Glasgow public health vet becomes new BVA President

Professor Bill Reilly of Glasgow was today (Sunday) elected President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) for 2009/2010.   The ceremony took place during the Annual General Meeting of the BVA at the close of its Annual Congress, held in Cardiff.

In his inaugural speech Prof Reilly said “I’m a BVA person through and through and to be asked to represent the BVA as President is to me the greatest honour and I hope that my background in public health will bring a different perspective to the team.

“I see my election as a clear statement of recognition that the profession is multi-faceted and committed to ‘public good’. The idea of veterinary surgeons and the public good is one of enormous significance and it will form my theme for the year.

“My other goal for the year is to re-establish vets as the leading voice on animal welfare. Vets are often overlooked in the welfare field and so we need to seize the opportunity to make our voices heard on the issues we care about.”

Notes for editors

1.         Biographical details of Bill Reilly

2.         Bill Reilly's inaugural speech

3.         High and low resolution images are available in our picture gallery

4.         For further information please contact the BVA media office