You love the research, development and delivery of veterinary services, but is the reality just TB Testing for today’s vets?
Bev Hopkins, Veterinary Manager at WVSC, Lecturer at Aberystwyth University and Co-Lead of the Pembrokeshire Project at the Centre of Excellence for Bovine TB says you can do it all, and more.
From carrying out surveillance post-mortem examinations, advising vets in practice on diagnostic testing to running CPD courses for veterinary surgeons and leading investigatory projects, Bev says being a vet is so much more than just testing.
Here’s what Bev had to say about the ever-changing role of the Farm Vet.
What do you find the most challenging part of your role as a Veterinary Manager in Wales?
There’s no escaping it, but the powerless feeling that Welsh farmer’s are feeling towards the current state of Bovine TB- it’s heart breaking. It is difficult to hear about the professional and personal impacts that this disease causes on farmers and their families. However, this makes me personally more determined to find an outcome.
What do you find the most rewarding aspect of your position?
Helping farmers is the part of my role that I love the most. Having been brought up in North Pembrokeshire in the farming community I feel a deep connection to the role our farmers play and help them in anyway I can. I enjoy collaborating with colleagues at WVSC but also in the wider surveillance network on disease investigation cases and seeing the benefit of our diagnoses to farmers in tackling disease outbreaks on farm.
How do you see the role of the Farm Vet in the ever-changing nature of the sector?
I see the Farm Vet becoming an even closer extension of the farm team. I believe the role of vets and farmers are emerging as farm data increases and analysis becomes more valuable. I see communication being deeper routed, underpinned by trust and empowerment.
What do you foresee the future of Bovine TB to look like?
I am hopeful that we will move to pro-active prevention and work collaboratively with farmers to achieve this. Working together with Welsh Government on the Pembrokeshire Project will hopefully benefit the wider agricultural society as new findings emerge on a regular basis.
If you were to give one piece of advice to an aspiring vet, what is it?
Don’t see farm veterinary work as just TB testing because it is so much more. As a farm vet you have the opportunity to build close relationships and friendships with local farmers, delivering a sense of value and feel good factor when your support has genuinely made a difference. The possibilities in farm animal veterinary work are truly endless.
What inspires you to do more than just your role as a Veterinary Manager?
Personally, I want to apply my personal experience and knowledge to help others in the most effective way possible. Having multiple roles allows me to share and also continue to learn, which I love. Helping others, makes me feel good so I always want to be involved if I can add value in any way shape or form.
How do you unwind from working in veterinary?
I enjoy baking, gardening, music and exploring new places in our camper van with the family.
