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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th October 2013
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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.