Graeme Cooke began working for Defra in 2002 as a policy adviser.

Experienced vet begins new role in January 2017

The new deputy chief veterinary officer (DCVO) for the United Kingdom has been named as former policy advisor Graeme Cooke.


Graeme, who begins his new role in January 2017, is an experienced vet and has worked in a variety of clinical practice types, with extensive involvement in both urban and rural communities. He is currently a trustee of the Brooke Equine Welfare Charity.


Commenting on his appointment, Graeme said: “I am delighted to be able to contribute to the work of maintaining the animal and public health status of the UK. It is a privilege to support our farming and food industry in this role.


“I am very much looking forward to working again with the team at Defra, its agencies, the devolved administrations, and all the individuals and groups which will work together to meet future challenges across animal health and welfare.”

Graeme began working for Defra in 2002 as a policy adviser planning disease outbreak preparedness. He then worked across all areas of UK and EU animal welfare and disease, including international trade negotiations.


Graeme later became a director at the World Governing Body of Equestrian Sport (FEI), creating new frameworks to overcome a variety of animal health and welfare challenges. He has also worked closely with the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) and the EU and has been a member of a number of expert working groups at both organisations.


Welcoming the appointment, Nigel Gibbens, the government’s chief veterinary officer, said: “Graeme has been successful in securing the DCVO role against a strong field of candidates and he will be a great addition to the department.


“He will strengthen the animal health team in Defra to serve the interests of the whole of the UK as part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining our high animal health and welfare standards."

Simon Hall, the interim DCVO, will continue in the post until Graeme starts his new role in January.


Nigel Gibbens added: “I am grateful to Simon Hall for his work in the interim and look forward to our work together as a senior veterinary team, along with our chief veterinary officer colleagues in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.”