Abstract:
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has awarded Dr Gideon Brückner, an alumnus of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Veterinary Science, the OIE Gold Medal for 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical award ceremonies have been postponed and will resume once the annual General Sessions are held again in person. Dr Bruckner was officially recognised at the OIE’s virtual General Session and he recently received his gold medal during an event in Cape Town facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Dr Brückner is only the second South African veterinarian to receive this prestigious award, which is one of the highest international honours for any individual