BVA Anxious for Answers after Vet Surveillance Report
The British Veterinary Association, while welcoming the publication of the Kinnaird Review of Scottish Government Veterinary Surveillance, has also expressed its concern that many questions are left unanswered about the future provision of services.
Amongst the recommendations in the review was the rationalisation of the service, including scope for the reduction in the number of Disease Surveillance Centres (DSCs), while still maintaining current levels of diagnostic services.
Carl Padgett, the President of the BVA, said: "We know that those in the veterinary profession and in industry have been anxious to find out the results of the Kinnaird review and so we welcome the publication of this report. In particular we welcome the recommendation that the current level of diagnostic services should be retained."
He added: "However, we are concerned that a degree of uncertainty remains over the long-term future of the SAC's eight Disease Surveillance Centres."
Mr Padgett is keen for the BVA to "engage with the new strategic management board as they begin to discuss with stakeholders and staff how the rationalisation should take place," and he also expressed his eagerness for veterinary representation on the board.
He concluded: "Any decisions on closure must be based on good surveillance and diagnostic outcomes, not on pure financial savings. The proposed centralisation of the laboratory services should only be carried out if it improves efficiency and maintains or enhances the current performance."
In support, Robert Anderson - the President of BVA Scottish Branch - said: "We are pleased to see the recognition of the high quality of service provided by the SAC Disease Surveillance Centres, which is valued by vets in practice....But we are somewhat surprised that the report leaves us with questions about how the rationalisation will take shape and how long the process will take."
To access the report click here.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
