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UK will adopt EU animal welfare standards post-Brexit, Defra minister
“We will remain global leaders in environmental protection and animal welfare standards" - Lod Gardiner.

NPA says announcement has ‘significant’ implications for the pig sector

The UK will adopt all EU food safety, environmental and animal welfare standards after Brexit, Defra minister Lord Gardiner has said.

According to Farming UK, Lord Gardiner made the announcement during a House of Lords session on Wednesday (4 September).

Lord Gardiner stated: “We will remain global leaders in environmental protection and animal welfare standards, maintaining our high-quality produce for British consumers.

“The Withdrawal Act will transfer on to the UK statute book all EU food safety, environmental and animal welfare standards. Our current high standards, including import requirements, will apply when we leave.”

UK farming leaders have been lobbying the government to provide reassurance that British food production and animal welfare standards will be upheld after the UK leaves the EU.

Responding to Lord Gardiner’s comments, National Pig Association (NNPA) senior policy Ed Barker said the announcement has significant implications for the pig sector.

“This would confirm that a non-EU pork exporter to the UK would have to adhere to EU's rules on demonstrating 'ractopamine free' pork exports,” he said.

Ractopamine is a beta-agonist, which promotes leanness in animals raised for meat, and is banned by many countries, including China.

“Today’s announcement means that in order to export to the UK they [the US] will have to continue this. But this is not without risk…” he continued.

“The UK Government's tariffs in the event of a no-deal treats all countries the same (approximately five per cent tariffs on pork imports), meaning US exporters have massive competitive advantage (the US have a cost of production 30-40 per cent lower than EU's).

“They are likely to be able to absorb the costs of testing for ractopamine and add shipping, and still make a healthy profit at the expense of EU and UK producers - who are banned from doing a number of practices still permitted in the US.”

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."