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Vets criticise 'deeply misguided' delay to post-Brexit import checks
"We urge the Government to abandon these plans and close off the threat of causing significant damage to our food and farming industries" - James Russell, BVA.
BVA warns pushing back checks will open the door to diseases such as African Swine Fever.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a statement strongly criticising the Government’s decision to scrap the planned introduction of import checks on animals and animal products coming into the UK from 1 July 2022.

The statement comes after Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Brexit opportunities minister, said that no further import controls on EU goods will be introduced this year. Instead, the Government will develop a “new approach to import controls” that are expected to come into force at the end of 2023.

BVA has repeatedly warned that postponing the inspections, which have already been delayed three times, may have major consequences for animal health and British agriculture, as well as open the door to the spread of illnesses such as African Swine Fever.

James Russell, senior vice president of the BVA, commented: “This move flies in the face not only of common sense, but also of the Government’s commitment to preserving high levels of animal and human health in the UK.

“Diseases such as African Swine Fever have already had a catastrophic impact on agriculture and animal health in parts of Europe and elsewhere globally. With the UK now being outside the EU’s integrated and highly responsive surveillance systems, we have repeatedly warned that delaying veterinary checks further could weaken vital lines of defence against future incursions."

He continued: “To remove the requirement for checks entirely appears deeply misguided; we urge the Government to abandon these plans and close off the threat of causing significant damage to our food and farming industries. If not, the Government must urgently set out how it will safeguard animal health and welfare in the UK in the coming months.”

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk