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.
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

‘No deal’ Brexit notices fuel workforce concerns
The BVA continues to urge the government to add vets to the Shortage Occupation List, to help safeguard against shortfalls in capacity.

Impacts could be ‘keenly felt’ in small animal sector 

A no-deal Brexit could spell trouble for parts of the veterinary workforce, leading to a serious shortfall in vets who certify animals and animal products as they enter and exit the UK.

This is the warning from the BVA, after a series of technical notices were published by the government. Covering topics such as pet travel, animal exports and veterinary medicines, the notices aim to help businesses and citizens prepare for a no deal Brexit.

BVA president Simon Doherty commented: “We’ve been exploring the impact of Brexit for a long time, and today’s technical notices really underline how a no-deal situation could put a strain on large and crucial sections of the veterinary workforce.
 
“The risk of shortages of OVs working in abattoirs or carrying out certification is well documented, but the impacts could also be keenly felt in the small animal sector if new pet transport requirements lead to a surge in demand for vets to carry out rabies vaccination and testing prior to travel.”

Pet travel
In the event that a deal is not reached, pets will continue to travel between the UK and the EU, but the level of documentation and health checks are expected to rise. How much will depend on what category of third country the UK becomes.

The most dramatic changes would be seen if the UK is given ‘unlisted’ third country status. In this case, dogs, cats and ferrets would be required to undergo a rabies antibody titration test at least 30 days after vaccination, no fewer than three months before the travel date.

An animal health certificate issued by an official veterinarian will also be needed. It will be valid for 10 days from the issue date until entry into EU member states.

Animal exports
Exports of animals and animal products will be carried out assuming the UK is listed as an accepted third country. An Export Health Certificate (EHC), signed by an OV at the inspection point, will be needed for all exports of animal products and live animals from the UK to the EU.

Previous warnings suggested that a no deal Brexit could lead to a 325 per cent increase in the amount of products needing veterinary certification as they enter and leave the country.

A new domestic version of TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) will be introduced at the beginning of 2019. TRACES is a web-based veterinary certification tool used by the EU to control the import and export of live animals and products, within and without its borders. BVA said it is concerned that it has not been approached to assist with the testing and training process for the new system.

Serious shortfall
The BVA continues to urge the government to add vets to the Shortage Occupation List, to help safeguard against shortfalls in capacity. Nearly 50 per cent of vets registering to work in the UK each year are from the EU and 95 per cent of OVs working in abattoirs are from overseas, predominantly the EU.
 

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

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.