WSAVA/Hill's 2014 Pet Nutrition Award Winners Announced

Dr Gen Kato receiving his award from Dr Marina Debernardi, Worldwide Director, Global Professional Veterinary Affairs at Hill's. Dr. Gen Kato (Japan) and Professor Kenneth Johnson (Australia) receive prestigious international recognition The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, announced the winners of two special awards during the opening ceremony of the WSAVA World Congress in Cape Town (16-19 September 2014). Hill’s is WSAVA’s most long-standing industry partner and supported the world congress as proof of the company’s continued commitment to the veterinary profession. The two awards were: The WSAVA Hill's Pet Mobility Award This award was made to Professor Kenneth Johnson, Director of Orthopaedics at the University of Sydney, Australia, in recognition of his work in the field of canine and feline orthopaedic medicine and surgery. The WSAVA Hill's Excellence in Veterinary Healthcare Award This was made to Dr. Gen Kato, Director of the Daktari Animal Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, in recognition of his work to promote companion animal healthcare and the family-pet-veterinary bond. WSAVA President, Professor Colin Burrows, says: "Our awards encourage excellence in small animal practice, showcasing the ground-breaking work being done by our colleagues around the world to raise standards of global veterinary care. We congratulate this year's worthy winners on their great contribution, both to our profession and to the welfare of companion animals worldwide." Dr. Marina Debernardi, Worldwide Director, Global Professional Veterinary Affairs at Hill's, said: “Hill’s Pet Nutrition is committed to enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets. Dr. Kato is a pioneer in companion animal medicine in general, and his dedication to the human-animal bond clearly aligns with our mission. Professor Johnson has a proven track record in canine and feline orthopaedics and has given the veterinary community important clues on how to deal with orthopaedic maladies in companion animals. Both awardees are worthy recipients, and the entire Hill’s Pet Nutrition family congratulates them.” Professor Burrows added: "As we reflect on the success of our 39th World Congress in Cape Town, we would like to extend our grateful thanks to Hill's Pet Nutrition, our closest industry partner. Thanks to Hill's' vision and generous long-term support, we have been able to expand the scope and scale of our work in global veterinary continuing education, nutrition, welfare and other key areas of veterinary care. We have also made great strides in achieving our goal of creating a strong, global veterinary community. "We value the partnership greatly and thank the team at Hill's for its commitment and support."

More from

• IVC Evidensia assembles expert team to run new £10m referral hospital
• Home delivery service can increase pet health plan sign-ups by 25%
• Research reveals vital clues to help fight anthelmintic resistance
• Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Harrogate vet’s dedication to improving the health and welfare of rabbits
• Bake sale at Leicestershire vet practice for good cause