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BVA launches 10 pledges for general election manifesto
“We are at a critical time for animal health and welfare, and the future of our profession".
Pledges include protecting all animals in law and boosting the veterinary workforce

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a list of 10 pledges for political parties to include in their manifestos for the upcoming general election.

The pledges, which include animal welfare, Brexit and the veterinary workforce, were unveiled at a private briefing for MPs and Peers in Westminster last month. The BVA has written to all major parties to ask them to adopt the pledges in their General Election manifestos

They are:

    1    Reject a no-deal Brexit
    2    Boost the veterinary workforce
    3    Protect all animals in law
    4    Protect UK welfare standards in future trade deals and agri policies
    5    Protect the welfare of animals at slaughter
    6    Strengthen legislation against illegal puppy imports
    7    Commit to evidence-based disease control
    8    Introduce a single database for microchip registration
    9    Ban primates as pets
    10    Put animal welfare on the national curriculum

BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: “We are at a critical time for animal health and welfare, and the future of our profession. All major political parties recognise that animal welfare is a key issue for voters so it’s essential that they adopt sound, evidence-based policies in their manifestos.
 
“Our manifesto of 10 pledges draws together the most pressing topical issues that matter to our members. Unsurprisingly, Brexit has taken the top slot. BVA has not taken a position in favour of leave or remain, but our Council reviewed the evidence and concluded that a no-deal Brexit would have serious consequences for our workforce, and animal health and welfare.”
 
She continued: “We know there is cross-party support for many of the animal welfare measures in our manifesto, such as enshrining sentience in UK law, but we need to see a real commitment to action. We’re looking forward to engaging with all parties to put these policies into effect.
 
“During the campaign, we’re calling on election candidates to talk to vets in their local communities to better understand the veterinary workforce and welfare issues in our profession.”

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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.