New president elected at BVA Northern Ireland
Following a year as junior vice president, Wales will replace Seamus O’Kane as lead delegate of the branch.
Jean Wales has been elected as the new president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Northern Ireland Branch. Following a year as junior vice president, Wales will replace Seamus O’Kane as lead delegate of the branch.
Prior to her appointment as president, Wales worked in mixed practice followed by a string of veterinary roles within the government, including her current role at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Wales will continue her day-to-day work with DAERA, alongside her new responsibilities at the BVA.
The BVA Northern Ireland Branch has been a key player in addressing a variety of issues, including bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) and achieving officially brucellosis free (OBF) status, as well as a review into dog breeding and trade. The branch is also involved in Northern Ireland’s progressive Going for Growth scheme, which Wales will continue to pursue.
Wales said: “I am honoured to be elected as the president of BVA Northern Ireland Branch. I believe that my range of experience in both public and private veterinary work and my many interfaces with other aspects of the veterinary profession throughout my career have equipped me well to represent the whole profession.
“I look forward to working with the BVA Branch team and veterinary colleagues throughout Northern Ireland to provide a strong voice for vets that best represents their views and ensures the profession continues to be seen as a valued, evidence-based body on animal health, welfare and disease eradication.”
BVA president, Gudrun Ravetz said: “I am delighted to welcome Jean as President of BVA Northern Ireland Branch and know she will bring both knowledge and passion to the role. The work of BVA’s Branches is invaluable in representing the veterinary profession in the devolved nations, where animal health and welfare are the responsibility of the individual nation.
“Northern Ireland’s vets have achieved landmark achievements in the last few years, such as the country’s official brucellosis free (OBF) status, and I know Jean will continue this successful close working with government, industry, farmers, vets and other partners.”
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
