BVA urges vets to remain 'prepared and united'
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging vets to be ‘prepared and united’ in tackling national animal disease threats.
The association elected its new president, Welsh farm vet and academic, Dr Gwenllian Rees, at the annual BVA day where its senior vice president and junior vice president were also elected.
In her first speech as president, Rees outlined her presidential theme: ‘A profession prepared and united behind national disease resilience’.
Unity and resilience
Her speech highlighted the need for vets from all specialties to come together in times of major animal disease outbreaks.
Despite different specialties, vets should be able to come together in times of need and be able to assist each other and "bring the enormous breadth of expertise across this profession together".
"It means recognising that we are part of something bigger than our own particular job, practice or species.
"And that idea reaches beyond disease preparedness," she said.
During her presidency, Rees said she aims to improve unity through vets in a way that goes beyond disease preparedness.
She also wants to ensure that all vets throughout the industry have their voices heard.
"I want every one of our members, whatever they do and wherever they work, to feel that their voice has a place here," she said.
The year ahead
Rees also mentioned the need for reforms around veterinary practice, as well as ensuring that reform's already implemented work in practice.
She explained: “We have a significant year ahead. BVA will be helping the profession navigate the implementation of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reforms.
“We will continue the long campaign to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
"We have made real progress, but we now need to convert that progress into legislation.”
Dr. Gwenllian Rees
Rees has worked in both farm and equine practice in West Wales and New Zealand.
She also was a teaching fellow in Population Medicine at Bristol Vet School before getting her PhD in prescription veterinary medicine use by UK dairy farmers.
Rees is one of the founding academics at Wales’ first School of Veterinary Science at Aberystwyth University, and now teaches there as a lecturer.
Outgoing president, Dr. Rob Williams was elected as senior vice-president of the BVA.
The role of junior vice-president went to veterinary dentist, Dr. Fieke Molenaar.
