Christine re-joins Defra during a time when animal welfare is a top priority for the government.

Nigel Gibbens steps down after 10 years

Christine Middlemiss has joined Defra as UK chief veterinary officer (CVO) replacing Nigel Gibbens who has stepped down from the role after 10 years.

Christine was previously CVO for New South Wales, Australia, during which she led major improvements to biosecurity across many farming sectors. This included the implementation of new outcome focused and risk-based biosecurity legislation; online animal certification processes and improving evidence and risk-based disease control approaches.

Christine hails from a farming family in Scotland with a background in beef cattle and sheep. Before moving to Australia, she worked for a number of years as a veterinary surgeon, with a specific interest in research, meat processing and livestock genetics.

In 2008, Christine joined the Animal Health Agency (now part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency) as a divisional veterinary manager. She also led Defra’s Animal Traceability and Public Health Policy team detecting and responding to new and emerging diseases, including Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea and Schmallenberg.

Christine re-joins Defra at a time when animal welfare is a top priority for the government. This is demonstrated by a number of recent announcements, including making CCTV mandatory in slaughterhouses and the draft animal welfare bill.

Commenting on her appointment, Christine Middlemiss said: “I am delighted to have been appointed. It is a privilege to take over from Nigel and lead my veterinary colleagues to support our farming and food industry on the UK reputation for high health and welfare of our animals.

“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 who will contribute to meet future challenges.

“Our Secretary of State has confirmed he wants to cement the UK’s place as a world-leader on animal health and welfare as the UK leaves the European Union, and I’m delighted to have an opportunity to play a part in that.”

Image (C) Defra