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UK deputy chief veterinary officer appointed
“It is a privilege for me to serve in this role” – Dr Martin-Almagro.
Interim appointment has been made permanent.

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

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.