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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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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.