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.
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

Tougher penalties for late bTB tests
farmer with vet
CAP payments will be reduced by 1 to 5 per cent if TB tests are overdue.
Defra to crack down on late tests in 2015

From the start of the new year, farmers who fail to complete their bovine TB tests on time will face tough new penalties, Defra has announced.

Cattle farmers who receive Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments will see these reduced by 1 to 5 per cent if their TB tests are overdue. The move is part of the government's plans to eradicate the disease.

Currently, farmers' CAP payments are reduced if they are late for TB surveillance and check tests, but from January 1, 2015, this will be extended to most other types of TB test. Excluded from this rule are tests to trace trace animals as a result of a TB breakdown elsewhere.

CAP payments will be reduced by 1 per cent if testing is one to 10 days late, 3 per cent if it is 11 to 30 days overdue, or 5 per cent for delays of more than 30 days.

In addition to this, Defra will introduce six-monthly surveillance checks in parts of Cheshire included in the TB edge area. This will replace the annual herd test and radial testing.

For more information, visit Defra's website.

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
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.