Politics and practice: The British Veterinary Association 1881-2009 (360G-Wellcome-088245_Z_09_Z)

The project will outline the history of the British Veterinary Association from its foundation (as National Veterinary Medical Association) in 1881 to the present day. It will explore the key activities of the BVA, its motives and achievements, and its leading figures The BVA is the representative body of the British veterinary profession. Its role is to promote veterinary interests to government, users of veterinary services and other stakeholders in animal health. (BVA, 2008)Throughout its history, it has aimed to reconcile differences of opinion within its diverse and often individualistic membership. Its changing structure and organization reflected shifts in veterinary roles and identities, while its publications and educational initiatives reveal the changing nature of veterinary knowledge and expertise. It therefore offers a unique window onto the history of the British veterinary profession. The goals of this project are: To produce a historical account of the BVA's organization, priorities, activities and relationships To provide insights into the broader history of veterinary medicine that will act as a basis for future, more detailed work on the history of veterinary science, practice, politics and expertise. To produce, for the interest of the veterinary profession and as a resource for other historians, a set of interviews with surviving BVA leaders