The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has appointed Stuart Jaques as the Island’s new Chief Veterinary Officer.
Stuart’s promotion into this position follows the retirement of Eamon O’Donnell in June.
Speaking about his appointment, Stuart said, "This is a tremendous opportunity to build on the achievements of the Division in disease control.
"I’m looking forward to discussing the future of animal health and welfare with both the farming community and general public; in order to assist the Department in producing a policy that relates our changing perceptions of animals and their welfare to profitable food production."
Stuart qualified with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science from Bristol University in 1985 and began work for Stuart Angus in Ramsey.
In May 1990, he joined Isle of Man Government as a Government Veterinary Officer (GVO).
He has taken various responsibilities since then, most recently leading in the field of tuberculosis and other notifiable diseases.
During his time as a GVO, Stuart also spent several years as Vice Chairman of the Government Officer’s Association (GOA).
Last year, he completed a MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health with Distinction and was awarded the Pfizer Award for gaining the highest overall marks.
Earlier this year, Stuart was invited to become a Student Ambassador for the Royal Veterinary College Distance Learning Programme.
Stuart’s wife, Sue, is Manx and works as a schoolteacher at Dhoon School.
They have three children who are all at school in Ramsey. Both Sue and Stuart are part of Shennaghys Jiu ('Traditions Today'), the Ramsey Easter festival, and Sue is involved with the Manx dance group Ny Fennee.
Colin Kniveton, DAFF’s Chief Executive, said, "I am pleased to congratulate Stuart on his promotion to Chief Veterinary Officer of the Department.
"He is a long-serving officer for the Department and is well respected by colleagues both within government and the farming and veterinary industries throughout the Island.
"I am certain that he will rise to the challenge to promote animal health and welfare provision into the future for the Island."
