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Views sought on plans to ease OV shortage
Official veterinarians have an essential role to play in maintaining the delivery of official controls.
The FSA is engaging with abattoirs on proposed changes to the delivery of official controls.

As the UK veterinary workforce crisis deepens, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has written to abattoir workers inviting feedback on proposed changes to how FSA delivers controls through Official Veterinarians (OVs).

Figures released by the RCVS show that between 2019 and 2021, joiners to the UK veterinary profession fell by 26 per cent, while 2020 saw the highest number of vets leaving UK practice in 10 years. A Public Accounts Committee report released last week attributes this shortfall to many factors, including COVID-19, Brexit, a rise in pet ownership and increased demand for vets for Export Health Certification. 

Official veterinarians have an essential role to play in maintaining the delivery of official controls. The FSA fears that without a consistent supply of OVs, abattoirs will be unable to operate - and there would be significant consequences for the UK's £9 billion meat industry.

FSA director of operations, Junior Johnson, commented: “Despite challenges in veterinary recruitment, the Food Standards Agency has maintained full and ongoing service delivery of official controls in abattoirs, and there has been no interruption in service to date. 

“Official veterinarians are, however, in very short supply, and we are working with partners to find solutions to what is a systemic resourcing issue so that the FSA can continue to provide a reliable service to industry and uphold food safety, protect animal health and welfare, and enable businesses to sell food domestically and abroad.” 

FSA sent a letter to abattoirs and cutting plants on Thursday (13 October) inviting feedback on how these changes may impact their business. The insight will help inform the association's decision-making and guide the subsequent steps.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."