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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 7th November 2013
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

Legacy regulations from BSE crisis 'outdated'
TSE regulations 'need reviewing', says EBLEX chairman

Speaking at a beef and lamb industry conference, EBLEX chairman John Cross said that some of the regulations introduced during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis in the mid-1990s are now outdated.

Outdated transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) regulations, add unnecessary cost to the industry and hinder international trade, Mr Cross told delegates.

He said: "In the past, regulations around BSE and TSEs more generally, along with specified risk materials (SRM) measures, were science-based and fit for purpose and I think we can all look back and feel reassured that the scientists got it right…
 
"Thankfully, BSE is behind us but we have some legacy pieces of regulation left that are outdated and a hindrance to both trade and our international reputation.

"I mention this particularly with regards to older lamb carcasses which have to be split to meet the statutory checks, when customers want them whole.
 
"Regulation is essential in the food chain but let’s keep it live, scientifically informed, risk-based and fit for purpose. The current situation needs reviewing."

Similarly, speaking earlier in the afternoon EBLEX director Nick Allen said: "I am not suggesting there should be any relaxation of rules, just that they should be risk-based, proportionate and relevant to the industry as it is today, not where we were previously."

More than 170 delegates attended the annual EBLEX conference in Warwickshire, where they heard details of the organisation's work in a number of areas, including exports.

All presentations can be viewed on the EBLEX website. http://www.eblex.org.uk/events/conference-news/annual-conference-2013/

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.