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Vets criticise 'deeply misguided' delay to post-Brexit import checks
"We urge the Government to abandon these plans and close off the threat of causing significant damage to our food and farming industries" - James Russell, BVA.
BVA warns pushing back checks will open the door to diseases such as African Swine Fever.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a statement strongly criticising the Government’s decision to scrap the planned introduction of import checks on animals and animal products coming into the UK from 1 July 2022.

The statement comes after Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Brexit opportunities minister, said that no further import controls on EU goods will be introduced this year. Instead, the Government will develop a “new approach to import controls” that are expected to come into force at the end of 2023.

BVA has repeatedly warned that postponing the inspections, which have already been delayed three times, may have major consequences for animal health and British agriculture, as well as open the door to the spread of illnesses such as African Swine Fever.

James Russell, senior vice president of the BVA, commented: “This move flies in the face not only of common sense, but also of the Government’s commitment to preserving high levels of animal and human health in the UK.

“Diseases such as African Swine Fever have already had a catastrophic impact on agriculture and animal health in parts of Europe and elsewhere globally. With the UK now being outside the EU’s integrated and highly responsive surveillance systems, we have repeatedly warned that delaying veterinary checks further could weaken vital lines of defence against future incursions."

He continued: “To remove the requirement for checks entirely appears deeply misguided; we urge the Government to abandon these plans and close off the threat of causing significant damage to our food and farming industries. If not, the Government must urgently set out how it will safeguard animal health and welfare in the UK in the coming months.”

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."