Warwick vet awarded key state role

WARWICK veterinary nurse Dr Allison Crook has been appointed to one of the top veterinary jobs in the state.

Dr Allison Crook. Picture: Biosecurity Qld

WARWICK veterinary nurse Dr Allison Crook has been appointed to one of the top veterinary jobs in the state.

Dr Crook, who was born and raised on a beef and grain property, was the first female to be appointed to the position of chief veterinary officer and general manager for Animal Biosecurity and Welfare Queensland.

Dr Crook said she was thrilled to take up the position.

"I am honoured to have been appointed to the role of Queensland's Chief Veterinary Officer and look forward to getting on with business," Dr Crook said.

"It means a great deal to me personally to have the honour to serve as CVO and to make a positive difference to Queensland's animal health and welfare status through my role.

"The role of CVO is a critical role in protecting the favourable animal disease status that Queensland holds, both domestically and internationally.

"This status underpins our opportunities to trade our primary produce and supports agriculture in Queensland."

The former Warwick Central State School and Scots PGC student said her role would see her responsible for maintaining high health standards in Queensland agriculture.

"I will be progressing a range of initiatives including boosting our foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) preparedness, further encouraging the uptake of hendra virus vaccination by horse owners and supporting the Queensland Agriculture Strategy," she said.

"The role also has primary responsibility for management in the event of a biosecurity incident, including hendra virus, and for ensuring preparedness for emergency animal disease incursions such as FMD."

Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said Dr Crook was the right person for the role.

"Dr Crook was born and raised in Queensland and has an impressive track record in the fields of animal welfare and disease," Mr McVeigh said.

"I congratulate her on her appointment and I'm sure she will excel in this vital role."

Dr Crook's father, Don, said it was reward for Dr Crook's hard work.

"We're very proud parents and she has worked very hard throughout her career," Mr Crook said.

"She knows much more about animals than I do and I've been around them for many years."

Dr Crook was also awarded the University Medal at the University of Queensland, one of the highest accolades in the faculty and Mr Crook said she had wanted to be a vet since she was little.

"All her life that is what she wanted to do," he said.