More than 100 members joined the session to hear about the clinical signs of bluetongue and how the disease is spread.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss outlined the current situation in Kent and Norfolk and how the surveillance procedure works, with Defra鈥檚 Head of Exotic Disease Gordon Hickman outlining the forecast modelling used to estimate airborne risk.
At the end of the session, NFU East Regional Director Zoe Leach chaired a Q&A specific for members in the East, particularly those in the TCZ (Temporary Control Zone).
Meet the speakers
Cat McLaughlin
Chief Animal Health and Welfare Adviser
Cat is听also the Chair of the RUMA Targets Task Force and a director of AMTRA (Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority).
Her previous roles have included Scottish extension officer of the Milk Development Council and Market Information Manager of Quality Meat Scotland(QMS)/Meat and Livestock Commission (Scotland).
A graduate of the University of Aberdeen (Agriculture, with Honours in Animal Science) she also holds a PG Diploma in Farm Business Organisational Management from the Scottish Agricultural College (Aberdeen).
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John Royle
Chief Livestock Adviser
John is responsible for representing the interests of beef and sheep members on a wide range of policy issues. The livestock team manage the national livestock board and uplands forum.
Christine Middlemiss CB
UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Defra
She has been instrumental in the government鈥檚 tireless efforts to manage the unprecedented ongoing outbreak of avian influenza in the UK.
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Gordon Hickman
Head of Exotic Disease Control (Defra)
After studying agriculture at Reading University, Gordon went on to spend 18 years working as an agricultural adviser in the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS). In May 2001, he was seconded to the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food to assist with the disposal operations during the 2001 FMD outbreak.
During 2002 and 2016 Gordon held various roles for the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency before transferring to Defra for his current role.
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