Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th April 2012
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Announcement on Badger Cull challenge soon
Friday announcement expected

An announcement on whether a High Court challenge to plans to cull badgers in England can go ahead is expected by the end of the week. The challenge was brought by the Badger Trust as response to the decision by ministers at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to sanction pilot culls in West Somerset and West Gloucestershire in an attempt to tackle the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB).

Speaking to the National Farmer's Union (NFU) Council, NFU Head of Food and Farming Phil Hudson informed those present that an announcement by a judge on whether the case would be authorised to proceed would occur “by this Friday”. Mr Hudson also told the Council that a High Court hearing, if one were to go ahead, could happen as early as this June in light of the "level of public interest in this issue".

The Badger Trust's challenge argues that a cull would be outside the authority of Natural England, that DEFRA's cost impact assessment is inaccurate because it does not take a possible requirement for cage trapping into account, and that the culls do not satisfy the legal test of 'preventing the spread of disease' and may even contribute towards the spread of disease.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.