The Pig Health and Welfare Council (PHWC) has appointed well-known pig vet Duncan Berkshire as its new chair, effective from October 1.
Mr Berkshire, who works for the Yorkshire-based Bishopton Veterinary Group, brings more than two decades of experience as a veterinary surgeon to the role, with expertise in herd health, reproductive physiology and preventative medicine.
He takes over from Jane Downes, who has successfully chaired the council, which is supported by AHDB, since 2018.
After qualifying from Cambridge Vet School in 2004, Mr Berkshire joined Bishopton’s pig department in 2009. He went on to achieve a Masters in Livestock Health and Production from the Royal Veterinary College, as well as the RCVS Certificate in Pig Medicine.
A past president and current honorary Treasurer of the Pig Veterinary Society, he was awarded a Fellowship of the RCVS in 2020.
The PHWC brings together producers, processors, vets, government and industry stakeholders to provide leadership on pig health and welfare. Working collaboratively, it supports the sharing of knowledge and evidence-based practices to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the UK pig sector.
Mr Berkshire said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the PHWC. The Council has achieved so much under Jane’s leadership, and I look forward to continuing its important work in supporting the health and welfare of pigs across the UK.
“Collaboration across the sector remains key to delivering improvements that benefit both pigs and producers.”
Ms Downes said: “It has been an honour to Chair such an inspirational group and I am delighted to hand over to Duncan, whose commitment and passion is highly respected throughout the industry.”
AHDB head of animal health & welfare, Mandy Nevel, added: “Jane’s contribution to all areas of the pig sector during her time as Chair has been phenomenal. We thank her sincerely for the dedication, passion and expertise that she has given. I’d also like to welcome Duncan to the council. He’s got lots of fantastic experience and I’m sure he will be a real asset moving forward”
- For more information, visit Pig Health and Welfare Council | AHDB