VDS reminder to vets involved in exports and imports
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Vets are being reminded to familiarise themselves with the offical import/export guidance.
The Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) has written to its members reminding them to familiarise themselves with the official guidance and associated work requirements of the Group Export Facilitation Scheme (GEFS).
The GEFS is a Government scheme designed to support OVs in obtaining the information they need to certify EU Export Health Certificates for certain products following Britain's exit from the European Union.
As the Brexit transition period comes to an end (31 December), the VDS said that it is aware some of its members will be supporting the GEFS, either as Official Veterinarians (OVs) or as Vets certifying Support Attestations and/or supporting other import/export work for the first time in their veterinary careers.
The statement reads: 'We urge members to fully familiarise themselves with any relevant official guidance and the associated requirements of any work of this nature they are intending to perform.
'We would also like to remind members that for the purpose of their VDS Insurance, veterinary work involving export/ import certification of food, food products, pet food, animal feed, eggs, animal products, skins, hides and agricultural machinery is classed as being within Risk Group F (farm animals) of the VDS Policy.
'Cover under the VDS Policy for work undertaken in Risk Group F is dependent upon the names of the veterinary surgeons who are to undertake work in Risk Group F being declared to the VDS before work in Risk Group F is commenced. Veterinary surgeons who have declared that they will be undertaking work in Risk Group F will be named as doing so on the Schedule of Insurance.
It continued: 'It is very important that you carefully consider and review the Indemnity Limits you require, to ensure that they are sufficient for your needs and those of the Practice. These limits will be the maximum liability of the VDS for a claim or related claims connected with that Risk Group, and this limit includes damages and/or legal and other costs.'
For further information about the VDS Practice Policy, visit thevds.co.uk/our-policy
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
