Two senior representatives from the Kazakh Veterinary Committee visited the UK on Sunday, 23rd November, for a two-day programme of meetings focused on understanding the UK’s veterinary systems and disease-control frameworks.
The delegation was hosted by Dr Rob Grinnall (UKECP/UKTAG), and Adema Nurtaza British Embassy Astana. They were accompanied by Mr Yerlan Zeineshev and Mr Abay Besken of the Kazakh Embassy in London.
The visit began on Monday morning with a welcome breakfast at the hotel, followed by a meeting with the British Poultry Council chaired by Ms Máire Burnett, Technical Director, and featuring a presentation from Dr Judith Reid (Aviagen).
The group then moved to The Farmers Club, where Dr Grinnall delivered an in-depth presentation on the UK veterinary system, bluetongue surveillance and control, and UK compliance with WOAH recommendations. Also participating in discussions were Mr Marcus Bates (UKECP Director), Dr Peter Grey (Defra MA), and Mr David Skeels (British Kazakh Society).
After lunch, the delegation visited the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) for a detailed session on how the Food Standards Agency protects consumers and manages food-safety risks in the UK.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr Peter Grey (Defra MA) and Mr Kazbek Tashimov (Chair, Kazakh Veterinary Service) signed the agreed Export Health Certificates (EHCs) for bovine, ovine, and porcine semen.
(These certificates have been agreed, but import permits are not currently being issued.)
On Tuesday, Adema, Rob, and the delegates visited ZSL London Zoo, where UKTAG had arranged a tour of the pathology centre with Dr Simon Spiro and the veterinary clinical centre with Dr Amanda Guthrie, Head of Wildlife Health Services.
Dr Guthrie outlined the facilities and described disease-management procedures for animals entering and leaving the two ZSL zoos. Dr Spiro explained that every animal death results in a full post-mortem examination, allowing ZSL to maintain an extensive archive of samples and data. This work has led to the identification of at least two new bacterial strains in recent years.
Following a brief lunch at the zoo, the group travelled to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in Camden. Dr Nina Davies, Chief International Officer and Director of Strategic Partnerships, provided a tour of the teaching facilities and discussed the institution’s development and history. A discussion with Professor Barbara Haesler followed, focusing on the College’s commitment to the One Health principle and its integration into teaching and research.
Professor Stuart Reid, RVC President and Principal, then outlined the challenges facing the veterinary profession—including recruitment, retention, and career sustainability—issues that mirror those currently seen in Kazakhstan.
The delegates departed the UK early on Wednesday morning with a range of insights to share with colleagues in Astana.
Thank you to everyone involved for helping to deliver a highly productive and collaborative visit.
