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Veterinary Opinion Sought on AHVLA Lab Closures
Parliamentary Select Committee announces inquiry.

The Parliamentary Select Committee charged with monitoring the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is calling for veterinary opinions on the controversial matters of testing for Bovine Tuberculosis and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency's (AHVLA) closure of eight of its sixteen regional surveillance sites across the UK by March 2013.  

AHVLA's announcement in September 2011 ended months of speculation. Sites to be closed include Truro, Langford, Luddington, Preston and Winchester.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRACom) has announced that it will be holding an evidence session on the two issues in the new year. The Welsh Affairs Committee will also be taking evidence on the closure of AHVLA Laboratories in Aberystwyth and Carmarthen.   

Commenting on the announcement, EFRACom Agriculture Specialist Rebecca Ross said: “Particularly with the rationalisation of lab services, there is concern that there will be a loss of service in rural areas and a loss of expertise. EFRACom took this up with the Secretary of State in Autumn 2011 and we felt we wanted to hold a full enquiry into the issue.”

Calling on practitioners and veterinary bodies to contribute to the enquiry, she added: “It is absolutely critical we get feedback from large animal vets – the strength of the enquiry will be based on the feedback we get.

We’re particularly interested in issues of test turn-around time and the ability to turn them around in the event of a disease outbreak and the value of the diagnostic services.” 


Interested parties are invited to submit written evidence by 9th January. More details of the enquiry and requirements for submissions can be found on the EFRACom website.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.