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New BSAVA president to build on virtual congress success
Dr Sheldon Middleton has been appointed president of the BSAVA for 2021/22.
Dr Sheldon Middleton plans to shape Congress 2022 into ‘the ultimate veterinary get-together’.

The new president of the British Veterinary Association (BSAVA) plans to build on the success of the recent BSAVA Virtual Congress to shape his presidential year.

Dr Sheldon Middleton, who took over the role from Professor Ian Ramsey on Thursday (22 April), is managing director of RVC Veterinary Practices Ltd and principal at Acorn House Veterinary Hospital in Bedford. 

A graduate of Cambridge University, he has a particular interest and a GP Certificate in ophthalmology and has been a member of the BSAVA Board for the past five years.

Dr Middleton said his goal is to shape Congress 2022 into ‘the ultimate veterinary get-together’ as the country begins to recover from the pandemic. 

“We intend to build on this for BSAVA Congress 2022 by deploying a cleverly blended format to retain the high degree of accessibility and flexibility that delegates have so enjoyed this year,” he said. “We will be releasing further details on BSAVA Congress 2022 in the early summer.” 

Dr Middleton also plans to focus on BSAVA’s support for the small animal veterinary community as it emerges from the pandemic.

“The profession has shown incredible resilience and dynamism in responding to the changing demands of our patients,” he continued. “But we need to be careful that this is not at the expense of our own wellbeing. BSAVA’s community support, practical education and science resources and leadership are all there to support the profession as it pivots to a new way of working.” 

Professor Ian Ramsey wished Dr Middleton success in his presidential year. He commented: “With our plans for BSAVA Congress 2022 already significantly underway and our commitment to returning to a face-to-face event in Manchester in March, Sheldon has an exciting year ahead.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.