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BVA elect new NI Branch president
Seamus
Seamus O'Kane was elected NI Branch president at the BVA's annual AGM.
Seamus O'Kane will succeed Simon Doherty

The BVA has announced the appointment of Seamous O’Kane as president of the BVA’s Northern Ireland Branch.

Following a year as junior vice president, Seamus will succeed Simon Doherty as BVA NI president, alongside his day job as a consultant at a mixed veterinary practice in Dungannon.

Seamus, who was recently appointed NI representative on BVA Council, was elected at the BVA's annual AGM, held on Wednesday (27 January) at the White River House Hotel in Toome.

Commenting on his appointment, Seamus said: “I am honoured to be elected as the president of BVA Northern Ireland Branch. I look forward to working with the BVA Branch team and veterinary colleagues throughout Northern Ireland to provide a strong voice for vets that best represents their views and ensures that the veterinary profession continues to be seen as a relevant, valued and effective body which can be called upon to maintain high standards in animal health, welfare and disease eradication.”

With an active interest in veterinary politics, Seamus has been president and secretary of The Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland (AVSPNI), and council member of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association.

Congratulating Seamus on his election, BVA President Sean Wensley said: “I am delighted to welcome Seamus as president and know he will bring both knowledge and passion to his role and be an exemplary advocate for the profession in Northern Ireland.

“The work of BVA’s Branches is invaluable in safeguarding animal welfare and representing the veterinary profession in the devolved nations, where animal health and welfare are the responsibility of the individual nation. Northern Ireland’s vets have achieved landmark achievements in the last few years, such as the country’s official brucellosis free (OBF) status, and I know Seamus will continue this successful close working with Government, industry, farmers, frontline vets and other partners.”

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.