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Secretary of state pledges commitment to vets
cattle vet
Last year, the APHA (formerly AHVLA) closed seven of its 14 veterinary surveillance centres.
BVA urges government to maintain surveillance systems

Liz Truss, secretary of state, has pledged to protect the number of frontline vets in the UK. While the BVA has welcomed this commitment, it is urging the government to maintain veterinary surveillance and animal health and welfare services.

In her speech to the Oxford Farming Conference, Ms Truss said: "Protecting our country from animal and plant disease is a top priority for me.

"Although Defra has had to implement savings, as have many areas of government, due to the terrible financial situation we have found the country in, I have been very clear that the number of frontline vets must be protected...

"I am determined we maintain our world-class disease science capability at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)."

Last year, the APHA (formerly AHVLA) closed seven of its 14 veterinary surveillance centres in Newcastle, Luddington, Langford, Preston, Sutton Bonington, Aberystwyth and Truro.

BVA's president John Blackwell welcomed Ms Truss' speech, but added: "We do, however, urge that this commitment is backed by adequate resource to ensure that vets critical work in animal disease prevention, detection and monitoring is in no way undermined and that surveillance systems remain fit-for-purpose following laboratory closures in 2014."

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.