BVA Members to Lobby MPs on OV Issues
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA. (Photos courtesy of the BVA)
OVs have received letters from AH this month informing them of the timetable for the retention of some TB tests, in some situations with very short notice.
The BVA and BCVA (British Cattle Veterinary Association) have written jointly to AH Chief Executive Catherine Brown setting out the Associations’ concerns with the speed in which the change is being implemented.
In particular the BVA and BCVA are concerned at the detrimental impact on the TB eradication programme if AH does not have the necessary resources to deliver testing work in-house. The BVA and BCVA have also raised questions over the impact on individual veterinary businesses that may have set up testing dates with farmers and taken on additional staff to undertake the work.
The BVA has produced a lobbying briefing for members who wish to raise the issues with their local MP. By harnessing political support the BVA hopes that parliamentarians and the Government will ensure question AH’s actions and ensure that disease control is not compromised.
Commenting, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said: “Animal Health is making decisions that are having an enormous effect on the veterinary profession very quickly and without full consultation.
“We are calling on our members to join our lobbying efforts to ensure that Animal Health’s decisions are being properly scrutinised by both Parliament and the Government.
“The results of getting this wrong will not only affect veterinary practices, but could have grave consequences for disease eradication and control.”
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. 
