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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 5th December 2016
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Government responds to vets' Brexit concerns
brexit
"As the Minister’s letter flags, there are still many unknown-unknowns when it comes to Brexit."
Reciprocal agreement needed to protect working rights
 
Immigration minister Robert Goodwill MP has recognised the 'vital work' of UK and EU vets, but said the working rights of EU vets living in the UK can only be protected after Brexit if the rights of British citizens in EU member states are protected in return.

The position was stated in a letter to the BVA and RCVS, in response to concerns about how the UK's exit from the EU may impact the veterinary profession.

Around 50 per cent of the veterinary surgeons who register to practise in the UK each year are from overseas, primarily the EU.

In total there are more than 26,000 veterinary surgeons and 11,000 veterinary nurses in the UK who work to improve the health and welfare of animals, monitor and control the spread of diseases and assure food safety.

Mr Goodwill wrote: 'The Prime Minister has provided repeated reassurances that she wants to protect the working status of EU nationals already living in the UK, and the only circumstances in which that wouldn't be possible is if British citizens' rights in other EU Member States were not protected in return.'

The minister added that the government intends to reach an agreement on the status of EU nationals as soon as possible.

BVA president Gudrun Ravetz commented: "As the Minister’s letter flags, there are still many unknown-unknowns when it comes to Brexit, which is why it’s vital that we continue to gather vets’ views and work closely with the RCVS, amongst others, to ensure that the voice of the veterinary profession is heard in Brexit negotiations and discussions.

"It’s encouraging that the Minister’s letter not only acknowledges the vital role vets play in official terms, but through his personal note as well. BVA has been, and will continue to raise the profession’s most pressing issues to Ministers and MPs in every government across the UK to ensure that we secure the best possible outcomes for our profession and for animal health and welfare."

Those wishing to share their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession can contact their regional BVA representative, who will raise their concerns at BVA Council on 7 December. 

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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. 

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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.