MSD Animal Health has put together a new “pig-savvy” health team to help the company address new concepts and adopt a fresh outlook to the UK’s pig health and production sectors.
Strengthened by the arrival of pig business manager, Alex Carvalho, the specialist team is seeking new ways to manage endemic diseases, while also taking an increased focus on preventative healthcare and improved sustainability.
Drawing on previous experience as a strategic account manager in the aquaculture industry, Mr Carvalho highlighted the “many parallels” between fish farming and pig production, including the importance of proactive health care, applied within challenging and diverse production environments.
“These industries serve price sensitive supply chains that demand quality assurance, safety and value,” he said. “Maintaining a stable health status throughout the production process is vital for businesses to be efficient, profitable and competitive. The value of proactive health care is enormous in these situations.”
The team also features senior key account managers, Nick Butler and Phil Macdonald, have more than 25 years’ experience in the pig industry; technical manager, Ricardo Neto, who will continue the development of MSD’s veterinary-led activities and technical support services; and account support manager, Caroline Blaken, who joined MSD last year.
“Our goal together is to support pig producers and vets as they establish reliable, cost effective and proactive health care solutions that are capable of optimising herd health and pig performance,” said Mr Alex Carvalho, adding that he was pleased to have a highly skilled and technically-astute “pig savvy” team that is well placed to deliver the science of healthier animals.
Headline image shows (l-r) Phil Macdonald, Caroline Blaken, Alex Carvalho, Ricardo Neto & Nick Butler