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Vets gather to honour Des Thompson
“There are not enough words to really explain how much Des has given to vets, nurses, students, owners, and pets throughout his career” – Alison Speakman.
Event in Belfast celebrates former BSAVA president.

Veterinary associations in Northern Ireland came together on Tuesday, 7 November to mark 40 years since Des Thompson OBE was president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and celebrate his contribution to the veterinary profession.

More than 50 delegates attended the event in Belfast, alongside Mr Thompson, his wife Rosalie, and two of his daughters.

The day included CPD from speaker Ed Hall and speeches from the organisations attending the meeting, including the BSAVA, the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland, the British Veterinary Association Northern Ireland, and the Young Vet Network in Northern Ireland.

In addition to serving as BSAVA president, Mr Thompson has also served as president of other major veterinary organisations including the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Northern Ireland Veterinary Association, and as chairman of the Ulster Branch of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

In 1991, he was awarded an OBE for his contributions to the veterinary profession and in 2014 he was the first person to receive the RCVS Queen’s Medal.

Although he retired as a veterinary surgeon in 2009, he remains an active member of the veterinary community in Northern Ireland.

Alison Speakman, BSAVA senior vice-president, said: “There are not enough words to really explain how much Des has given to vets, nurses, students, owners, and pets throughout his career.

“He is one of the kindest, most supportive, humble, and true gentlemen you will ever meet, and it is an honour to celebrate his outstanding achievements with him and his wife Rosalie.”

Image © BSAVA

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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.