Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Two trustees welcomed to BSAVA Board of Officers
Niall Connell will take the role of junior vice president.
Niall Connell and Jo Megarity will take their posts on 19 June.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is to welcome two new trustees to its Board of Officers in June.

Niall Connell and Jo Megarity will be formally accepted into their posts at BSAVA's Annual General Meeting, which takes place on 19 June at Woodrow House, Gloucester.

Taking the role of junior vice president will be Niall Connell, a previous volunteer in BSAVA's volunteer development committee.

Dr Connell earned his BVMS degree in Glasgow, before entering mixed animal practice in Fife. He moved to PDSA in London, before returning to Glasgow.

For ten years, Dr Connell served on the council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). He was RCVS president from 2019 to 2020, before becoming RCVS treasurer for two years.

In 2022 he became FRCVS, in recognitions of his contributions to the veterinary profession. He is currently chair of the RCVS Fellowship Board and a trustee of the Scottish SSPCA.

Dr Connell said:  “I am thrilled to be accepted for this role. BSAVA is an incredible organisation and their important work in the veterinary community has helped to empower me through most of my professional career.”

Jo Megarity RVN will accept the role of honorary treasurer, becoming the first veterinary nurse to join the BSAVA's Board of Officers.

Ms Megarity has worked in the veterinary industry since 2007. She has a special interest in rabbits, and provides rabbit specific CPD in the UK and abroad.

From 2019 to 2020, Ms Megarity was the president of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). She is currently secretary of the Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses, and has been a BSAVA volunteer on the education committee for one and a half years.

Ms Megarity said: “It’s an honour to be the first ever nurse appointed as a BSAVA trustee and further shows the associations commitment to supporting the veterinary team approach; ensuring that nursing skill sets are both included and celebrated across all aspects of the association.”

Amanda Stranack, CEO at the BSAVA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Niall and Jo to the BSAVA Board of Officers.

“Their combined insight, experience and passion for the veterinary profession will be a huge asset as we continue to evolve. We look forward to the fresh perspectives they will bring to the Association’s strategic direction.”

Image © BSAVA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.