UK deputy chief veterinary officer appointed
“It is a privilege for me to serve in this role” – Dr Martin-Almagro.
Jorge Martin-Almagro has been appointed as the UK deputy chief veterinary officer (DCVO) for international affairs.
He is taking on the role permanently, after serving on an interim basis since July 2023.
During his time as interim DCVO, he has been involved in securing trade deals to export British poultry and pork to Vietnam, lamb to Taiwan and the USA, and pork to Mexico.
Before starting his current job, Dr Martin-Almagro held a variety of roles at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, including as head of international market access. He has also previously served as head of consumer protection at the Food Standards Agency.
As a DCVO, he will be working alongside Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, and Ele Brown, DCVO for national, domestic and exotic diseases.
Dr Martin-Almagro said: “It is a privilege for me to serve in this role, working with Christine, Ele, UK government officials and stakeholders from all over the world to protect animals and the public.
“I look forward to securing new market access opportunities for UK producers, whilst upholding our position as a global leader in animal health and welfare in line with the One Health approach.”
Prof Middlemiss added: “I am delighted to be working with Jorge. I am confident that he will help meet the challenges we face and provide excellent support to myself and Ele Brown, our other UK deputy CVO, on veterinary and technical issues.
“Jorge will be a great asset to UK veterinary services, leading the development of our priority international market access opportunities.”
Image © Defra
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
