Biography

Born on a dairy farm in the northern part of North Holland, there was a strong motivation to become a cattle veterinarian from an early age. At Utrecht University, the study of Veterinary Medicine laid the foundation for a career among cows and dairy farming. 

For over 20 years, I worked as a cattle veterinarian where the focus was on business management and care for the individual animal. The practice was part of a group of progressive veterinary practices in the Netherlands. During this period, I was a member of the advisory board and helped write a work instruction for fertility treatments. 

I have been working at the GD since 2024. I focus on monitoring animal health in the Netherlands. The signals we receive from the field and from abroad are essential for this. Maintaining a good relationship with practitioners throughout the Netherlands is of great importance. With my experience as a practitioner, I hope to be that connection. I get a lot of satisfaction from finding practical solutions to problems that occur on the farm, for both veterinarians and farmers, and I am committed to sustainable and future-proof livestock farming.

Another important area of attention is Neospora. With the program drawn up by GD and the available laboratory tests, we can help farmers in the approach and prevention of rejects by Neospora: still a major cause of rejections in the Netherlands. Through literature research, contact with colleagues abroad and visiting conferences, I keep my knowledge of this up to date.