TB testing contracts extension welcomed by BVA
Following a constructive dialogue, XL Farmcare and Cornwall have announced an extension to the contract signatures from 14 to 21 days.
A decision to extend the deadline for TB testing contracts in Devon and Cornwall has been welcomed by the BVA.
BVA members raised concerns last week that the 14-day deadline for signing the new TB testing contracts did not give veterinary business enough time to consider the contract changes.
Working with the BCVA, the BVA raised these concerns with XL Farmcare Devon and Cornwall and other key stakeholders, including the APHA.
Following a constructive dialogue, XL Farmcare and Cornwall have announced an extension to the contract signatures from 14 to 21 days.
Sean Wensley, president of the BVA, said: “We are pleased that XL Farmcare Devon and Cornwall has listened to the concerns that have been raised and has responded positively. We hope this deadline extension will give veterinary practices the time they need to consider the financial and practical implications of the new contracts for their businesses.
“Now that the new system of Delivery Partners is in place it is essential that everyone works together to ensure the effective delivery of TB testing and to maintain the vital relationship between farmers and their local vets. BVA will continue to support and represent the interests of all our members, and we recognise that making the new arrangements work poses challenges for all parties involved.
“We have also raised our members’ concerns with APHA, and we are in the process of contacting the other Delivery Partners in England to discuss how we can work together to smooth the roll-out of new contracts across the country.”
Contracts in the South East were issued on Friday and BVA expects new contracts to be issued imminently.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.
