UK deputy veterinary officer Graeme Cooke appointed as Victoria’s top vet
A high-ranking British bureaucrat has been appointed as Victoria’s next chief veterinary officer.
A HIGH-RANKING British bureaucrat has been appointed as Victoria’s next chief veterinary officer.
State Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes confirmed the UK’s deputy chief veterinary officer, Graeme Cooke (pictured), would being work in April.
Dr Cooke joined the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs nearly two decades ago, working in disease control centres following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks of 2001 and 2007.
He went on to become a director at the World Governing Body of Equestrian Sport as well as working with the World Animal Health Organisation.
Dr Cooke said he was looking forward to the job and working “with Victoria’s farming and food industry”.
“It is a privilege to have been asked to join the effort to meet the constant challenge of protecting and improving Victoria’s animal health and welfare.”
Ms Symes thanked acting chief vet Cameron Bell, who took over the interim role following Charles Milne’s resignation last May.
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