CUMBRIAN-born Amanda Carson has became the new president of the Sheep Veterinary Society.

One of the UK’s leading sheep vets, Amanda, from Seascale, was elected during the society’s virtual Autumn Conference held this month.

She takes over the role from Nick Hart, who becomes senior vice president as Yoav Alony-Gilboa retires from the committee.

Amanda, 63, currently secretary of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association, graduated from the University of Sydney in 1988.

Following 15 years as a partner in rural mixed practice in Cumbria, Amanda joined the government in 2006 and in 2014 became the Small Ruminant Species Expert and leads the Defra-funded small ruminant disease scanning surveillance project in APHA.

Her sheep related activities include representing APHA on the Sheep Health and Welfare Group; vice chair of the Farmer Scientist Network of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society; trustee of the charity The Sheep Trust; and member of the Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee (FAnGR).

In 2019 she was awarded Associateship of the Royal Agricultural Societies in recognition of her outstanding contribution to agricultural and rural progress in the sheep sector.

The Sheep Veterinary Society brings together vets, advisers and flock owners from all over the United Kingdom, Europe and the wider world who are interested in the welfare and production of sheep.

The society is a forum for education and discussion on all matters relating to sheep health and welfare. It also builds strong links with sheep farmers through the National Sheep Association.

Members of the society and committee are actively involved in many different groups and schemes.