Meet the Scientist - Seán Fee

I was raised on a small County Fermanagh dairy farm and qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon from University College Dublin in 1991. After qualification I started work in a mixed practice in Drumrainey Veterinary Surgery in Magherafelt with Clarke, Crockett and Jamison. I later spent five years with Rathfriland Veterinary Clinic in County Down.

After a short period in Dungannon District Veterinary Office (DVO), I joined Veterinary Sciences Division (VSD) within AFBI in 2001 during the foot and mouth crisis. Since 2001 I have been based in AFBI Omagh working as a Veterinary Pathologist where surveillance for notifiable, zoonotic (diseases transmissible from animals to humans) and emerging diseases or seeking changes in patterns of endemic disease form an important part of the work.

My duties revolve around pathology examinations, autopsies on fallen animal carcases, clinical pathology on specimens from live animals and histopathology.  My work entails examinations of carcasses and samples submitted by veterinary practitioners and livestock owners, as well as performing statutory work including forensic examinations for DAERA.  I also manage wildlife surveys in foxes for the important parasites Trichinella and Echinococcus.  The work is interesting and varied.

Positive experiences from my role include the interaction with our clientele, veterinary practitioners and farmers, especially appreciation for the work performed at AFBI VSD.

Interesting facts about Seán Fee:

Can you cook?  If so what is your speciality dish?

I am an OK cook.  I like to look at cookery books and pick out the dishes I would like to try in my own kitchen.  My speciality dish is ‘Hungarian Goulash’.

What is your favourite TV/radio show?

I listen to ‘Barrscéalta’ on Raidió na Gaeltachta and I like to challenge my French by listening to ‘Affaires Étrangères’ on France Culture.

If you weren’t in your current position what job/career would you like to be doing?

It would be great to be a ski instructor or sports guide (eg cycling, hiking) in the French Alps.

What are your hobbies?

I like cycling and try to get out on the bike as often as possible.  From a spectator point of view I like to support the local football club and on television I would happily watch most sports.

What is the most exciting thing you have ever done?

I very much enjoyed cycling from the Atlantic to Mediterranean coast of France some years ago and think it is now time to think about cycling the French Alps from Geneva to Nice.

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision is Advancing the Local and Global Agri-Food Sectors Through Scientific Excellence.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office

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