Graeme Cooke

Previously Veterinary Director for the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), Graeme became Deputy CVO for the UK Government, leading multi-disciplinary strategic, policy, and operational teams. He moved to Australia as Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer.

After practice, he joined the UK government, seeing firsthand how reviews and legislative changes force paradigm shifts in animal health and welfare.

Graeme completed an MBA, was a Lt-Colonel in the Army Reserves and spent a year at UK Defence College. Post Operations in Afghanistan, he joined the FEI and was part of changes in International Equestrian Sports approach to anti-doping, reviews into hyperflexion, arena surfaces, prohibited substances, hypersensitisation, NSAID use, and FEI Veterinary Officials roles. He was on the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) board.

In government he has been part of national approaches to disease responses, trade negotiations, and changes in national strategies and legislation. Co-chair of the Australian Animal Health Committee, he was part of World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE), EU, expert groups and is Chair of the WOAH Group for Preparedness.