Natural Resources Minister, Alun Davies, has appointed a group of specialists to support the development and introduction of a new Animal Health and Welfare Framework for Wales.
The team of six experts will advise the Welsh Government on the prevention, management and eradication of animal disease in an effort to improve the health and welfare of both livestock and companion animals in Wales.
The appointed panel members are from a range of backgrounds. They have been appointed to ensure that the views of livestock keepers, animal owners and the veterinary profession are reflected in the ten-year framework that seeks to improve animal health and welfare standards across Wales and increase partnership working with animal keepers.
Anglesey Farmer, Peredur Hughes has been appointed chair of the group. As former chair of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy Steering Group, chairman of the North Wales Regional TB Eradication Board and former president of NFU Cymru, Mr Hughes has extensive knowledge of Welsh farming.
The other group members are:
David Davies, who runs a farming enterprise and property letting business. Mr Davies is also chairman of the Welsh Advisory Board of NFU Mutual Insurance and former president of the Welsh Dairy Show.
Huw Davies, who manages a 280 acre National Trust tenanted hill farm. Mr Davies also serves on various national and local committees and is Chair of the Ruminant Standing Committee of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee
Moss Jones, director of the Welsh Agricultural Organisation Society and managing director of Quality Welsh Food Certification Ltd. Mr Jones is also company secretary of Welsh Lamb & Beef Producers Ltd, Livestock Marketing and president of South Caernarfon Creameries.
Ifan Lloyd, veterinary surgeon in clinical practice and a senior partner of a veterinary group with surgeries in Swansea and Neath. Mr Lloyd is the Welsh regional representative on the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Council.
Professor Joanna Price, Head of Bristol University Veterinary School involved in teaching, administration and research. Professor Price has spent time in veterinary practice in the UK and overseas and has held a variety of academic positions, including Head of Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences at the Royal Veterinary College, London.
Speaking about the appointments, Alun Davies said: “I am delighted to announce the members of the new Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group.
“Collectively, the group offers 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.”
Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop said: “Disease outbreaks and the measures to deal with them can carry wide and costly consequences for public health, the economy and the environment. Achieving high standards of animal health and welfare is important to all of us.
“That is why we have established this group of specialists. I look forward to working with them and to benefitting from to their valuable advice on disease prevention and eradication in Wales.”
