BVA welcomes appointments to Animal Health and Welfare Board

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has voiced its support for the new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, but warned that it has a tough challenge ahead.

It made its comments following the appointment of the first non-executives to the board, which will begin work in November.

Stewart Houston, Stuart Roberts, Mark Tufnell and veterinary surgeon Tim Morris are set to join chair Michael Seals in developing strategic animal health and welfare policy for the government.

President of the BVA Carl Padgett described the new board as a welcome development, although he stressed that it must now address the "very difficult task of taking forward the responsibility agenda and shaping the way costs will be shared in the future".

He also said the board will need to "fully engage with all stakeholders" to succeed.

The announcement of board's first non-executive members was made by agriculture minister Jim Paice at the Borderway Agri-Expo in Carlisle last week.