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

CMA launches full investigation into vet market
A group of independent experts will have access to the CMA's investigatory powers.
An inquiry group will further examine the CMA’s concerns.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a formal market investigation into the veterinary market, following consultation with major veterinary organisations.

This investigation will be conducted by a group of independent experts, who will have access to the CMA’s full investigatory powers.

The inquiry group, chaired by Martin Coleman, will seek to gather new evidence on the state of the sector. This will enable it to examine the CMA’s concerns in more depth, and develop strategies to address any issues. It will be supported and advised by CMA staff throughout the process.

The CMA’s concerns were outlined within the findings of its provisional investigation, published in March.

The department’s findings included suggestions that the spread of corporate-owned practices could be contributing to sector consolidation. This may lead to weakened competition, giving pet owners limited choice for their veterinary practices.

This lack of competition in the market also threatened to increase prices. This means that some businesses may be earning profits inconsistent with what might be expected in a competitive market.

The independent inquiry group will gather evidence for the first few months, and conduct analysis.

Potential responses may include the mandate of the provision of certain information to consumers, an imposed maximum prescription fee and ordering the sale or disposal of a business or asset. All of these responses are legally enforceable.

The CMA is also able to make recommendations to the government, such as changes to regulatory framework.

Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: “While we’re aware of acute staff shortages and difficult working conditions for vets, we consider a formal market investigation is essential to ensure good outcomes for the millions of pet owners in the UK as well as professionals working in the sector.

“The independent inquiry group will now take this investigation forward and, in the meantime, we’re publishing some tips to help pet owners better navigate vet services.”

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP), which represents independent practices across the UK, says that the investigation could strengthen the veterinary sector.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: “As a voice for independent veterinary practices, we support measures to ensure a level playing field in the veterinary industry. We believe that transparency and competition are essential for driving innovation, supporting the diversity of veterinary practice types and improving standards of care for all animals.”

She added: “We will continue to work with the CMA to uphold these principles and continue serving our communities with integrity and professionalism.”

The British Veterinary Association also believes it is an opportunity to reform the Veterinary Surgeons’ Act.

Anna Judson, BVA president, said: “As it stands, the legislation is not fit for purpose and is failing both vet teams and clients.

“We hope the CMA’s market investigation will further interrogate the need for reform and support our calls urgent cross-party support for action and inclusion in party political manifestos as we head towards a General Election.”

Image © Shutterstock

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

Charities' XL bully neutering scheme closes

News Story 1
 A scheme that helped owners of XL bully dogs with the cost of neutering has closed to new applications due to high demand.

The scheme, run by the RSPCA, Blue Cross, and Battersea, has helped 1,800 dogs and their owners after XL bullies were banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

In England and Wales, owners of XL bully dogs which were over one year old on 31 January 2021 have until 30 June 2024 to get their dog neutered. If a dog was between seven months and 12 months old, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If it was under seven months old, owners have until 30 June 2025.

More information can be found on the Defra website. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu cattle outbreak spreads to tenth US state

Cattle in two dairy herds in Iowa have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), making it the tenth state in the USA to be affected by the ongoing outbreak of the disease in cattle.

Since March 2024, more than 80 herds across the USA have been affected by the virus and three dairy workers have tested positive. Authorities have introduced measures to limit the spread of the virus and farmers have been urged to strengthen their biosecurity protocols.

Mike Naig, Iowa secretary of agriculture, said: "Given the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza within dairy cattle in many other states, it is not a surprise that we would have a case given the size of our dairy industry in Iowa.

"While lactating dairy cattle appear to recover with supportive care, we know this destructive virus continues to be deadly for poultry."