Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th August 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

FSA reassure on data collection policy
After a delay in the release of data prompted rumours that they were to stop collecting data altogether, the agency has released a statement dispelling concerns.
Agency to improve abattoir data collection
 
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) are implementing a new system for data collection on non-stun slaughter in UK abattoirs. After a delay in the release of data prompted rumours that they were to stop collecting data altogether, the agency has released a statement dispelling concerns.

FSA stated: "Recent media coverage has suggested that we would no longer be collecting data on the numbers of animals killed by non-stun slaughter in UK abattoirs. No such change was ever planned."

In a bid to improve systems for data collection, the FSA intend to implement a continuous means of capturing information to generate published results that are easier to understand.

The statement continued: "It has always been our intention to continue collecting information on the numbers of animals that are slaughtered in abattoirs without being stunned and releasing it publicly."

In an ongoing pledge to support animal welfare awareness, public release of previous data collected on non-stun slaughter rates incited a BVA petition to stop non-stun slaughters that received a strong public backing of more than 100,000 signatures.

The FSA concluded by saying: "Animal welfare is a high priority for the FSA and our staff working in abattoirs and we remain committed to openness and transparency."

The 2013 report into UK non-stun slaughter can be found here: http://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/news/2015/13501/animal-welfare-survey-of-slaughterhouses-published

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.