THE state government has appointed its first female chief veterinary officer at PIRSA, taking over from Roger Paskin, who has been in the role the past five years.
Dr Mary Carr will take on the vital role of keeping the state free of exotic animal diseases, maintaining international market access and leading livestock biosecurity initiatives, such as the One Biosecurity Program.
Dr Carr holds degrees in Science, Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, and Masters in Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology.
In recent times, her skills have seen her rise to the role of deputy CVO.
“I’m really looking forward to starting this new role and protecting SA from exotic diseases and maintaining our exceptional animal health standards,” she said.
“Livestock biosecurity and securing the future for livestock agriculture is a subject I’m passionate about and I’m keen to bring to the role my career knowledge, having started at PIRSA as a veterinary officer in 2008.
“I am honoured to commence this position and hope that it highlights one of the many STEM roles and opportunities in primary industries for women.”
The government has also appointed Dr Ross Meffin as SA’s new Plant and Food Standards general manager, covering the state’s plant biosecurity, food safety and rural chemical operations.
Dr Meffin has a PhD in bio-protection from Lincoln University New Zealand and has a broad knowledge of biosecurity from both technical and policy perspectives, having worked for a number of years in the weed and aquatic biosecurity spheres.
“SA is free from many plant pests and diseases such as fruit fly and phylloxera. This confers huge benefits for our agricultural industries, such as ensuring market access as well as avoiding losses to production and increased costs associated with pest management,” he said.
“I’ll be working hard with our team to maintain and strengthen our plant biosecurity systems to keep pests and diseases out of SA.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to this role and firmly believe that working closely with industry, national and state governments, as well as the broader community, will be crucial to our success.
“SA is fortunate to enjoy freedom from many pests and diseases, however, we must remain vigilant and work together to help ensure this status is preserved.”
Dr Meffin began his role in October and Dr Carr will begin her role on December 20.
