NPA welcomes appointment of new Deputy CVO

The NPA has welcomed the appointment of the new UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer (DCVO).

Richard Irvine is an experienced veterinarian with a background in animal health and welfare policy and science. He currently is Deputy Director for ‘Global Animal Health and Trade’ in Defra, and has overseen a number of successful market access gains including recent agreements on exporting UK beef to China, the USA and Japan.

Prior to this, he led the Animal and Plant Health Agency‘s (APHA’s) Surveillance Intelligence Unit and was Head of the National Reference Laboratory for Viral Diseases of Poultry at APHA Weybridge.

Welcoming the appointment, Christine Middlemiss said: “Richard has been successful in securing the DCVO role against a very strong field of candidates. I am confident that he will help meet the challenges we face and provide excellent support to me and others on veterinary and technical issues."

Mr Irvine said: “I am truly delighted to have been appointed, and to be able to both contribute to the work of maintaining and developing the animal health and welfare status of the UK, and represent these interests internationally. It is a privilege to support our farming and food industry in this role."

He replaces Graeme Cooke, who has become CVO for Victoria, in Australia. 

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies welcomed Mr Irvine to the role and said his trade background would be important at this pivotal time for the industry.