The British Veterinary Association is the national body for veterinary surgeons in the UK and is a not-for-profit organisation. Its purpose is that of knowledge dissemination, rather than professional validation or academic competence.
A preceding organisation started out as the National Veterinary Association in 1882 after the first-ever British National Veterinary Congress in July 1881. A vet, George Banham, had suggested the idea of a national veterinary association. George Fleming, the principal vet to the Armed Forces, was the first elected President. The Association was open to any vet, no matter which country they were from, on the payment of half a guinea (in today’s terms, 52 and a half pence!).
It had an informal organisation,and meetings across the country were arranged on an ad hoc basis. This style of organisation did not suit many vets, who wanted an organisation where they could discuss matters which were not (or could not) be discussed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
In 1909, at a meeting of the Scottish Metropolitan Veterinary Association, Professor Orlando Charnock Bradley of the Edinburgh Veterinary College, called for 'one single British veterinary association'. The idea was generally accepted, but the First World War stopped anything from happening.
At a meeting in October 1919, the National Veterinary Medical Association was formed. Charnock Bradley became this association's first president The NVMA became a coherent, regulated organisation. In 1952 it became the BVA.
The BVA issues advice, and the consensus of professional opinion, to members and to the general public about veterinary issues as they arise in current events or trends. In recent years, this has included Avian Influenza (AI) and Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD).
The BVA publishes ‘The Veterinary Record’ (first published in 1920) and ‘In Practice’. It has more than 11,000 members. Its headquarters is situated near Queen's College, London.
Other organisations of note
The Veterinary Public Health Association is an affiliate member of the British Veterinary Association together with other veterinary professional organisations as follows.
Association of Government Veterinarians
Membership of the AGV is open to all veterinary surgeons permanently in any part of the United Kingdom Civil Service.
Association of Veterinarians in Industry
AVI represents the interests of members working in commercial appointments, primarily pharmaceutical and allied industries. It provides a forum discussion, in addition to producing an annual salary survey.
Association of Veterinary Students
Represents all UK and Dublin veterinary students and aims to improve undergraduate education through student liaison. AVS continues to bring together all UK veterinary students to further this aim.
Association of Veterinary Teachers & Research Workers
These division represents those teaching veterinary science in the UK veterinary schools, as well as those engaged in veterinary research in its broadest sense in universities, research institutes and industry.
British Cattle Veterinary Association
The association is involved with all aspects of cattle veterinary matters and is consulted by many organisations for informed opinion.
British Equine Veterinary Association
The Association Objectives are to promote veterinary and allied sciences relating to the welfare of the horse, to encourage the interested veterinary surgeon, and to promote a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas.
British Small Animal Veterinary Association
The BVHA actively promotes high standards of patient care through improvements in the design, management and equipment of veterinary hospitals. Membership is open to any RCVS-approved veterinary hospital.
British Veterinary Hospitals Association
The BVHA actively promotes high standards of patient care through improvements in the design, management and equipment of veterinary hospitals. Membership is open to any RCVS-approved veterinary hospital.
British Veterinary Poultry Association
The association encompasses all matters poultry - breeding and hatching, welfare, research and development. The poultry industry is a leading agricultural industry and veterinary input is vital in this specialised and technical field.
British Veterinary Zoological Society
BVZS is involved in almost every aspect of the care and welfare of wild animals. It is recognised as having responsibilty for exotic pets, companion avian species, zoo animals and wildlife.
Fish Veterinary Society
The purpose of the Fish Veterinary Society is to provide a forum for members of the veterinary profession who have an interest in promoting the health and well being of fish by discussion of fish health care and problems and the exchange of professional and scientific information between members.
Goat Veterinary Society
Founded in 1979 to promote interest in and improve knowledge of goats in the veterinary profession.
Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association
LAVA deals with the veterinary care and all aspects of the welfare of laboratory animals. It helps to ensure that vets are properly equipped to look after experimental animals.
Pig Veterinary Society
The aims of the society are to enhance knowledge and understanding of pig disease and herd health and in the areas of management, husbandry, economics and welfare.
Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Membership is open to serving or retired members of the RAVC who are BVA members.
Royal Army Veterinary Corps
Membership is open to serving or retired members of the RAVC who are BVA members.
Society for the Study of Animal Breeding
This society aims for the advancement of knowledge of all aspects of animal breeding and the fostering of fellowship and discussion on the subject of animal breeding.
Society of Greyhound Veterinarians
This society is concerned with the health and welfare of the racing greyhound.
Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons
Provides advice, information and practical guidance for vets working in general practice.
Veterinary Deer Society
Members are involved with the management and diseases of wild and captive deer.
