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Legacy regulations from BSE crisis 'outdated'
TSE regulations 'need reviewing', says EBLEX chairman

Speaking at a beef and lamb industry conference, EBLEX chairman John Cross said that some of the regulations introduced during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis in the mid-1990s are now outdated.

Outdated transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) regulations, add unnecessary cost to the industry and hinder international trade, Mr Cross told delegates.

He said: "In the past, regulations around BSE and TSEs more generally, along with specified risk materials (SRM) measures, were science-based and fit for purpose and I think we can all look back and feel reassured that the scientists got it right…
 
"Thankfully, BSE is behind us but we have some legacy pieces of regulation left that are outdated and a hindrance to both trade and our international reputation.

"I mention this particularly with regards to older lamb carcasses which have to be split to meet the statutory checks, when customers want them whole.
 
"Regulation is essential in the food chain but let’s keep it live, scientifically informed, risk-based and fit for purpose. The current situation needs reviewing."

Similarly, speaking earlier in the afternoon EBLEX director Nick Allen said: "I am not suggesting there should be any relaxation of rules, just that they should be risk-based, proportionate and relevant to the industry as it is today, not where we were previously."

More than 170 delegates attended the annual EBLEX conference in Warwickshire, where they heard details of the organisation's work in a number of areas, including exports.

All presentations can be viewed on the EBLEX website. http://www.eblex.org.uk/events/conference-news/annual-conference-2013/

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."