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Welfare breach for sheep shipment
Photo: Jennifer MacKenzie
AHVLA and RSPCA inspected conditions at Ramsgate docks

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the RSPCA found a welfare breach while inspecting lorry loads of sheep at Ramsgate docks on 6th June, when it emerged that a faulty pump had resulted in hundreds of sheep having no access to drinking water.

It is a legal requirement that all lorries be fixed with a water supply so the animals can be provided with water instantly if so required. The AHVLA issued a warning note and the pump was repaired at the port before the lorry continued its journey.

Dr Julia Wrathall, head of the RSPCA's farm animals science team, said: "Drinking water is one of the essential basics that sheep, or any animals, need during a journey which can potentially be long and hot. It's very concerning that a lorry transporting live animals abroad had a faulty water pump but it's a relief that this was rectified so quickly."

The welfare breach follows the European Commission's rejection of a petition signed by over 400 MEPs and a million supporters calling for a maximum eight hour journey time. 

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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
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.