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BVA announces Welsh Branch president
"I look forward to spending the next two years supporting the veterinary profession in Wales." - Phoebe McCarter.
Phoebe McCarter was welcomed at BVA’s AGM.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has officially welcomed new Welsh Branch president Phoebe McCarter to her role.

Dr McCarter’s appointment was announced at BVA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place at its Welsh Dinner on Tuesday, 24 June 2024.

A graduate from the University of Liverpool, Dr McCarter has become well known in the Welsh farming and veterinary communities for her work in rural practice.

In 2018, she left clinical practice as a veterinary advisor for the National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS). She went on to join the Animal Plant Health Agency in 2021.

Dr McCarter is currently involved in exotic and endemic disease outbreak investigations as well as contingency planning. She is also responsible for training and stakeholder engagement.

She has been a member of the BVA since 2005, and joined the BVA Welsh Branch Council in 2020. Having sat as junior vice president for two years, Dr McCarter now takes over from previous president Gwen Rees.

Dr McCarter said: “I’m delighted to take on this vital role of Welsh Branch President and I look forward to spending the next two years supporting the veterinary profession in Wales.
 
In particular, I want to support the ongoing work to ensure that Wales remains a front runner in animal welfare and sustainable food production, not just in the UK, but on the global stage. I also think that it’s vital that we are as prepared as possible to face the threat of exotic disease incursion, and intend to make this one of the priorities of my Presidency.

“I would also like to both thank and congratulate Gwen for her outstanding term as president.” 

Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, said: “Phoebe has already proved herself an invaluable member of the team during her time on Welsh Branch Council and more recently as junior vice president. I look forward to working with her even more closely.

“There remain many challenges on the horizon for Wales, from endemic diseases to veterinary capacity, and I’m delighted that we will benefit from Phoebe’s extensive understanding of the farming community here in Wales as we navigate these issues.”

Image © BVA

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.