"Our major concern is that more cuts in these areas could further erode the UK's preparedness for a disease outbreak," said BVA president Sean Wensley.

Spending cuts could "erode" preparedness for disease outbreak - BVA

BVA is urging Defra to protect budgets for animal health and welfare, after spending cuts were announced today (9 November).

Defra is one of four government departments that has provisionally agreed to cut its day to day spending by an average of 30 per cent over the next four years.

Speaking at Imperial College London today, chancellor George Osborne said: "These savings will be achieved by a combination of further efficiencies in departments, closing low value programmes, and focusing on our priorities as a country."

In a statement, BVA president Sean Wensley warned: "In recent years we have already seen the impact of significant cuts to Defra's budget on veterinary fees for TB testing and other OV services and on disease surveillance.

"Our major concern is that more cuts in these areas could further erode the UK's preparedness for a disease outbreak, which could have massive implications for animal and human health, animal welfare and the reputation of UK agriculture."

BVA is urging Defra to ensure they do not make short-term savings at the cost of serious consequences in the long term.

"The Defra Secretary of State has repeatedly said that animal health and welfare is a priority so we would urge Defra to protect animal health and welfare budgets relative to other areas of spend," Mr Wensley added.

Image courtesy of the BVA