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VMG president steps down
Georgina Hills RVN.
Georgina Hills RVN is leaving the industry to persue a career in mental health.

Recently-elected Veterinary Management Group (VMG) president Georgina Hills RVN is stepping down from the role “as a result of an unexpected opportunity to change career direction”.

In a press release, the VMG said that VMG senior vice president Rich Casey will serve as acting president until the end of the year, supported by VMG chair, Ruth MacKay.

Georgina, who is currently practice director for Irby and Neston Vets in Cheshire, took up her presidency in March 2022.

Her interest in mental health had led her to consider a career change in this area - which she was hoping to pursue after her presidency. A new opportunity has, however, presented itself much faster than anticipated, so she decided to step down.

Rich Casey was VMG President from 2020-to 2021 and is an executive director of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. He will resume the role as president for the remainder of 2022, sharing responsibilities with VMG chair Ruth Mackay, co-owner of a small animal practice in Lancashire.

Georgina commented: “I feel honoured to have worked in the veterinary industry for the last 27 years. The people I’ve worked with have inspired me to learn more about how we think and feel and I am now privileged to continue this learning in my new role in a mental health advocacy charity. I am very sad to be leaving the VMG early but must seize this opportunity. I will take the values of learn, share, grow with me and will follow the VMG’s progress with great interest and support its work where I can.”

Ruth Mackay said: “George’s change of direction into human mental health is bittersweet. On one hand, we are proud and delighted that the skills she has developed during her time in the veterinary industry, and especially with VMG, have given her this amazing new opportunity. On the other, we are sad to be losing her, as her vision, passion and knowledge of veterinary leadership and management make her an excellent ambassador. We wish her all the best and hope that she will come back to share some learnings in this critical area with us in due course.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.