May 24, 2011
UK Pig Veterinary Society to seek collaboration
Having stronger partnership between vets and the broader pig supply chain will be a major focus for Mike Wijnberg, the new president of the UK's Pig Veterinary Society (PVS).
Wijnberg, who is veterinary manager for BQP, based at Stradbroke in Suffolk, took over the reins from Nigel Woolfenden at the PVS spring conference in Newcastle.
He saw an important role for the veterinary profession in helping the pig industry become more resilient, "I would like to see closer links being built between vets and other parts of the pig supply chain, with producers in particular, but also with pork processors.
"Through my role as veterinary manager, and also having responsibility in the Tulip pig supply chain, I hope I can bring additional insight to help achieve this."
The use and control of medicines in food producing animals is another area Wijnberg highlighted to focus on, "Pig health, welfare and food safety are interlinked and provide challenges for vets both as advisers on individual farms but also collectively in advising the industry."
He was in private practice in South Africa for 10 years before coming to the UK 15 years ago. He joined BQP and has played a part in its growth since. He has been involved with various industry projects and is currently also a member of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC).
