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BVA seeks views on OV training and revalidation system
The BVA is concerned that its members are finding the OV revalidation system frustrating and resource-intensive.

Survey follows concerns about cost and duplication of learning

The BVA is seeking views on the training and revalidation system for Official Veterinarians (OVs).

The move follows concerns that frustration with the current system could increase capacity and capability issues in this critical section of the workforce.

In a short survey that has been emailed to all members, the BVA asks respondents to confirm which OCQ(V)s they currently or have previously held. They are also asked to give reasons if they have chosen to drop a particular qualification without revalidating it.

Amongst the concerns raised about the OV training and revalidation process include cost, time, a lack of relevance and duplication of learning across different modules. The BVA says that it intends to take the data captured in the survey to the APHA and make recommendations for how the system could be improved.

“Official Veterinarians have a critical role to play in upholding high standards of health and welfare across the supply chain, certifying products for export and safeguarding against disease and food fraud. We are already aware that this area is facing significant challenges as Brexit is likely to drive up demand for product certification,” explained BVA president John Fishwick.

“It is particularly worrying to hear that members are finding the system both frustrating and resource-intensive. Losing skilled professionals now at a time when they are needed most would be a real waste of specialist knowledge and could leave gaps in the UK’s provision for responding to disease outbreaks and meeting export certification needs post-Brexit."

He continues: “We understand and support the need to keep veterinary skills up to date, but the process for demonstrating this must be straightforward and proportionate. BVA will ensure that all insights offered by respondents are raised with APHA with the aim of getting the system right for OVs working in the UK both now and in the future.”

The survey will remain open until 29 June 2018 and be accessed at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7Y2Y3RR

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.