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Two trustees welcomed to BSAVA Board of Officers
Niall Connell will take the role of junior vice president.
Niall Connell and Jo Megarity will take their posts on 19 June.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is to welcome two new trustees to its Board of Officers in June.

Niall Connell and Jo Megarity will be formally accepted into their posts at BSAVA's Annual General Meeting, which takes place on 19 June at Woodrow House, Gloucester.

Taking the role of junior vice president will be Niall Connell, a previous volunteer in BSAVA's volunteer development committee.

Dr Connell earned his BVMS degree in Glasgow, before entering mixed animal practice in Fife. He moved to PDSA in London, before returning to Glasgow.

For ten years, Dr Connell served on the council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). He was RCVS president from 2019 to 2020, before becoming RCVS treasurer for two years.

In 2022 he became FRCVS, in recognitions of his contributions to the veterinary profession. He is currently chair of the RCVS Fellowship Board and a trustee of the Scottish SSPCA.

Dr Connell said:  “I am thrilled to be accepted for this role. BSAVA is an incredible organisation and their important work in the veterinary community has helped to empower me through most of my professional career.”

Jo Megarity RVN will accept the role of honorary treasurer, becoming the first veterinary nurse to join the BSAVA's Board of Officers.

Ms Megarity has worked in the veterinary industry since 2007. She has a special interest in rabbits, and provides rabbit specific CPD in the UK and abroad.

From 2019 to 2020, Ms Megarity was the president of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). She is currently secretary of the Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses, and has been a BSAVA volunteer on the education committee for one and a half years.

Ms Megarity said: “It’s an honour to be the first ever nurse appointed as a BSAVA trustee and further shows the associations commitment to supporting the veterinary team approach; ensuring that nursing skill sets are both included and celebrated across all aspects of the association.”

Amanda Stranack, CEO at the BSAVA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Niall and Jo to the BSAVA Board of Officers.

“Their combined insight, experience and passion for the veterinary profession will be a huge asset as we continue to evolve. We look forward to the fresh perspectives they will bring to the Association’s strategic direction.”

Image © BSAVA

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.