In King Charles’ 2023 New Year Honors, Christine Middlemiss, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, was elevated to Companion of the Order of the Bath.

The award acknowledges Middlemiss’ substantial contributions to upholding the UK's standards for animal health and wellbeing after Brexit, as well as her noteworthy participation in controlling the biggest avian influenza epidemic on record.

“Middlemiss has made significant changes, steering the UK's position in trade, market entree contracts, biosecurity, and disease mitigation“

Since taking on the role of Chief Veterinary Officer back in 2018, Middlemiss has made significant changes, including steering the UK's position on a range of crucial topics such as trade, market entree contracts, biosecurity, and disease mitigation.

In 2022 she was especially influential in the UK administrations’ persistent attempts to control the extraordinary and continuous avian influenza outbreak, assisting in containing its transfer and lessening its effects on farmers, the general population, and global trade.

In addition to spearheading campaigns allowing Ukrainian refugees to bring pets with them to the UK, she was a vital player in shaping the government's reaction to the Independent Review on Bovine TB and advocating for the value of biosecurity and immunisation on farms.

Christine Middlemiss expressed that she is “truly humbled to be awarded this honour.” For Christine, “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.”

Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs since 2019, Tamara Finkelstein, explained that “Christine has achieved accomplishments of national and international importance. She has repeatedly provided outstanding leadership and valuable expert advice whilst dealing with extremely challenging issues - her honour is thoroughly deserved.”

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