Caitrina Oakes was re-elected as the chair of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) for 2022/23 at the organisation’s AGM last week.
Also re-elected were senior vice-chair Jan Moehlenbrock of MSD Animal Health and Mark Collinson of Norbrook as Treasurer, with new vice-chair Ned Flaxman (KRKA) completing the officer team.
Oakes, the managing director of Vetoquinol UK and Ireland, joined the NOAH board in June 2013. Speaking at the AGM, she reviewed the work the organisation had done over the past year to support member companies.
She said: “During the past year the association has faced a number of external challenges, in particular the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the continuing challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing environmental questions and more recently global trade disruptions due to the Ukraine war. Further delays to the new UK Veterinary Medicines Regulations have caused continued uncertainty for members. Against these challenges NOAH has continued to be sustainable, consistent and representative.
“The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability has led to the development of a new NOAH policy via the Environmental & Sustainability subcommittee and closer working with other interested stakeholder organisations.”
NOAH strategy for 2022-25 includes promoting the benefits of licensed medicines and solutions for the health of all animals, and emphasising the value of working and companion animals to society and the environment.