Dr. Richard Irvine has today (Friday, December 23) been announced as Wales' new chief veterinary officer (CVO).

Irvine is currently serving as the UK deputy CVO and policy deputy director for Global Animal Health at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

He will join the Welsh government as CVO in March of 2023.

Speaking on his appointment, Irvine said: "I’m truly delighted to have been appointed as Wales’ chief veterinary officer.

“I look forward to supporting Welsh farming in this role, by leading the collective work to safeguard the health and welfare of animals in Wales.

“I’m very much looking forward to working as part of the team in the Welsh government, as well as with all the partners and agencies who work tirelessly to tackle the animal health and welfare challenges we face.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to play my part and look forward to starting my new role.”

Richard Irvine

Irvine is an experienced veterinarian with a background in animal health and welfare and trade policy as well as science and state veterinary medicine.

He has held different roles leading animal health surveillance and science programmes at the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) at Defra, as well as time spent in a clinical mixed veterinary practice in south Wales.

Welcoming Irvine's appointment to the position, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Congratulations to Richard on his appointment as chief veterinary officer for Wales.

“I look forward to working with him to deliver our ambitious animal health and welfare goals and programme for government commitments.”