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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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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.