Pictured: President of BVA NI branch and NIVA, Fiona McFarland.

Fiona McFarland succeeds Mark Little as president of both organisations. 

The Northern Ireland Branch of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) have jointly elected a new President.

Fiona McFarland was elected president of the two organisations at a joint annual general meeting, held virtually on 9 February.

Having been significantly involved in the work of both organisations, Fiona has been an active council member of NIVA since 2014, and has previously held the role of press officer. She has also sat on BVA's Members Services group and BVA Policy Committee.

Fiona is currently the account manager for Ireland North with IMV Imaging, advising, educating and training clients and customers in the veterinary and agricultural industries.

Outlining her main aims for the year as president, Fiona said: “My main aim for the year ahead is to steer our associations into the new normal we are faced with whilst continuing to navigate the pandemic. Accompanied by the effects of Brexit, Northern Ireland faces some difficult challenges, not only within the profession itself, but within the Agri-Food industry.

“My theme for the year will be sustainability: both that of the profession and workforce, but also how vets play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture.”

Other priorities for Fiona include the supply of veterinary medicines into Northern Ireland, the changes to legislation for the prescription of drugs to cross-border clients, the ongoing review into the plans for a new veterinary school in Northern Ireland and continuing to control disease, including bovine TB and BVD.

Discussing her new role, she added: “It’s an absolute pleasure and honour to accept the joint position of President of NIVA and BVA NI Branch. I’ve been involved with both organisations for some years and am very grateful to have been able to learn from those who have been in this position in the past.

“I’ve benefited from both organisations throughout my career and it’s a privilege to be able to give something back to our members and the profession.”

After graduating from Bristol Veterinary School in 2004, Fiona has worked in mixed practice, farm practice and small animal practice, and has 18 years of experience in clinical practice. Over the course of her career so far, she has managed an independent practice, and has undertaken locum work, providing cover for over 45 practices in Northern Ireland.

Fiona was one of the leading founders of the NI Young Vet Network, and help to set up the Vet Support initiative throughout Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland.

Also joining the BVA Northern Ireland branch team is Esther Skelly-Smith, who has taken up the role of junior vice president. Esther graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012, and has since established Shanaghan Veterinary Services, which is Ireland's first equine integrated veterinary referral service.

She is an Honorary Lecturer with Queen's University Belfast, and also holds many roles in representation.

Image (C) BVA