NIVA and BVA Northern Ireland appoint new president
Mark Little is technical manager at Trouw Nutrition Ireland.
Veterinary nutritionist Mark Little has been elected as joint president of the Northern Ireland Branch of the BVA and the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA).
A technical manager at Trouw Nutrition Ireland, Mark leads a team of nutritionists, providing multispecies on-farm advice for feed mills. He became a Nuffield Farming scholar in 2019 and has completed a PhD researching the nutritional influences on immunity in the transition dairy cow.
Little was elected president of both associations on Tuesday (9 February) during a virtual general meeting. He succeeds Susan Cunningham as president of BVA Northern Ireland Branch, who has moved into the role of senior vice president.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr Little said: “It is an honour for me to accept the joint position of NIVA and BVA NI Branch President, two organisations with a proud past, and an exciting future.
“My theme for the year is about change. It is to understand the world around us and how it is rapidly changing so that we can also meet the changing demands we need adhere to as vets. Farming is changing, technology is advancing, and consumers want different products. If we can understand the trends and what is changing, we can be ‘ahead of the curve’ and give our clients the best advice through strong leadership.
“The second change theme I’m going to concentrate on is supporting us all through the changes in our life associated with COVID-19. This is about family, friends, and fellowship. I think of our members as a wider family, and want to increase communication to support them through these challenging and changing times.”
BVA NI junior vice president, Justine Shotton, said: “It is a real pleasure to welcome Mark as President of BVA Northern Ireland Branch. His skills and experience within the veterinary profession and farm industry will make him a great spokesperson and asset to the extended BVA team.
“The work of BVA’s branches is essential in representing the veterinary profession where animal health and welfare are devolved issues. The branch has contributed enormously to shaping policy in the last few years, particularly around Brexit, trade deals, and surveillance. I have no doubt that Mark will successfully lead on working closely with Government, industry, the farming community, and our profession.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
