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Legacy regulations from BSE crisis 'outdated'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some of the regulations introduced during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis in the mid-1990s are now outdated.

Outdated transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) regulations, add unnecessary cost to the industry and hinder international trade, Mr Cross told delegates.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"Thankfully, BSE is behind us but we have some legacy pieces of regulation left that are outdated and a hindrance to both trade and our international reputation.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/

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.