Catherine Sayer has been elected as Chair of NOAH (National Office of Animal Health), bringing a practical farm-based input to the organisation which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2016.
Brought up on a hill farm in Wensleydale, Yorkshire, Ms Sayer (pictured above) is currently the director of Forum Animal Health and has a broad experience across the animal medicine market sectors of companion animals, equine and pigs. She also maintains an active connection with farming as a breeder of pedigree Dalesbred sheep.
Speaking after her appointment at NOAH’s annual dinner in London, she outlined the organisation’s achievements over the past year of “much change”, with the publication of the proposed Veterinary Medicines and Medicated Feed Regulations by the European Commission and their progress through the European consultation process.
“The last time any changes were implemented to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations was nine years ago and as long as 25 years ago for the Medicated Feed Regulations,” she said. “With such duration of legislation, it is important this (new) legislation will continue to support the potential for new medicines, as it will shape our industry for years to come, once in place.”
Ms Sayer urged NOAH’s membership and other industry stakeholders to become involved with the organisation’s activities, recognising its continued achievements and taking part in the “ever evolving” sector, especially at a time of such “critical review and change” which, she said, is likely to influence the industry for many years to come.