Animal health team to raise standards in Wales

Farmers and a vet are among a team of experts appointed to lead improvements to livestock health and welfare standards in Wales.

Former NFU Cymru president Peredur Hughes will chair the new Animal Health and Welfare Framework for Wales committee. This 10-year framework, which will succeed the current Great Britain Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, aims to enhance health and welfare monitoring.

Mr Hughes is among a team of six experts who will advise the Welsh government on the prevention, management and eradication of animal disease in Wales.

See also: Farmers urged to join animal health body

Farmers David Davies, who is a former president of the Welsh Dairy Show, and Huw Davies, who farms a 280-acre National Trust tenanted hill farm, have also been appointed.

The committee includes Moss Jones, director of the Welsh Agricultural Organisation Society, vet Ifan Lloyd, the Welsh regional representative on the British Veterinary Association Council, and Professor Joanna Price, head of Bristol University Veterinary School.

Wales’ farm minister Alun Davies believes the group will bring vast knowledge and experience of animal health and welfare issues. “I am confident that they will provide the very best guidance, advice and expertise and help us to develop our vision for the future of animal health and welfare in Wales,” he said.

Chief veterinary officer for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop, said the group would have an important part to play in achieving high standards of animal health and welfare.

“I look forward to working with them and to benefiting from their valuable advice on disease prevention and eradication in Wales,” she said.