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Welsh government reveals new CVO
Dr Richard Irvine will take over the role in March 2023.
Dr Richard Irvine to take up the post in March.

The Welsh government has announced Dr Richard Irvine as its new Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO).

A highly experienced veterinary surgeon, Dr Irvine is currently the UK Deputy CVO, and is also policy deputy director for Global Animal Health in Defra.

Discussing his appointment, Dr Irvine said: “I’m truly delighted to have been appointed as Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer.

“I look forward to supporting Welsh farming in this role, by leading the collective work to safeguard the health and welfare of animals in Wales.

“I’m very much looking forward to working as part of the team in the Welsh Government, as well as with all the partners and agencies who work tirelessly to tackle the animal health and welfare challenges we face.”

With time spent in clinical mixed veterinary practice in South Wales, various roles in animal health surveillance and science programmes at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), and a background in animal health and welfare, trade policy and state veterinary medicine, Dr Irvine comes to the role well qualified. 

He continued: “It is a real opportunity to make a difference and build on what has already been achieved. I’m pleased to be able to come back to Wales, after spending some time here working as a vet in practice.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to play my part and look forward to starting my new role.”

Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths welcomed Dr Irvine to the appointment: “Congratulations to Richard on his appointment as Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales. He joins us as we strive to reach our long-term vision for the eradication of bovine TB in Wales, and we face the largest incursion of Avian Influenza the UK has ever seen.

“I look forward to working with him to deliver our ambitious Animal Health and Welfare goals and Programme for Government commitments.”

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."