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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th October 2022
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Views sought on plans to ease OV shortage
Official veterinarians have an essential role to play in maintaining the delivery of official controls.
The FSA is engaging with abattoirs on proposed changes to the delivery of official controls.

As the UK veterinary workforce crisis deepens, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has written to abattoir workers inviting feedback on proposed changes to how FSA delivers controls through Official Veterinarians (OVs).

Figures released by the RCVS show that between 2019 and 2021, joiners to the UK veterinary profession fell by 26 per cent, while 2020 saw the highest number of vets leaving UK practice in 10 years. A Public Accounts Committee report released last week attributes this shortfall to many factors, including COVID-19, Brexit, a rise in pet ownership and increased demand for vets for Export Health Certification. 

Official veterinarians have an essential role to play in maintaining the delivery of official controls. The FSA fears that without a consistent supply of OVs, abattoirs will be unable to operate - and there would be significant consequences for the UK's £9 billion meat industry.

FSA director of operations, Junior Johnson, commented: “Despite challenges in veterinary recruitment, the Food Standards Agency has maintained full and ongoing service delivery of official controls in abattoirs, and there has been no interruption in service to date. 

“Official veterinarians are, however, in very short supply, and we are working with partners to find solutions to what is a systemic resourcing issue so that the FSA can continue to provide a reliable service to industry and uphold food safety, protect animal health and welfare, and enable businesses to sell food domestically and abroad.” 

FSA sent a letter to abattoirs and cutting plants on Thursday (13 October) inviting feedback on how these changes may impact their business. The insight will help inform the association's decision-making and guide the subsequent steps.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.