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Susan Little named as BSAVA president for 2026
Dr Susan Little has become president of the BSAVA.

Former president Julian Hoad becomes senior vice-president.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has named Dr Susan Little as its president at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 26 June.

Dr Little will lead the organisation through the 2026-2027 presidential year, succeeding Julian Hoad in the role.

Susan Little graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1992, before spending the majority of her career in small animal general practice. In 2000, she founded a veterinary practice which grew into a three-site operation.

The practice became part of a larger mixed group, and eventually a corporate organisation. Dr Little took on senior leadership roles including managing director and business development director, supporting multiple practices across Scotland and the Scottish Borders.

She has been a long-standing volunteer with the BSAVA, working at a regional level before becoming regions coordinator. She later served a three-year term as chair of the BSAVA PetSavers Management Committee, returning to the Association as a trustee after a short break.

Dr Little also volunteers with Vetlife, contributes to the RCVS university accreditation panel and supports several other charities.

Susan Little said: “I am very much looking forward to working closely with our Executive Leadership Team, Board, volunteers, staff and most importantly, our members, to keep rolling out the support, opportunities and products that our members value.


“It has been both interesting and a privilege to have served my first two years as a trustee, where as a team we see lots of opportunity for representation, innovation, collaboration, growth and strengthening of our BSAVA community.”

Julian Hoad, who served as BSAVA president for two years, will now become senior vice-president. Niall Connell will come vice-president, while Matt Erskine is junior vice-president.

Dr Hoad said: “It has been an honour to serve as BSAVA President over the past two years. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together as an Association, from strengthening support for our members to advancing our strategic ambitions.

“I would like to thank our volunteers, staff and members for their dedication and commitment, and I look forward to continuing to support Susan and the presidential team as senior vice-president.”

Image © BSAVA

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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