Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
I am pleased to announce Dr Richard Irvine has been successfully appointed as the new Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales.
He will join Welsh Government from his current role as the UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer and policy Deputy Director for Global Animal Health in Defra in March.
Richard is an experienced veterinarian with background in animal health and welfare and trade policy and infectious disease science and state veterinary medicine.
He has held different roles leading animal health surveillance and science programmes at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, as well as time spent in clinical mixed veterinary practice in South Wales.
I would like to congratulate Richard on his appointment.
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.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.