Gwen Rees was announced as the new president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) for 2026-27, succeeding Rob Williams, during BVA Day in London on September 24. In her first address as president, she highlighted the importance of national preparedness for animal disease outbreaks, stating that disease resilience will be a primary focus of her tenure.
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Rees, who desires to unify the veterinary profession under the theme “A profession prepared and united behind national disease resilience,” acknowledged the strengths and weaknesses of specialization in veterinary medicine. While specialization fosters expertise, it can also create silos that hinder a collective response to major disease threats.
During her speech, Rees posed critical questions regarding the readiness of the profession for any potential disease emergencies. She emphasized the need for the veterinary community to understand its role, possess the necessary skills, and be capable of mobilizing quickly in crisis situations. "It means recognizing that we are part of something bigger than our own particular job, practice, or species," she noted.
In addition to her focus on disease resilience, Rees expressed her commitment to ensuring that all BVA members feel their voices are heard, regardless of their specialization. She also mentioned the significant year ahead for the BVA, which includes implementing reforms from the Competition and Markets Authority and advocating for changes to the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
Rees, a lecturer in veterinary science at Aberystwyth University, graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2009. Prior to her presidency, she served as the BVA’s Welsh Branch president from 2023 to 2025 and is involved in several key advisory groups concerning bovine tuberculosis and antimicrobial resistance. Fieke Molenaar, a past-president of the British Veterinary Zoological Society and specialist in zoo and wildlife medicine, has been appointed as the new junior vice-president.