Susan was elected into the role at the BVA NI and NIVA shared annual general meeting.

Susan Cunningham elected during shared annual general meeting

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed small animal practitioner Susan Cunningham as president of the BVA’s Northern Ireland (NI) Branch and the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA).  


With a broad and varied professional background, including working overseas with the RSPCA small animal hospital in Hong Kong, Susan was previously veterinary officer for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). She takes over from Aurelie Moralis, who is stepping into the role of senior vice president.

Susan was elected into the role at the BVA NI and NIVA shared annual general meeting on Wednesday (12 February), held at the Dunadry Hotel in Antrim. As the 2020 president for NIVA, Susan will oversee the interests and collective voice of all sectors in the local veterinary profession, including government, practice, industry, research and academia.


Commenting on her appointment, Susan said: “I am positively honoured to be stepping into the role of president of both NIVA and BVA Northern Ireland Branch, and looking forward to the privilege of working for and further representing my fabulous veterinary colleagues.

“I came to NIVA council in 2015 with declared interests in the issues facing vets in a rapidly changing professional landscape, veterinary mental health, animal welfare, responsible medicine use, and the One Health Agenda. During my time on council, I have learnt so much more about the implications of Brexit, workforce issues and TB, and hope to bring some of this knowledge to the role."

She continued: “Every one of us has a part to play in shaping our future professional landscape. We need to stand together and keep looking at the bigger implications of everything we do as veterinarians, respecting one another’s opinions and differences of opinion, to advocate for our profession, our patients, the sectors we represent and serve, and for the planet.”

Congratulating Susan on her election, BVA president Daniella Dos Santos said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Susan to the role of President for our Northern Ireland branch. Her varied veterinary background and experience in government and overseas already brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. 


“A strong voice for vets in Northern Ireland is vital, especially as Brexit negotiations and preparations put them at the centre of a shifting landscape. I know Susan will use her knowledge and skills to help contribute to these conversations and the NI veterinary profession as a whole.”


Joining Susan on the BVA Northern Ireland Branch will be succeeding junior vice president and fellow NIVA council member, Mark Little. Mark is described as a ‘progressive’ veterinary surgeon and has been working as veterinary nutritionist and technical manager Trouw Nutrition in Belfast for several years.