Australia’s chief vet to lead World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

The peak body for veterinarians, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), welcomes the announcement of Dr Mark Schipp, Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer (ACVO) as the new President of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) World Assembly.

The announcement was made last week at the OIE’s annual meeting in Paris. The OIE is instrumental in developing worldwide animal health and welfare standards that inform the international guidelines of the safe trade of animals across 182 OIE member countries, including Australia.

AVA President, Dr Paula Parker, who attended the General Assembly as part of the Australian delegation said Dr Schipp is an outstanding leader of the veterinary profession, highly regarded and well-renowned for his work in promoting One Health.

“The AVA is thrilled to see Dr Schipp elected to this prestigious role. We know that the OIE will be well-served by his effective and strategic leadership during his term as President over the coming three years,” Dr Parker said.

The World Organisation for Animal Health was founded in 1924. The objective of the OIE is to improve animal health and welfare worldwide and one of its key missions is to ensure transparency of the global animal health situation including zoonoses.

One of the functions of the OIE is to evaluate and provide recommendations to each member country regarding its animal health and welfare standards. Dr Parker said that Australian veterinarians are leading the way in animal health and welfare through initiatives like BIOCEHCK®, PREgCHECK® and the recently launched WELFARECHECK®.

“In Australia, we maintain very high standards that help to minimise the threat of animal diseases and keep our agricultural industry productive, profitable and one of the best in the world,” Dr Parker said.

For further information and requests for interviews contact the AVA media office on 0439 628 898 or media@ava.com.au.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the only national association representing veterinarians in Australia. Founded in 1921, the AVA today represents 9000 members working in all areas of animal science, health, and welfare.