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BVA announces new board chairman
The BVA has announced Philip Lowndes MRCVS as its new board chairman.

Philip Lowndes looks forward to addressing the challenges ahead

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has announced Philip Lowndes MRCVS as its new board chairman.

Bristol University graduate Philip spent seven years in mixed practice before pursuing a career in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry.  

Since then he has held national and international commercial roles including CEO of UK business and leading global marketing of a major international and animal health pharmaceuticals business

Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Lowndes said: “I am honoured to be elected as the next Chairman of the BVA and look forward to chairing the Board as it addresses the challenges ahead.

“The veterinary profession needs and deserves vibrant representation and it is the Board’s role to ensure that the organisation has the ability and the resources to achieve this to the benefit of our membership.

The BVA board oversees the performance of the association and is responsible for corporate and financial governance and for setting the BVA’s strategic direction. It consists of nine members including the three officers of the BVA, four directors appointed by BVA Council and up to two non-veterinary directors appointed by the board.

Philip was previously chairman of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) and currently sits as chairman of the both the Novartis UK Pension Trustee Board and its Investment Committee.

In 2013, he joined the BVA’s board and was re-elected by the BVA for a second term in 2016. He will be taking over from Derek Williams, who stepped down in March after seven years.

“We are delighted to announce Philip Lowndes as the new Chairman of the BVA Board,” commented BVA president Gudrun Ravetz.

“His experience and expertise in business, knowledge of the veterinary profession and involvement with BVA will be of great value as we continue to grow our membership and expand our services and support for vets, especially during the uncertainty caused by Brexit.”

Image (C) BVA

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.