PRESS RELEASE : UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer awarded a CB as part of the New Year Honours [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 30 December 2022.
Christine Middlemiss made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for her services to the veterinary and farming sectors in the United Kingdom.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Christine Middlemiss has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the King’s New Year Honours. The Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry and is second only to a damehood or knighthood.
The honour recognises Christine’s crucial role in maintaining the high standard of animal health and welfare in the UK following our departure from the EU, and her significant efforts in managing the largest ever outbreak of avian influenza flu.
Since becoming CVO in 2018, Christine has achieved accomplishments of national and international importance, leading the UK’s approach on numerous vital issues ranging from global animal health issues; biosecurity and disease risk management; and trade and market access agreements.
This year in particular she has been instrumental in the government’s tireless efforts to manage the unprecedented ongoing outbreak of avian influenza, helping to limit the spread of the disease and mitigate its impacts on farmers and the public, as well as international trade. She 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.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine 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.
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.
Throughout her time as CVO, Christine has represented the UK on the international stage, including at the G7 summit, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) discussions at the World Organisation for Animal Health, and at several bilateral trade negotiations.
