The History of the Union of European Veterinary Practitioners (UEVP) – Celebrating 55 Years of Practice
The Union of European Veterinary Practitioners (UEVP) has a long and intricate history dating back to the mid-20th century. Its origins can be traced to discussions held after a meeting of the Veterinary Liaison Committee (VLC) in St. Malo in 1963. It was during this time that John Pasfield, in conversation with Prof. Jean Meynard, laid the groundwork for a practitioner-run pan-European organization. This concept was designed to include both EEC and non-EEC countries, ensuring a unified representation of veterinary practitioners across Europe.
The Veterinary Directive, which came into force in 1968, played a crucial role in shaping the European veterinary landscape. By the mid-1970s, UEVP had become formally established, closely following the founding of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) in 1975.
During the 1980s, UEVP saw significant British involvement. Henry Carter was the first representative of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) to UEVP, with financial support jointly provided by the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and BSAVA. Over time, other British associations became more involved, with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) playing a primary role, followed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
Des Thompson and Roger Green served as President and Secretary General, respectively, from 1985 to 1989. Their tenure marked a pivotal moment for the organization, as they worked to strengthen UEVP’s role within the FVE. Initially, UEVP’s meetings took place even before FVE gatherings, with reports submitted to the larger federation. Recognizing the significant representation of practitioners within the veterinary profession, Roger and Des proposed increasing UEVP’s voting power within FVE, ultimately securing two votes instead of one.
The primary goal of UEVP has always been to represent veterinary practitioners across Europe, distinguishing itself from other veterinary bodies such as the Union of European Veterinary Hygienists (UEVH), which focuses on public health, and the Federation of Veterinarians in Industry and Research (FEVIR, now EVERI). Over the years, UEVP has remained steadfast in its mission to advocate for practitioners' interests, ensuring that their voices are heard in European veterinary policy-making.
While the early history of UEVP is somewhat fragmented due to limited documentation, key figures such as Roger Green and Alistair Porter were instrumental in shaping its foundation. Their contributions, along with those of many others, helped establish UEVP as a significant division within the FVE, representing the majority of veterinary practitioners across Europe.
As UEVP marks its 55th anniversary, it continues to play a vital role in the European veterinary community, championing the needs and concerns of practitioners in an evolving professional landscape. The work of UEVP remains as relevant as ever, ensuring that veterinary practitioners are well-represented in European policy discussions. For more information on the UEVP’s current activities and advocacy efforts, visit UEVP’s website.