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BEVA appoints new president for 2023-2024
David Rendle (left) is succeeded by Roger Smith (right) as president.
Roger Smith has taken over the role.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has announced that Roger Smith has succeeded David Rendle as their new president.

Professor Roger Smith, a professor of equine orthopaedics at the Royal Veterinary College, took over the role following the BEVA Congress on 16 September.

Bruce Bladon has been named president-elect, and Imogen Burrows has taken the role of junior vice president.

Alongside his new title as president of the BEVA, Professor Smith is a diplomate of the European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as a large animal imaging associate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.

In 2016 he awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for meritorious contribution to knowledge, and in 2017 he was elected president of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons.

During his forthcoming year as BEVA president, Professor Smith has announced his intentions to build the BEVA’s international community, building upon his predecessor’s work with affiliate memberships.

Professor Smith has also voiced his concerns that having no requirement for veterinary students to ‘see practice’ will make it harder to showcase the career, and has raised his plans to increase recruitment and retention through the development of a career plan and complementary activities to encourage new veterinary surgeons.

His presidency will see him aim to empower equine nurses, giving them more involvement with patients in a move he says will alleviate the pressures from the current shortage of qualified equine veterinary surgeons.

He has also said that he plans to continue working on the BEVA’s CPD programme.

Professor Smith will remain president for a year, before the role is passed to president-elect Bruce Bladon.

Professor Smith said: “I am honoured to become BEVA president,

“While it is tough following on from some very effective presidents in the past, not least the outgoing president, David Rendle, I am really looking forward to spending time promoting BEVA’s activities, thanks to support from my work colleagues and the Royal Veterinary College.”

Nicola Housby-Skeggs, Helen Bickerton and Angela Jones join the BEVA council, with Kate Blakeman and Safia Barakzai also re-elected to council.

Image © @JasSansi

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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.