BVA Northern Ireland and NI Veterinary Association elect new president
Following studies at Glasgow Vet School, Dunbar's early years in practice were varied with spells in both equine and small animal practice
Dr Kirsten Dunbar has been named president of the Northern Ireland Branch of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA).
Dunbar steps up into the role after a year as junior vice president for both associations. She succeeds Verner, who now moves into the role of senior vice president for the coming year.
Following studies at Glasgow Vet School, Dunbar’s early years in practice were varied with spells in both equine and small animal practice.
Later joining the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Service, she has worked closely with a range of NI stakeholders and veterinary surgeons in both practice and statutory roles.
Dunbar has also undertaken a number of roles in the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland, including operational delivery, development of policy and legislation and as a member of the senior management team.
Dunbar said: “I am looking forward to supporting the veterinary profession on all issues that continue to impact our vet teams on a daily basis including the control of endemic diseases like bovine TB; lobbying for new animal health and welfare legislation, including the need for regulation of farriers and improved equine traceability; championing the role of the veterinary profession in the future farming policy and sustainable agri-food production; and I will continue our positive engagement with the Northern Ireland Assembly and executive.
“I thank Sharon and the officer and council teams for their exemplary work over the last year and I will strive to build on their progress in the coming months. It has been a privilege to serve as Junior Vice President for both BVA and NIVA and I’m looking forward to representing the veterinary profession and ensuring Northern Ireland’s views are reflected and represented in discussions on these pressing issues.”
Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, added: “It has been an increasingly busy few years for BVA’s Northern Ireland Branch and that is only going to continue into this new presidential term. With so many complex issues on the table, all needing urgent resolutions, it’s vital we have a strong and resilient BVA NI Branch officer team. I know Kirsten will lead this work with confidence and ensure that a veterinary voice is heard loud and clear in these negotiations. Congratulations, Kirsten, I look forward to working with you.”
