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BVA launches pledges ahead of NI Assembly elections
The pledges include a commitment to controlling disease, and applying behavioural science to tackle bovine TB.
The Northern Ireland Branch compiled the manifesto. 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has created key pledges for all parties to consider, ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections on 5 May 2022.

Compiled by the BVA's Northern Ireland Branch, the manifesto includes 11 pledges for political parties to adopt, all of which are current priorities for the professions in Northern Ireland. 

BVA NI branch president Fiona McFarland said: “In this manifesto, we have laid out the priority areas for the Northern Ireland veterinary profession. The manifesto draws together the most pressing issues which matter to our members.

“The veterinary profession plays a vital role in Northern Ireland both in the agri-food sector and in keeping companion animals healthy and cared for. We are focused on protecting all animals from disease threats and maintaining public health. 

“We ensure that animal health and welfare is of the highest standard and by working in partnership with farmers and government we can provide a safe and sustainable food chain.”

The 11 manifesto pledges are as follows: 

  •  Support a new vet school for Northern Ireland
  •  Ensure sufficient government veterinary services
  •  Collaborate to preserve veterinary medicines access
  •  Cooperate to simplify post-Brexit pet travel
  •  Direct agriculture funding towards improving animal health and welfare
  •  Commit to partnership working to control disease
  •  Apply behavioural science to tackle bovine TB
  •  Protect the welfare of animals at slaughter
  •  Regulate farriers
  •  Crack down on illegal puppy breeding and commercial movements
  •  Ban the import of dogs with cropped ears.

Alongside asking all political parties standing for election to adopt the pledges in their manifestos, the BVA is asking its Northern Irish members to write to their assembly candidates and ask them to commit to taking action on these issues if they are elected. 

“We would like to see candidates from all parties listen and commit to taking action on these key issues in Northern Ireland,” Fiona added. 

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
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Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."