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BVA president hopes CMA review could be catalyst for change
Around 80 guests attended the event in Cardiff.
Anna Judson makes case for legislative reform during Welsh Dinner speech.

The ongoing investigation into the veterinary sector by the Competition and Markets Authority could be a catalyst for the “outdated” Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to finally be reformed, BVA president Anna Judson told guests at the BVA’s annual Welsh Dinner

Speaking at the event in Cardiff on Wednesday, 26 June, Dr Judson said:: “We’ve been lobbying for veterinary legislative reform for some time and have secured cross-party support.

“While progress is being made, it’s slow, and we hope that the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation will act as a catalyst for this much needed change.

“It is simply not possible to build a modern and effective veterinary profession on the foundations of legislation which was created in a different era.”
 
Around 80 guests attended the event, including Huw Irranca-Davies, the Welsh government’s cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs.

During her speech, Dr Judson also spoke about the “positive progress” being made in relation to animal welfare in Wales. She welcomed recent legislation that has made CCTV mandatory in Welsh slaughterhouses and the planned introduction of the compulsory Bovine Viral Diarrhoea eradication scheme.

She particularly praised the Animal Licensing Project Wales, which aims to make sure that dog breeding establishments are high quality and reputable.

The project, which has been extended to 2025, involves veterinary surgeons working with enforcement officers to improve their knowledge of animal health and welfare.

Dr Judson called for support for the project, saying: “While the Animal Licensing Project has achieved considerable success to date, to develop it further, more sustainable funding is required so that it can become a benchmarking organisation and standardise practice across Wales. We ask for your support in achieving this.”

Dr Judson’s full speech can be read here.

Image © BVA

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BSAVA's new president starts role

News Story 1
 Julian Hoad has been confirmed as the new president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), taking over from Carl Gorman.

The veterinary surgeon is the BSAVA's 67th president, and has described stepping into the role as the pinnacle of his veterinary career.

Speaking at the BSAVA's AGM, Dr Hoad said: "I really do believe that the BSAVA will continue to go from strength to strength and will continue to maintain its relevance and position as the indispensable voice of the small animal veterinary profession." 

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News Shorts
Rise in temperature means increased bluetongue risk

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned that the recent rise in temperature means there is now an increased risk of bluetongue in England.

Although there have been no confirmed cases of the disease since March, the most recent risk assessment found that there is a very high probability of the virus being brought over by windborne midges from northern Europe.

Farms along the east and south coast of England, from Norfolk to East Sussex, are at the highest risk. Farmers are being asked to monitor their animals regularly for signs of the virus.

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: "We know that the likelihood of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain is increasing and so I would urge farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."