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Kirstie Shield welcomed as new BVNA president
Incoming BVNA president Kirstie Shield gives her welcoming address
Last day of congress sees tearful farewell to Louisa Baker

Outgoing president of the BVNA, Louisa Baker, handed over the lanyard to junior vice-president Kirstie Shield today, during an emotional AGM.

Taking place at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire on the last day of BVNA's 40th congress, the meeting saw some tearful goodbyes, as well as the election of officers, council members and honorary members for 2013-14.

Senior vice-president of the association Clare Fraser gave an emotional farewell after ten years with the BVNA, during which she has served as president twice.

Speaking of the honour of working with the association for such a period, she said she was looking forward to attending next year's congress just as a delegate. Former president Louisa Baker will step into her shoes as senior vice-president.

During the AGM, changes were also proposed and seconded to the BVNA's "memorandum and articles". It was agreed that student members of the association will have the opportunity to nominate and vote for full members running for election.

As the presidency was handed over and incoming president Kirstie Shield gave her welcoming address, there was barely a dry eye among the council members.

Kirstie began by thanking her family and friends for their support and spoke of her admiration and gratitude towards the former presidents of the BVNA for making it what it is today. October, she says, has always been one of her favourite times of the year due to the BVNA Congress.

As veterinary nursing has developed, Kirstie says her belief in the profession has intensified and for her, the association ensures that "the voice of the veterinary nurse is heard throughout the wider veterinary profession."

During a highly emotional speech, Kirstie spoke of the honour of being a figurehead for the BVNA, pledging: "The opportunity to serve you, our members and the veterinary nursing profession, is not one that I take lightly."

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.