It has been published ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has launched its new Welsh manifesto, in which it calls for political parties to prioritise animal welfare and strengthen the veterinary workforce.

The document, released ahead of the Senedd elections in May 2026, calls for support for Wales' forthcoming Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

BVA suggests Senedd candidates commit to funding for the SFS, which will incentivise better health and welfare outcomes for livestock. The scheme is designed to ensure farmers are supported to give their livestock a good life.

In the manifesto, the organisation recommends that the scheme is supported by strong veterinary involvement, which it believes will ensure the scheme brings the most benefit to Welsh livestock.

It is also urging a new Welsh government to tackle veterinary workforce issues which are affecting rural areas. BVA suggests that veterinary professionals are made central to the delivery of animal health and welfare policies, which could lead to more job opportunities for private and government veterinary professionals.

Among the other requests made by the BVA manifesto is increased oversight of animal licensing activities. It states that the current Welsh government's work on an outcome-focussed licensing regime should be developed further.

It calls for an evidence-formed approach to disease control, with the compulsory Bovine Viral Diarrhoea eradication scheme fully implemented by July 2026. The government is also asked to expand schemes that use a collaborative approach to eradicating sheep scab in Wales.

Similarly, BVA suggests a collaborative approach to tackling bovine TB – including enhanced data sharing among government and private veterinary professionals as well as incentives for good biosecurity practices.

Finally, the Welsh government is encouraged to continue its support for the Arwain Vet Cymru programme, furthering its work to reduce parasiticide use in both companion and farm animals.

Phoebe McCarter, BVA Welsh Branch president, said: “Vets play a vital role in keeping pets healthy, protecting both animals and the public from disease, and ensuring high standards across the food supply chain.

“Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across the Welsh veterinary community and calls for cross-party commitments to take meaningful action”

Veterinary professionals are asked to read the manifesto, share it with their network and speak with their local member of Senedd. 

The full manifesto can be read here.

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