Jessica graduated at Bristol in 2020 and also has a MSc in One Health (infectious diseases) from RVC/London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She began her career in a Yorkshire poultry practice before joining Slate Hall in 2022, where she is now a senior associate.
She played a key role in responding to avian influenza outbreaks, carrying out more than 400 bird flu licensing visits and contributing to industry working groups including the UK’s first avian influenza vaccination trials.
The judges stated: “A strong advocate for welfare-led production, Jessica Seale has championed the use of anti-inflammatory treatments in broilers. She has also embraced technology to improve decision-making, developing automated data analysis tools that transform thousands of data points into real-time health insights for veterinary teams and producers.
“Through her blend of science, innovation and collaboration, Seale continues to have a lasting effect on flock health, welfare and the future of the UK poultry industry.”
Jessica also trains veterinary students and professionals, organises farm manager events and supports antibiotic monitoring programmes.
The photo shows Jessica (centre) with Emily Hughes of Zoetis and host TV magician Ben Hanlin (credit Colin Miller). The runner-up was Rafael Mala of Poultry Health Services.
While the awards previously focused on clinical audit, the entry criteria have been expanded to include other approaches to QI. The awards “celebrate the creativity, courage and dedication of veterinary teams that improve their everyday practice through quality improvement”.
The categories are:
Projects involving any species can be submitted by any member of the veterinary practice team across first opinion, referral and peripatetic services, higher education facilities and both clinic-based and ambulatory practice.
“A successful application will present a well-designed project delivered through collaborative practice, demonstrating effective use of QI methods and data, meaningful and measured impact, and thoughtful reflection,” RCVS Knowledge says.
Apply (and see last year’s winners) at https://www.rcvsknowledge.org/awards/rcvs-knowledge-quality-improvement-awards/.
Awards are presented across three categories:
Five shortlisted practices in each category will receive a book of their choice provided by 5m Books; the three category winners will win full-day and evening tickets to SPVS Congress 2027 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole (three team members per practice), where the overall winner will be announced, plus overnight accommodation. Pet People Vets of East Sheen was the overall winner in the 2025 awards.
The awards are supported by health and safety and employment law consultancy Citation. See spvs.org.uk/business-excellence-awards. The deadline for submissions is Friday 9th October.