BVA President David Catlow's Welcome Speech at BVA Congress
Stormont (Belfast), 27 September 2007
My Lord, Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
Thank you Sir Reg Empy for hosting our opening ceremony in the wonderful Stormont building.
It gives me enormous pleasure to greet you all here this evening at our welcome reception for this year’s BVA Congress. I would like to give a special welcome to our overseas guests – I am delighted to see you here.
The name of the individual may now be lost in the mists of time, but whoever originally suggested BVA host our Annual Congress in Belfast and join in the celebrations commemorating the centenary of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association, had a fine idea and I am very pleased that all concerned have risen to that challenge. For BVA it not only allows us to return to Belfast for our Congress, a return after almost 50 years – although only Des Thompson is old enough to know if that is accurate - but it fits so very well with our intentions and actions to engage much more closely with all our members and divisions especially within the devolved regions and ensures that the veterinary profession knows just what an effective Association it has working on its collective behalf.
The organisation of this Congress epitomises what I believe BVA is currently doing so well, that is communicating with our Divisions and Members and enabling everyone to work closely together in order to enhance our common goals. No fewer than 12 Divisions of BVA have contributed to the content and organisation of this Congress and we have also significantly been joined by the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland, whose wholehearted support I have no doubt will be a major factor in the success of the event. As a consequence of this collaboration the wide range of CPD lectures on offer and the timeliness of the topical political debates, makes the Congress programme attractive to all veterinary surgeons.
We are very appreciative of the large numbers of sponsors and exhibitors supporting this year’s BVA Congress. In particular to Lloyd and Whyte, for sponsoring this evening’s Welcome Reception, and of course to our key sponsor for the whole Congress, Norbrook Pharmaceuticals, well known to the profession, but especially so here in Northern Ireland where your presence as a major industry in the province is a significant asset.
The challenges of change currently faced by the veterinary profession are immense and a strong voice for the profession has rarely been more important. We all respond differently to change; there are those who see opportunity and those who resist.
Some demand angry protest on every occasion, but that is rarely the best approach to influencing those with whom we work. BVA makes strident efforts to remain engaged and be involved at every opportunity. The phrase, ‘if you’re not at the table, you’re more likely to be on the menu’ is a valid one.
Change is not necessarily always for good and the introduction of the new is often accompanied by the loss of old skills and capability. Decision-makers must consider what is being lost when they make change.
Therefore we hope that when government makes decisions that affect veterinary practice structure and future viability, particularly in the rural sector, it is confident that veterinary resource and capability for disease emergency and the need to fulfil the requirement of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy remain in place.
This year has once again illustrated the ever present threat of animal disease to society and whilst everyone acknowledges the tremendous efforts made by Defra, and Animal Health in their response, I am aware that resources were and are stretched to capacity. Now with the added demands of dealing with Bluetongue virus, the first time this disease has been seen in the UK, it becomes immediately obvious exactly why the profession has been trying to progress contingency arrangements for mobilising the private veterinary sector should they be required. Many would be surprised that in the 6 years since the 2001 FMD epidemic, those arrangements, although talked about rather urgently now, have yet to be finalised.
This year’s incursions of HPAI; FMD & BTV, as well as the continuing seriousness of bTB in UK serve as clear examples of the need for a motivated, viable and flexible veterinary resource.
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Belfast, welcome to BVA Congress, take part in the debates and make your view known; but most of all have a wonderful time here amongst great friends and first rate Northern Irish hospitality. Enjoy it. Thank you.