International veterinarians working together

Dr. Thadaeus Labong is a practicing Veterinarian in Jos, Plateau State of Nigeria.

He graduated from University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM) renamed Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.

He's a passionate public health scientist who's major concern is food security. He worked to ensure quality wholesome milk is produced and consumed by the public.

As a lecturer with the College of Agriculture Garkawa Nigeria, He mentored students in the field large animal medicine.

Ben qualified in 2014 from the Royal Veterinary College, London and joined the Farm Animal Production internship at Synergy Farm Health based in Dorset, UK. He has remained at Synergy ever since, though has taken the opportunity to see veterinary practice in the Netherlands and New Zealand as part of a sabbatical. Ben is the main health advisor for one of the UK’s largest beef integration chains, focusing on their calf rearing enterprise which sources milk-fed calves from multiple dairies. He completed a Masters in Veterinary Epidemiology in 2021, and uses these skills to interpret large calf performance datasets and conduct studies on a beef calf-rearing trial farm that is under his care.

I have been a practising veterinarian in Denmark since 2011. My primary work in practice has been as a herd veterinarian in dairy farms with a focus on health and nutrition of calves and young stock, reproduction, health and nutrition of transition cows, animal welfare, udder health, disease control and prevention, treatment and vaccination protocols. In 2013 I became a partner in the practice. In 2015 I became DVA certified in Herd Health management, disease and reproduction.

Since qualifying as a veterinary surgeon in 2019, I have worked in a large dairy practice where principles of evidence based veterinary medicine, education, and sustainability for both the practice and the agricultural industry we serve have underpinned my work. In July 2022, I started a residency programme with the Royal Veterinary College, alongside my clinical work, to study for the Masters In Veterinary Medicine and to become a Diplomat of the European College of Bovine Health Management, which I am due to finish later this year.

As part of my residency programme I have been actively involved in research, with publications on computer vision and a current project investigating the effects of sedation on outcomes after calf disbudding. I also dedicate a substantial amount of my time to teaching veterinary students in both practical and classroom sessions.

My current clinical work is predominantly dairy based, working with a wide variety of herds that range from 40 to over 2,000 milking cows. I strive to stay up to date with recent published literature on cattle health and production and where relevant apply it to improve the health and performance of the herds I work with. This has led to developing a few key areas of interest for me including the monitoring of transition cow success and subclinical hypocalcaemia, as well as implementation of new diagnostic techniques to improve calf health and lifetime production, such as the utilisation of quick thoracic ultrasound.

Having worked as a first opinion production animal vet for 17 years, I decided to move my career towards a more proactive role: consulting on improving the efficiency and thereby the sustainability of livestock. My particular area of interest is in beef animals as I believe there huge gains to be made in this industry when it comes to assessing carbon output and maximising productivity.

UK farming needs all the help it can get at the moment and I want to support farmers for us all to be here in 20 years time.

I have an interest in improving the sustainability of farming practices in UK. As a practising farm vet and director in a mixed practice for the last 16 years I have acquired the communication skills and experience to work with farmers and other stakeholders to discuss sustainability issues on cattle & sheep farms (and a few goat herds). Prior to becoming a director I worked as a lecturer of ruminant health, production and welfare at the University of Liverpool. I was involved in (and received training in the delivery of) large group lectures and small group teaching along with practical workshops. I have always had an passion for investment in our environment, animal health and welfare and the well-being of students, clients and now my staff. The practice is currently a silver award holder in the Investors in Environment scheme (just about to be audited for Green standard). I really enjoy writing articles and delivering educational talks to farmers, schools and the general public encouraging sustainability considerations including welfare and production, biodiversity, responsible antimicrobial use and food provenance. I chair a Flock Health Club with around 20 sheep farmer members with the aim to disseminate knowledge and experiences in improving flock heath and sustainability. My colleagues and I also run 'Ignite Agri-forum' and 'Chewing the Cud' discussion group directly aiming to target young (post YFC) farmers and farmers' managing farms respectively to consider ways of working, diversification and sustainability issues. Since completing the course A Veterinary Approach to Sustainable Food and Farming course I am keen to gain more experience and be more involved in working towards a more sustainable future.

Interest in the environmental impact of livestock farming and how this is being portrayed. Like to approach concepts and problems from many angles to try and understand why that conclusion has been made, could we have come up with a different one? How improving animal health can increase efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint per kg of milk/meat sold. Can farming practices also be beneficial to carbon capture? Is the environmental story biased when it comes to farming? Do farmers voices matter? Are we measuring the right things? Could we do better? Does NZ farming fit the current models being used?

Henry is a director at Crowshall Veterinary Services, a dedicated commercial poultry and gamebird practice based in the UK which is accredited green in sustainability by Investors in the Environment (iiE). Henry is a resident of the European College of Poultry Veterinary Science (ECPVS), a mental health first aider, and an external educator for the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).

I have been a production animal vet since graduating in the UK, working for 2.5 years in the Peak District of England before moving to South Canterbury, NZ, where I worked for 3 years with Vetlife. Over the past few years, I developed a growing interest in how I could contribute more broadly to animal and public health beyond clinical work.

I am now pursuing a Master of Veterinary Studies degree at Massey as a full-time student, aiming to develop the epidemiological and analytical skills necessary to transition from clinical practice to research. My interests lie in One Health, zoonotic diseases, animal welfare, and policy making, with particular interest in those relating to large animals (due to my clinical background). A key theme that has emerged through my studies so far is the importance of evidence-based practice. I would love to have a role in providing practising vets with current, evidence-backed best practices, so that their work is as impactful as possible in improving animal health outcomes.

I am a veterinary surgeon with over 20 years of experience across farm animal practice, academic research, and commercial animal health. My career has been shaped by a passion for improving livestock health, welfare, and sustainability at both farm and industry level. I began in clinical practice, spending over a decade supporting beef and dairy clients across Northern Ireland. During this time, I developed a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities facing farmers and gained practical insight into what effective veterinary support really means. Driven to create broader impact, I went on to complete a PhD in ruminant nutrition and immune function, publishing peer-reviewed papers and presenting internationally. I take great satisfaction in turning complex research into practical, actionable guidance and continue to do so through government consulting, conference presentations, and advisory work. I’ve since worked in technical leadership roles in the pharmaceutical and feed industry, supporting the development, communication, and implementation of animal health strategies across the UK and Ireland. Alongside this, I’ve led collaborative industry projects, sat on professional committees, and contributed to key policy discussions around veterinary medicine access, antimicrobial use, and sustainable livestock systems. Through my Nuffield Farming Scholarship, I explored multi species preventative health practices worldwide, which gave me a greater appreciation for cross-sector learning and the global relevance of One Health approaches. Whether advising farmers, developing training, or shaping policy, I bring a systems-thinking mindset grounded in real-world application.

Niels graduated in 2002 (Utrecht, NL) with a degree in veterinary medicine. He worked in various veterinary practices before joining veterinarian practice Thewi BV in 2006. In 2008, he became co-owner of Thewi BV. Thewi BV is a veterinary practice consisting of 10 certified veterinarians specializing in veal and beef.

He advises farmers as well as integrations and technicians on health care, welfare, management, housing, climate, feed, and other aspects involved in raising calves in the Netherlands and abroad on request.

He contributed to the development of guidelines for veterinarians working with veal and to the identification of critical success factors to reduce the use of antibiotics in the Dutch veal industry.

He is a member of the expert panel on infectious diseases.

He is co-author/author of scientific articles, has participated in clinical trials, and has presented oral presentations and posters at various World Buiatrics Congresses.

For more than 20 years, I worked as a conventional cattle veterinarian, where I also focused strongly on herd management and preventive medicine. Later, I started my own solo practice with the aim of helping farmers improve their management, without being involved in the sale of medicines. Through Klevet Koeienpraktijk, I support farmers in optimizing their work, I have a special interest in the transition period.. In addition, I am active as FarmLabo, selling blood analysis equipment (BoviLab—on-farm blood testing) to veterinarians. The main goal here is to detect subclinical diseases and enhance management practices. I believe the mission of VetSalus aligns perfectly with my vision, and I value operating within a larger network.

After graduating from the Faculty of Animal Sciences at Wageningen University, I began studying veterinary medicine at Utrecht University.

After graduating, I initially worked as a general veterinarian. After two years, I specialized in ruminants and a small portion of equine care. Since 2014, I have been co-owner of a practice in the north of the Netherlands. In my daily work, I focus primarily on preventive veterinary medicine and fertility. I am a member of the infectious diseases expert panel and hold various additional classifications from Dutch dairy companies.

Grace is a 2014 Bristol University graduate, with experience of working across disciplines and geographical borders. Highly adaptable, she has thrived in mixed practice, small animal emergency clinics, wildlife work in South Africa and in beef, sheep, dairy and deer farm practices in the UK and New Zealand.

Non clinical roles have added to her arsenal of experience; involvement in the development of the Drench And Grazing Integration (DAGI) app have fostered new connections, technology skills and experience of international project management.

Governmental work as Initial Investigating Vet has given Grace a strong foundation in epidemiology and mass disease preparedness, supported by her professional contribution to her region's Civil Defence and Emergency Management plans.

Through her varied career, Grace has developed special interests in exotic disease, wildlife, deer farming (she now sits on the Marlborough Deer Farming Committee), and dairy work - with an overriding focus on sustainability across disciplines. She successfully achieved Investors In the Environment accreditation for a multidiscipline independent practice in the UK, and has founded multiple Farmer Sustainability groups and clinic Green Groups.

As a Founding member and subsequently a National Executive member of the Aotearoa Veterinarians' Union, Grace understands that 'Sustainability' encompasses not only how we treat the planet, but how we support each other as well. To that end she has also completed Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero Māmā Tētahi Ki Tētahi in Te reo Māori and intends to complete the three subsequent courses to gain the Bilingual certificate.

Completing the VetSalus 'A Veterinary Approach to Sustainable Food and Farming' course, and achieving LANTRA certification led her to become a consultant for VetSalus.

Outside of work you will often find her swimming in whatever body of water she can find - especially if it's cold!

As an expert in udder health, I am eager to engage at an international level. I am convinced that exchanging experiences, sharing knowledge, and collaborating with peers across borders will enhance our collective understanding and expertise. My daily work focuses on udder health and the responsible use of antimicrobials. Contributing to international projects would provide an excellent opportunity to further develop my expertise, apply my insights in a broader context, and actively support initiatives that promote animal health and sustainable practices.

I have always been fascinated by nature and animals and it seems naturally to me to reflect on agricultural impact on climate, biodiversity and soil fertility. I have practical experience with a number of different production types, ranging from small scale biodynamic farming to organic and conventional dairy and beef production. Not only as a veterinary advisor, but also as an on-farm employee. During my studies I worked as a research assistant with both disease models, necropsies and feed trials in broilers, pigs, cattle and mink. This has taught me to recognize patterns, think outside the box and to work systematically, which are skills I apply everyday in my work as a veterinary practitioner.
I take pride in working with food production and feel a great responsibility toward helping farmers and other interested parties transform their businesses to accommodate the ever-changing demands from consumers and legislators. My main interests are hoof health, grazing strategies and parasite management.

With over 40 years of international experience as a veterinarian specializing in cattle, I have contributed to consultancy, after-sales service, and greenfield projects in more than 40 countries. My expertise includes technical advisory, implementation of animal health programs, training local teams, and establishing sustainable livestock projects. I am passionate about improving animal health and productivity, combining in-depth veterinary knowledge with hands-on experience in complex international environments.

I am an independent farm veterinary consultant and founder of FertiliVet, specialising in fertility, herd health, and production advisory for dairy and beef systems. I am a DBR-holder and an Advanced Practitioner of Cattle Health and Production. As an advocate for responsible, evidence-based hormone use in cattle, I am actively involved in research using Doppler ultrasonography to refine reproductive interventions. I am also carrying out a PhD at the University of Nottingham, focussed on the use of precision livestock technology to improve resilience, welfare and production in dairy cows.

Over the past decade, I have worked across progressive farms, leading applied fertility trials, supporting herd health improvements, and mentoring both veterinary and farm teams. My experience spans translating complex clinical data into practical strategies, delivering training for farmers and vets, and integrating sustainability and productivity goals on farm.

Rob Grinnall is a highly experienced veterinary consultant specialising in international livestock exports. With a degree from the University of Liverpool (1988), Rob has dedicated his career to advancing the standards of the UK livestock and agri-tech sectors on the global stage.

In his current roles with UKECP and UKTAG, Rob works extensively with government bodies and industry leaders, including Defra, APHA, the Veterinary Trade Facilitation team, and the Department of Business and Trade. His work focuses on facilitating the trade of breeding stock, embryos, and semen, with a specialized emphasis on the complex requirements of export health certificates for sheep, cattle, and goats.

Rob is a seasoned international negotiator who has represented UK interests across Algeria, Argentina, the USA, Uruguay, Paraguay, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkey. In these roles, he frequently engages with government ministers and British Ambassadors to strengthen trade relationships and develop new export protocols. He is currently spearheading a multi-group forum designed to align industry and government efforts, ensuring future-proof agreements and enhanced support for overseas partners.

With a strong aptitude for public speaking and a commitment to collaborative, cross-border veterinary solutions, Rob brings a wealth of strategic experience to the VetSalus network.

Laura is a seasoned professional with nine years of experience as a large animal veterinarian. Laura has a strong background in consultancy, which she cultivated during her time in practice through successfully running flock health clubs and managing the completion of essential Red Tractor assurance plans.

Peter graduated in 1990 from Hannover Vet School and has a keen interest in sustainable livestock farming, preventative medicine and the reduction in antimicrobial usage. Peter is a board member of the European College of Bovine Health Management.

Lorna is a veterinarian and consultant with over 15 years experience across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. Lorna combines clinical veterinary expertise with systems thinking to support sustainable, resilient farming systems, working at the intersection of animal, environmental and human health. Her work spans clinical practice, industry programmes, and governance, enabling farmers and organisations to implement practical, system-level improvements that enhance animal health, productivity, and environmental outcomes.

Anne Mette Danscher is a Veterinary Advisor at VikingDanmark, bringing extensive expertise in hoof and calf health to the cattle sector. After graduating in 2002, she earned a PhD from the University of Copenhagen and has since built a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, academic research, and the medical industry. Passionate about knowledge transfer, Anne Mette dedicates her time educating both farmers and veterinary students, integrating advanced research into practical, daily farm operations. Her professional mission is to spearhead sustainable advancements that enhance animal welfare, support farming communities, and protect the environment.

Line Fruergaard-Roed is a specialized veterinarian with 20 years of experience in cattle practice, focusing on reproduction, biosecurity, and transition cow management. A specialist since 2015, Line has played a significant role in veterinary education, serving as a course coordinator for inseminator training and contributing to the leadership of specialist veterinary training programs. Line brings practical expertise from managing her own 400-cow organic farm and is currently responsible for the biosecurity implementation and daily operations for 280 colleagues at Viking