BVA Welsh Branch elects new president
Collin Willson was elected at the BVA annual general meeting on 15 June.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected a new president for its Welsh Branch. Food Standards Agency Vet Collin Willson was elected at the BVA annual general meeting, held virtually on June 15.
Representing all BVA members in Wales, Collin will bring together specialist and territorial divisions, government, academic institutions, and research organisations across the country. He succeeds Ifan Lloyd as Welsh Branch president.
Other than a brief stint in London studying for his veterinary qualifications, Collin has lived in Wales all of his life. Prior to working in the meat and food hygiene sector, he worked in general practice for over 30 years. For the previous 13 years Collin has been with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), taking on the role of field veterinary lead, and has been responsible for welfare and slaughter veterinary work in Wales and England.
Alongside his veterinary work, Collin has been a council member of the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA) since 2000, and has served in the roles of honorary secretary, junior vice president, president, and senior vice president – a role which he currently holds.
Commenting on his new role as president for the Welsh branch, Collin said: “I am delighted to take on the role of BVA Welsh Branch President. The landscape for veterinary surgeons is changing fast and, as we navigate our way around, and possibly out of, the global pandemic and see the effects of Brexit, the profession will continue to adapt and change to meet the new challenges. As President I will ensure members in Wales will have a clear understanding of how the ongoing restrictions may affect veterinary services in the coming year and, with the legislative changes affecting animal health and welfare, there are lots of issues that will need a strong veterinary voice.
“I’m really looking forward to working with our members and stakeholders to champion our Welsh members’ voice at the most influential levels, on priority animal health and welfare issues, and our life and work within the veterinary profession.”
James Russell, president of the BVA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Collin Willson as he takes on the role of Welsh Branch President and want to extend congratulations from us all here at BVA. With his rich career background in animal welfare, I have no doubt that he will bring his wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.
“I would like to take this time to offer my thanks to Ifan Lloyd for his dedication and hard work during his time as President of BVA Welsh Branch, especially in this last difficult year. He has ensured the profession has had continued support throughout the pandemic and members in Wales were kept abreast of the changing rules and guidance.”
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. 
