Going global: BVA’s international impact

While being based in the UK, the British Veterinary Association’s influence extends well beyond our national borders. Through our evidence-led policy work and considered engagement with global issues, BVA has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the international veterinary community. Our views are frequently sought in discussions ranging from animal welfare to public health, which is testament to the depth of expertise and professionalism we bring to the table.

Attending world veterinary events

This week, BVA President Liz Mullineaux was in the USA attending the World Veterinary Association (WVA) conference held on this occasion at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Congress in Washington DC. BVA is a WVA member and these annual meetings give us an opportunity to engage with veterinary associations from around the world. Whilst at WVA we also took the opportunity to meet with the International Veterinary Officers Coalition (IVOC), a smaller group of organisations from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and South Africa. These informal meetings are hugely valuable enabling us to share updates on issues affecting the profession in our countries. There is a lot of similarity in concerns around subjects such as workforce challenges, corporatisation, new and emerging diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Discussions on farrowing crates beyond the UK

On the other side of the world, our recently published joint position with Pig Vet Society (PVS) on farrowing crates caught the attention of the Chief Scientist of the Australian Pork Industry who met with BVA Junior Vice President Rob Williams alongside PVS last week. We discussed our position where they sought to learn more about how we came to our conclusions and how they could be applied in Australia as they look to review their animal welfare codes over the coming months. During this conversation it became apparent that the farrowing crate is viewed as in need of serious change across the globe. Our position was held in particular high regard as it had the backing of not only our specialist pig vet division but also the National Pig Association (NPA) who are the representative trade association for British commercial pig producers. It was also welcomed, post publication, by animal welfare organisations such as Humane World for Animals. This demonstrates the effective and careful construction of a pragmatic, evidence-led position with broad agreement across a range of key partners, making us confident it will lead to positive change for the welfare of sows in the UK and over the coming months it may have an impact on a completely different continent.

Leading on veterinary sustainability

Zooming out, tackling climate change is not just an environmental imperative, it’s a vital step in protecting the lives and wellbeing of animals and the ecosystems they depend on worldwide. Being the custodians of animal health and welfare, vets care deeply about these issues. As professionals rooted in science and compassion, vets understand that the health of animals, people, and the environment are all interconnected. Building on the publication of our Net Zero Report, developed alongside Vet Sustain, we have continued our working relationship with the Australian organisation Vets for Climate Action as they look to develop a World Veterinary Environmental Alliance. BVA President Liz Mullineaux met with the Chair of the alliance at the AVMA Congress, following up on earlier conversations with Senior Vice President Anna Judson, to discuss BVA formally supporting the work of the alliance. 

Working across the Commonwealth and Europe

We’re also a member of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA), where we are represented by our Policy Committee representative, Polly Compston. Through this membership, we support the dissemination of professional knowledge and information, promote animal health and welfare and public health, and encourage the creation of national veterinary associations and statutory bodies in any Commonwealth member country where none exist.

BVA is also a member of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), where current President Liz Mullineaux is the BVA representative, alongside BVA Past President Justine Shotton, attending two meetings a year, one in Brussels and one elsewhere in Europe. Although the UK is no longer in the EU, we are still heavily impacted upon by EU decisions and having a voice in Europe is essential.

In the wake of Brexit, BVA has worked tirelessly with international stakeholders to better understand and address the implications for vets, particularly in relation to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland and the broader Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) landscape. As part of this work, we have engaged with stakeholders across Europe, including in Malta and Cyprus, established relationships with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and members of the Oireachtas in the Republic of Ireland, and collaborated with the FVE. These efforts helped to raise the profile of this issue at both UK and EU levels.

Advocating for an EU-UK Veterinary Agreement

Collaboration with EU stakeholders was also critical to the development of our position advocating for an EU-UK Veterinary Agreement. It was positive to see that the recent announcement of the EU-UK SPS Agreement echoed many of the recommendations within our position. These included the reintroduction of Pet Passports between the EU and UK, simplifying travel for pet owners, and a commitment to enhanced data sharing, particularly around disease surveillance. While the agreement is still under negotiation, we continue to work with both domestic and international partners to secure the best possible outcomes for vets, as well as animal health and welfare.

An international voice

These are just some recent examples of how the work BVA does is valued and our views are considered when affecting positive changes for the profession and animal welfare. Highlighting one of the ways we continue to deliver for our members. From influencing global debates on animal welfare, shaping the veterinary sustainability agenda, to advocating for practical post-Brexit solutions, BVA’s reach is truly international. Our credibility, built on science, collaboration, and a commitment to animal health and welfare, ensures that UK veterinary voices are not only heard but respected on the world stage.