Phil Thomas

The veterinary profession is facing challenges on many fronts: The CMA investigation; The dire need for a new ‘veterinary services act’ (deliberate word change) albeit in a world that has so many other pressures on the legislative timetable; Control of diseases with a chronically underfunded surveillance system (as a recent public accounts committee stated); the challenges and opportunities of devolution; TB, BVD Avian influenza, Bluetongue; The social licence for our use of animals in society generally.

Despite everything that we are going through, we are still a trusted profession, but this is no longer a given. The BVA need to represent their members, which is vets in all aspects of the profession. The landscape has changed drastically and there are a small number of powerful players, BVA has to interact with them but should guard itself of being unduly influenced by them.

I have had a varied career, mostly as a mixed vet. Wales' voice needs to be heard, Welsh members' voices need to be heard. I have my own vested interests, but I will always declare these. I have strong opinions on many but not all, topics, so I will seek advice on those that I have little knowledge.