Vets have cited lack of training and time constraints as major barriers to disease preparedness.

BVA Congress will explore the profession’s readiness to tackle an emergency.

Just over a quarter of vets (28%) feel confident that the profession is prepared for a major animal disease outbreak, with a similar proportion feeling confident in their personal preparedness for such a situation, according to new research.

Findings from the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey show that while vets in the UK are keen to help, several barriers hinder preparedness. This includes a lack of training, reported by 63.5 per cent of respondents.

The survey showed that time constraints (48%), an unclear process (46%), lack of employer release (44%), and a lack of confidence working with unfamiliar species or diseases (40%) were all key factors affecting readiness to tackle a major national disease emergency.

During the London Vet Show, BVA Congress will explore this issue in a session titled When crisis hits: A practical guide to the vet’s role in national emergencies.

The session will be chaired by vet and MP Danny Chambers, who will be joined by independent veterinary consultant and former Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales Christianne Glossop; David Black, senior director at Paragon Veterinary Group and senior vice president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association; and chair of trustees for Mission Rabies UK, Ian Battersby.

Drawing on front-line experience, the panel will consider scenarios such as rabies and foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. The discussion will look beyond the immediate clinical response to explore how responsibilities are shared between government, local authorities, and the veterinary profession, alongside the ethical and emotional demands of emergency work.

The BVA states: ‘In a year when we’ve seen the country’s worst-ever bluetongue outbreak, it is timely and relevant to have this important discussion about our profession’s readiness to tackle a major notifiable disease emergency.

‘We’d encourage colleagues across the profession to come along to this session.’

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