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AMTRA appoints new chairman
Michael Seals MBE has been appointed chairman of the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority.

Michael Seals MBE hopes to address future market needs.

Renowned livestock and arable farmer Michael Seals MBE has been appointed chairman of the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA).

Taking up his post on 1 March, Mr Seals succeeds the role from Phil Sketchley, who is retiring after 48 years in the animal health industry.

Mr Seals brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role from government, industry, and at a consumer level. In taking on the position, he hopes to address future market needs, including new technologies and enhanced opportunities for CPD.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Seals said: “The [animal health] sector is in a period of adjustment, including Defra, VMD and across the entire sector, and there are many opportunities for us to evolve and deliver on our appetite to drive change, meeting the demands of our RAMAs, their employees and the industry, as well as animal owners.

“As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, AMTRA has many strengths that it needs to harness and develop to help keep driving this change and to support the work, training opportunities and understanding of all AMTRA RAMAs across all species.”

Mr Seals was appointed to Defra as chair of the Animal Health & Welfare Board England in 2011 and led the development of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, which is to launch in 2022. 

He has also held leadership positions in various other roles, including the not-for-profit National Fallen Stock Company, and owns a showjumping team with breeding, training and livery facilities.

AMTRA secretary-general Stephen Dawson said of the appointment: “We’re excited to be working with Michael, taking a fresh look at our priorities and strategies, as Phil Sketchley steps down from the role after over 21 years’ service as a board member, the past seven years as Chair.”
 
Mr Seals will be supported by experienced veterinary surgeon John Blackwell, who was elected vice-chair at AMTRA’s December 2021 Board and Council meeting.

Image (C) AMTRA/Facebook.

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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...
News Shorts
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.