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New AHWBE Chair appointed
Pictured: Professor Jonathan Statham.
Professor Jonathan Statham will take over the role from November. 

Defra has appointed its new Chair of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE).

Professor Jonathan Statham will take over the role on 1 November 2021. He will replace Michael Seals, who has held the role for 10 years. 

Biosecurity Minister Lord Benyon, who appointed Professor Statham as the new Chair, commented:  “We have bold plans to improve animal health and welfare, as outlined in our recently-published Action Plan for Animal Welfare, and I look forward to working closely with Jonathan and the AHWBE to deliver these ambitions.

“I also want to thank Michael Seals for his dedication in leading the organisation over the past decade.”

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Statham said: “I am delighted to have been appointed the next Chair of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England.

“As a large animal vet by profession, high animal health and welfare is close to my heart and something I know is very important to industry and wider society.

“It is a crucial point in time for the industry and for us as a board, with lots of key policies coming forward which bring along many challenges. It is an enormous privilege for me to take on this role once Michael Seals steps down. I look forward to working together with him and colleagues on the board.”

Professor Statham has been a non-executive director on the AHWBE since 2017, and is also a chief executive officer at RAFT Solutions, alongside working as a Professor of Sustainable Livestock Health and Welfare at Harper and Keele Veterinary School. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.