A Norfolk poultry and gamebird vet who worked on the front line of East Anglia's bird flu crisis has been shortlisted for a national award.

Henry Lamb, of Crowshall Veterinary Services, based in Attleborough, is one of three finalists competing for the British Veterinary Association's (BVA's) Young Vet of the Year Award 2023. 

He was nominated for his work tackling the devastating outbreaks of avian influenza which ravaged East Anglia's poultry farms last year, and also for his efforts to encourage other young vets to take up roles in the commercial poultry industry. 

As well as providing consultancy to the poultry and gamebird industry, he is also a European College of Poultry Veterinary Science resident, and a mental health first aider and trustee of regional rural mental health charity You Are Not Alone (YANA).

In his role as external lecturer for the Royal Veterinary College, he helps new members of the profession to engage with avian medicine, which is continued through to early-career poultry vets through his joint leadership of the Poultry Vet Development Group.

He said: "I feel incredibly honoured to have been nominated, let alone be shortlisted as a finalist, especially knowing the outstanding level of commitment and skill so many different members of the profession bring across clinical practice, research sectors, and beyond.

"I hope to live up to the finalist title and deliver the best possible support to our agricultural communities, alongside my incredibly dedicated colleagues and peers."

The award celebrates vets making a significant impact in the early stages of their professional career. The other finalists are Rebecca Hampson, from West Sussex, and Camilla Church, from Perthshire.

On behalf of the judges, BVA president Anna Judson said: "This year we have been blown away by all the incredible nominations, but these three young vets really stood out for their contribution to their fields and their commitment to their unique causes and passions."

The winner will be announced on November 16 at BVA's Gala Dinner during the London Vet Show. The prize package includes £1,000, a year’s free BVA membership, mentoring with sponsor Zoetis and career development opportunities.