Dr. Karma Rinzin
World Organisation for Animal Health, Sub-Regional Representation for South-East Asia
Dr. Karma Rinzin is a highly accomplished Bhutanese veterinarian with extensive expertise in animal health management and disease control programs. With a Bachelor's degree from Bombay Veterinary College (India), a Master's in Veterinary Epidemiology from Massey University (New Zealand), and a PhD in Veterinary Science from Murdoch University (Australia), he possesses a robust academic foundation in veterinary medicine and epidemiology. Dr Rinzin’s PhD thesis focused on the population dynamics and health status of free-roaming dogs in Bhutan. He has substantial experience dog population management and rabies control, including the estimation of dog population size (owned and un-owned) across diverse cultural settings. Currently serving as the Regional Animal Health Coordinator at WOAH’s Sub-Regional Representation for South-East Asia in Bangkok, Dr. Rinzin leads initiatives to combat transboundary animal diseases. He has been pivotal in developing ASEAN strategies for African Swine Fever, Peste des Petits Ruminants, Lumpy Skin Disease, and the ASEAN Rabies Elimination Strategy, alongside the SEACFMD Roadmap (2021–2025). Prior to his current role, Dr. Rinzin held several key leadership positions within the Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan. These included serving as Regional Veterinary Officer for Bhutan's Western region, Programme Director of the National Centre for Animal Health, and Chief Veterinary Officer of the Animal Health Division. In these roles, he demonstrated exceptional leadership in strengthening Bhutan's veterinary services and disease control infrastructure.