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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th June 2018
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BVA seeks views on OV training and revalidation system
The BVA is concerned that its members are finding the OV revalidation system frustrating and resource-intensive.

Survey follows concerns about cost and duplication of learning

The BVA is seeking views on the training and revalidation system for Official Veterinarians (OVs).

The move follows concerns that frustration with the current system could increase capacity and capability issues in this critical section of the workforce.

In a short survey that has been emailed to all members, the BVA asks respondents to confirm which OCQ(V)s they currently or have previously held. They are also asked to give reasons if they have chosen to drop a particular qualification without revalidating it.

Amongst the concerns raised about the OV training and revalidation process include cost, time, a lack of relevance and duplication of learning across different modules. The BVA says that it intends to take the data captured in the survey to the APHA and make recommendations for how the system could be improved.

“Official Veterinarians have a critical role to play in upholding high standards of health and welfare across the supply chain, certifying products for export and safeguarding against disease and food fraud. We are already aware that this area is facing significant challenges as Brexit is likely to drive up demand for product certification,” explained BVA president John Fishwick.

“It is particularly worrying to hear that members are finding the system both frustrating and resource-intensive. Losing skilled professionals now at a time when they are needed most would be a real waste of specialist knowledge and could leave gaps in the UK’s provision for responding to disease outbreaks and meeting export certification needs post-Brexit."

He continues: “We understand and support the need to keep veterinary skills up to date, but the process for demonstrating this must be straightforward and proportionate. BVA will ensure that all insights offered by respondents are raised with APHA with the aim of getting the system right for OVs working in the UK both now and in the future.”

The survey will remain open until 29 June 2018 and be accessed at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7Y2Y3RR

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.