Richard will provide support to the CVO and others on veterinary issues.

Experienced veterinary surgeon Richard Irvine has been named the new deputy chief veterinary officer (DCVO) for the United Kingdom.

Richard, who is currently deputy director for Global Animal Health and Trade in Defra, has overseen several successful market access gains including recent agreements on exporting UK beef to China, the USA and Japan.

Before this, Richard headed up the APHA's Surveillance Intelligence Unit and led the National Reference Laboratory for Viral Diseases of Poultry at APHA Weybridge.

Chief veterinary officer (CVO) Christine Middlemiss, said: “Richard has been successful in securing the DCVO role against a very strong field of candidates. I am confident that he will help meet the challenges we face and provide excellent support to me and others on veterinary and technical issues.

“Richard’s appointment comes at what is a very important and interesting time for Defra and the UK Government, and he will be a great asset to the veterinary senior leadership team in the Defra group.”

Richard began his career in the civil service as a Veterinary Investigation Officer for what was, at the time, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (now the APHA). Before this, he worked in mixed and farm animal clinical practice.

Richard has since held several different veterinary and science leadership roles in the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency and APHA. On joining Defra he brought this experience and knowledge into his trade policy roles.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard said: “I am truly delighted to have been appointed and to be able to both contribute to the work of maintaining and developing the animal health and welfare status of the UK, and represent these interests internationally. It is a privilege to support our farming and food industry in this role.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the team at Defra, its agencies, the devolved administrations, and all the individuals and groups who contribute together to not only cement the UK’s place as a world leader on animal welfare at these unique times but also meet future challenges head-on across the animal health and welfare spectrum. I am delighted to have an opportunity to play a part in that.”