Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th October 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Views sought on plans to ease OV shortage
Official veterinarians have an essential role to play in maintaining the delivery of official controls.
The FSA is engaging with abattoirs on proposed changes to the delivery of official controls.

As the UK veterinary workforce crisis deepens, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has written to abattoir workers inviting feedback on proposed changes to how FSA delivers controls through Official Veterinarians (OVs).

Figures released by the RCVS show that between 2019 and 2021, joiners to the UK veterinary profession fell by 26 per cent, while 2020 saw the highest number of vets leaving UK practice in 10 years. A Public Accounts Committee report released last week attributes this shortfall to many factors, including COVID-19, Brexit, a rise in pet ownership and increased demand for vets for Export Health Certification. 

Official veterinarians have an essential role to play in maintaining the delivery of official controls. The FSA fears that without a consistent supply of OVs, abattoirs will be unable to operate - and there would be significant consequences for the UK's £9 billion meat industry.

FSA director of operations, Junior Johnson, commented: “Despite challenges in veterinary recruitment, the Food Standards Agency has maintained full and ongoing service delivery of official controls in abattoirs, and there has been no interruption in service to date. 

“Official veterinarians are, however, in very short supply, and we are working with partners to find solutions to what is a systemic resourcing issue so that the FSA can continue to provide a reliable service to industry and uphold food safety, protect animal health and welfare, and enable businesses to sell food domestically and abroad.” 

FSA sent a letter to abattoirs and cutting plants on Thursday (13 October) inviting feedback on how these changes may impact their business. The insight will help inform the association's decision-making and guide the subsequent steps.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
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.