Mr Neto moves to MSD after three years as technical manager for swine products at Merial Animal Health. A member of Pig Veterinary Society and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, he has extensive experience of pig production, both technical and applied.

A very 'hands-on' vet, Mr Neto qualified from the University of Tras os Montes e Alto Douro in Portugal in 2004, and moved into general veterinary practice. He came to the UK in 2005 as company vet for breeding company, ACMC, before moving to Yorkshire-based pig practice Holmefield Farm Services as a veterinary consultant. He was in practice there until 2008 and gained a valuable insight into the disease challenges faced by UK pig production units and the strategies needed to help producers maintain and optimise productivity and performance.

Ricardo Neto

Mr Neto has a particular interest in porcine circovirus (PCV2) and has been involved with a number of collaborative projects investigating the debilitating effects that PCV2 has on breeding herd and finishing pig performance and has published several scientific papers on the subject.

He said: "I'm delighted to join MSD at such an exciting time and with the prospect of new products coming on stream. The UK pig sector is facing tough times with escalating feed costs, increasing fuel and energy bills, disease challenges and poor farm gate prices. Improving health status is vital if we are to increase productivity and our competitive edge. Successfully tackling viral challenges will be key factor in achieving these objectives."

MSD has a wide range of tools including a full respiratory vaccine range together with its ResPig® farm and health audit package, to help producers manage disease, improve herd health and increase productivity.

David Hallas, MSD General Manager for the UK and Ireland, welcomed Ricardo's appointment.

He said Mr Neto is totally committed to the pig sector with a wealth of practical experience and specialist veterinary knowledge.

Mr Hallas added: "Ricardo understands the business from a producer's and a vet's perspective, and that is a huge asset in an increasingly competitive and regulated animal health sector."

David Schofield, Director of MSD's Integrated Livestock Business Unit, is delighted Mr Neto is joining his close-knit team.

He commented: "He brings valuable skills and expertise to both the pig team and the ILBU. We are pleased to have him on board."