BVA Encourages DARD to Utilise Private Vet Practices
BVA President, Carl Padgett
Speaking at the British Veterinary Association North of Ireland Dinner on Thursday 10th November, the President of the BVA said that there is an economic case for the Northen Irish Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) to make vets an integral part of Northen Ireland's agri-food strategy.
Carl Padgett, the President of the BVA, said: "Here in Northern Ireland there is a great network of rural and urban practices available to meet the needs of animal keepers and the Executive, but my message to DARD is 'use them or lose them.'
He added: "Vets in practice have the willingness and, most importantly, the expertise to deliver on TB, brucellosis and a whole host of other production animal diseases and they must be an integral part of that strategy."
Mr Padgett advocated the tackling of endemic diseases "head on." He commented: "We want to see clear strategies for BVD, Johne's disease, IBR and other production disease. There is appetite from industry and there is a clear economic case for action."
The issue of the unique financial situation facing veterinary students from Northern Ireland was also raised, with a reminder that the possibility of graduates returning to Northern Ireland with a debt of up to £54 000 in tuition fees alone.
Carl Padgett concluded: "They may seem unconnected but the future ability of Northern Ireland to deliver safe and healthy food may well be affected by the affordability of a veterinary degree. Some imaginative thinking is now required to find the right solution."
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. 
