council discussions. He has played a vital role in deliberations related to the Competition and Markets Authority's investigation of veterinary services for household pets and has also represented the BVA on significant issues such as the current Bluetongue outbreak.

Fergus, who resides in Somerset, expressed his gratitude, stating, "It has been a real privilege to represent the South-West based members on BVA Council over the past couple of years and to receive the John Bleby Cup is a tremendous honour. Having worked across Devon, Wiltshire and Somerset, I have met many brilliant vets and nurses, as well as active regional veterinary groups. I’m incredibly grateful to have had the chance to contribute my small part."

Amelia Handford, known as Millie, a fifth-year veterinary student at Harper and Keele, was awarded the BVA Research Travel Scholarship from the Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund honors Mr. Henry Steele-Bodger, BVA's President from 1939 to 1941, recognizing his contributions to the veterinary profession during challenging times.

Millie will utilize the scholarship to conduct research on “Evaluation of udder health practices and the relationship with reducing antimicrobial use in Kenya,” with a focus on tackling bovine mastitis and minimizing antimicrobial utilization. Millie, residing in Cambridgeshire, remarked, “Receiving the Harry Steele-Bodger scholarship is a fantastic opportunity that combines my interests in farm animal health, animal welfare, and international veterinary medicine. I’m excited to be part of an international project focusing on practical solutions to improve both animal welfare and farmers' livelihoods while decreasing antimicrobial use.”

The BVA congratulates Fergus and Millie on their significant achievements.