Concerns over proposed Wales lab closures
The Welsh Affairs Select Committee has raised concerns about the potential impact of proposed closures of Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) facilities in Wales to the Minister of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Jim Paice MP (pictured). David T C Davies MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, has written to Mr Paice asking for clarification on matters of concern and advising that the potential impact on rural Welsh communities should be taken into consideration.
Commenting, President of the BVA Carl Padgett said “Since AHVLA’s proposals to rationalise the veterinary laboratory services were first announced the BVA has expressed concern about the impact in Wales. We do recognise the significant financial pressures on the Government and on AHVLA but it is vital that any changes to our laboratory network are based on improving or maintaining the service, not simply cost cutting. We are very pleased that the Welsh Affairs Committee has taken on board so many of the concerns raised by our members through the BVA’s Welsh Branch.”
“In particular, we are keen to hear DEFRA’s comments on the potential for delays in diagnosis and deterioration of samples during transportation. And we are pleased to see the Committee asking for an undertaking that post-mortem facilities in Wales will not be affected. Both the Welsh Affairs Committee and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee have made a strong case to the Government for an enhanced veterinary surveillance network and we support them wholeheartedly.” Mr Padgett added.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
