Official Vets
In this section you can find out more about Official Vets (OVs) including the existing agreement and payment rates and the Official Veterinarian Reform Programme (OVRP)
Recent developments
BCVA Survey on tendering for TB testing
The British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) is running a survey aiming to assess what the perceived effects may be of AHVLA’s proposed procurement of TB testing by tendering in England. This information will help to inform the BVA and BCVA response to the EFRA Committee inquiry on AHVLA’s proposals for competitive tendering and the rationalisation of the AHVLA’s laboratory services in England.
The survey, which should only take a few minutes to complete, is open to all those vets with an interest in farm animal practice and specifically TB testing, and will close on 5 January. It would be helpful if only one response was submitted per practice or per branch practice if run as an autonomous unit.
Essential information for all OVs
At the BVA Council meeting on the 13th July Officers updated members on the current position on discussions 
with AHVLA and BVA/ BCVA on tendering for TB testing .
DNA tagging
The Defra Minister Jim Paice has announced that he has received evidence that a small number of farmers have been illegally swapping cattle eartags in order to retain highly productive TB reactors. This fraudulent activity puts the national bovine TB eradication strategy at risk and urgent action is required. The Minister has announced that from mid-April DNA tags will be inserted by Official Veterinarians in the ear of cattle that test positive for TB at the time of disclosure.
In recognition of the seriousness of this situation the BVA and BCVA are asking members to support Animal Health by undertaking DNA tagging for no additional fee for a period of up to six months. Emails have been sent to BVA and BCVA members outlining the situation in more detail and a joint press release has been issued by the Associations.
More information will be provided on these pages when available. If you have any questions on the above please contact us via policy@bva.co.uk.
Background
OV is the term used to describe private practice vets who perform work on behalf of an EU member state.
OVs were previously referred to as Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVIs).
The work performed by OVs is normally of a statutory nature and is often undertaken at public expense.
Conditions of appointment
OVs are veterinary surgeons appointed by government to carry out authorised duties on its behalf. They are not employees of the Minister but are rather appointed under the terms of a Memorandum
The payment of OVs is based on an agreed fee for service
Official Veterinarian Reform Programme (OVRP)
Delivering OV services involves three parties: Animal Health, OV practices and individual OVs.
The Official Veterinarian Reform Programme was established to clarify the relationship between Animal Health and the 9,000 OVs in 2,600 practices across the UK by introducing new contractual arrangements. In addition, negotiations included a review of fees.
On 12 May 2010, Animal Health issued a statement on the future procurement of professional veterinary services to bring the UK in line with European legislation. This has altered the direction of discussions between BVA and Animal Health on the OVRP.
More information on the OVRP negotiations and the change to the procurement of veterinary services.