Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, today announced the appointment of Dermot McNerney to the position of veterinary officer, based at Dareton.

"Mr McNerney’s appointment offers a great opportunity for stockowners in south-western NSW to deal with someone with a vast veterinary background," Minister Macdonald said.

"He will work mainly in the Western Livestock Health and Pest Authority's southern districts (Balranald-Wentworth and Hillston) and closely with staff from the authorities.

"McNerney will play a critical role in the Department’s ability to deal with or respond to animal health and residue issues across south western NSW.

"Another of Mr McNerney’s duties will involve coordinating the implementation of disease control programs, such as anthrax, NLIS and general surveillance for emergency diseases, at the regional level with local farmers.

"Mr McNerney’s appointment at Dareton complements NSW DPI’s veterinary team in the Western Division based at Bourke and Broken Hill."

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Bruce Christie, said Mr McNerney graduated as a veterinarian in Ireland, and has worked in the UK and later Africa, where he dealt with major diseases exotic to Australia, including foot-and-mouth disease and tick-borne diseases of cattle.

"While in Africa, Dermot began working with the pharmaceutical industry, and continued this work when he moved to New Zealand in 1982," Mr Christie said.

"Mr McNerney developed a strong interest in commercial business, which led to his appointment to a series of senior positions in the pharmaceutical and genetic improvement sectors.

"He also had his own consultancy business for a number of years, where he worked with both multinational companies and small businesses."

Mr McNerney can be contacted on (03) 5019 8411.

Media contact: Sarah Chester 0417 207 669