Veterinary Surveillance Strategy - Speedy Implementation Needed
22 October 2003
Mr Greet welcomed the document "as a testimony to the realisation in Government and specifically Defra that a strategy is required. The key goal of strengthening the partnership between all those involved in veterinary surveillance is vital if we are to attain the stated goals, not least an improvement in animal health and welfare and the protection of public health" he said. Mr Greet did, however, express concern that the strategy was designed to roll out over the next ten years. "This time scale" he said, "given the potential disease threat, needs to be reviewed."
In welcoming the establishment of the central data handling system, RADAR (rapid analysis and detection of animal-related risks) Mr Greet underlined the importance of its being used to share the knowledge gained among all those with an interest in veterinary surveillance, not least the veterinary profession.
"The practising veterinary surgeon is", he said "the cornerstone for the strategy and remains the main source of the input data. As such the outcome of tomorrow's EFRACOM (House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee) report Vets and Veterinary Services is eagerly awaited. However", Mr Greet stressed "it is imperative that this veterinary surveillance strategy, while rooted in the food animal species, does not overlook the increasing importance of having assured quality surveillance data from those species of ever-growing importance to society, companion animals and horses."
Notes for Editors:
- For further information please contact either Chrissie Nicholls or Helena Cotton in the BVA Press Office on 020 7636 6541; chrissien@bva.co.uk; helenac@bva.co.uk