New chief vet appointed for Wales

Richard Irvine © Defra

The UK deputy chief veterinary officer, Richard Irvine, has been named as Wales’ new chief veterinary officer, returning to the country where he has worked as a vet in practice.

Dr Irvine replaces Christianne Glossop, who stood down in October after 17 years in the job.

See also: Wales’ retiring chief vet looks back on 17-year tenure

He comes to the new role from Defra, where, as well as his position as deputy chief vet, he is also policy deputy director for Global Animal Health.

His background is in animal health and welfare, trade policy, science and state veterinary medicine.

As well as time spent in a clinical mixed veterinary practice in South Wales, Dr Irvine has led on animal health surveillance and science programmes at the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

He has described his appointment, which takes effect in March, as a “real opportunity to make a difference”.

“I’m pleased to be able to come back to Wales, after spending some time here working as a vet in practice,” he said.

“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.”

An immediate challenge he will be tasked with is controlling avian influenza as the disease continues to spread throughout the UK.

Bovine TB eradication is also a priority. The latest Welsh government figures showed a 16% reduction in the number of animals slaughtered in the 12 months to the end of June 2022, but with the number of herd incidents rising by 2%.