Midlothian veterinary surgeon Gareth Hateley has been named as the new president of the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) Scottish branch.
According to the BVA, Hately, who is an expert in cattle disease surveillance, will bring almost 40 years of experience from a “rich and varied” career to the role, spanning from farm animal practice, veterinary pathology, disease surveillance and veterinary leadership.
Commenting on his appointment, Hateley said it was a big honour for him and that he is looking forward to serving BVA members in Scotland.
“I look forward to championing the voice of vets on priority issues affecting animal health and welfare and the veterinary profession.
“This includes climate change, a topic that I’m passionate about. I hope to be able to contribute to the Scottish government’s agricultural transition development as well as provide some leadership to the profession on this pressing issue,” he said.
Gareth Hateley
Hateley qualified from the University of Cambridge in 1986 and worked in private mixed-practice for 18 years, with a special focus on farm animal medicine.
During this time, he became partner of an Oxfordshire practice, alongside introducing clinical auditing and herd health planning.
Hateley moved into the civil service in 2005, where he held a number of roles including veterinary pathology, policy development and leadership of the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA’s) UK-wide Cattle Expert Group, before retiring in August 2021.
He was president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association in 2013 and has served for many years on groups such as Ruminant Health and Welfare and Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHECS).
He now serves on the boards of BVDFree England and Livestock Health Scotland.
Gareth has lived in Scotland for nearly seven years and has been a member of the BVA Scottish Branch Council for four years. He succeeds wildlife vet Romain Pizzi as BVA Scottish Branch president.
Speaking on Hateley’s appointment, BVA president Malcolm Morley said: “On behalf of everyone at BVA, I am delighted to welcome Gareth as the new Scottish branch president.
“Gareth’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable in championing the veterinary voice in Scotland to government, industry, farmers and our other partners.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Romain Pizzi for all he has done for the Branch during his term as president.”
