AVA/EVA members contribute to successful end to equine influenza crisis.

The research article provides a biographical overview of Malcolm, a key veterinary scientist who made significant contributions to the field of veterinary pathology, public service, and the agricultural industry.

Background and Education

• The article starts by introducing Malcolm, the veterinary scientist who was shaped by his upbringing in a farming community in North Central Victoria. He received a government cadetship in 1976 to study veterinary science, graduating with honours from the University of Melbourne in 1980.

Career and Research Interests

• Malcolm worked at the Bairnsdale and Benalla Regional Veterinary Laboratories from 1980 to 1995, and at the Department of Primary Industries, Attwood, from 1995 to 2007. His research focused on practical agricultural challenges, including plant toxicity and acute bovine liver disease.
• In 2000, he obtained a PhD from the University of Queensland for his thesis on plant toxicity.
• More recent research interests revolved around the dwarf calf syndrome in beef cattle and viral infections in abalone and Murray cod.

Contributions and Recognitions

• Apart from being a globally recognized pathologist, Malcolm is noted for his commitment to preserving DPI’s corporate industry knowledge, maintaining the relevance of the pathology group to the agricultural industry, and supporting field veterinarians.
• Notably, he was among the few Australian scholars to pass all parts of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists’ Diploma on the first attempt, in 2006.
• Malcolm also founded a pathology training course for government and private veterinarians, receiving positive feedback from his peers.
• From 2004 to 2007, he chaired the Victorian Poultry Health and Welfare Liaison Group.

Interests and Philosophy

• Beyond his scientific work, Malcolm was known for his keen interest in politics, favoring left-leaning sociopolitical philosophies. He was respected for his ability to address big societal issues with elegant logic and dry wit.
• The author praises Malcolm’s integrity, commitment to scientific ideals, and highly tuned analytical capacity, noting how his contributions to Victorian and Australian agriculture will be greatly missed.