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APHA names new veterinary director
Andrew Soldan has been appointed veterinary director of the APHA.

Andrew Soldan will succeed Simon Hall 

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has announced the appointment of Andrew Soldan as veterinary director.

Mr Soldan’s appointment comes after former veterinary director Simon Hall transferred to the position of APHA director for EU Exit and Trade earlier this year.

Commenting on the appointment, Andrew said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be asked to take up the role of veterinary director. I look forward to the joys and challenges that this will bring and to working with many across the agency to help ensure we provide excellent veterinary and technical expertise to our customers and stakeholders.”

Chris Hadkiss, chief executive for APHA, added: “Andrew brings with him a wealth of corporate knowledge about the agency and Defra, and a variety of experience from his roles leading the agency’s commercial services (APHA Scientific), and in previous years, laboratory services.

“He also led the project for the launch of APHA when our plant and bee health teams moved from Fera to join the former Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency back in 2014.”

Andrew joined the APHA in February 1999. His previous roles in the agency include head of APHA scientific, head of laboratory testing and international trade programme manager.

Before joining the agency, Andrew worked as a veterinary investigation officer in the former Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and as a private veterinary surgeon in Devon and York.

Andrew also spent five years as a veterinary officer in Malawi for the former Overseas Development Administration. 

Image (C) DEFRA

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.