BVA Welcomes Publication of Vets and Veterinary Services Report as Timely
23 October 2003
"The BVA very much welcomes the report's content and conclusions, not least the importance it has laid on the likely need for 'a greater on-farm presence of veterinary surgeons' if the Government's animal health and welfare, food safety and veterinary surveillance strategies are to be realised. Likewise, we fully endorse the recommendations concerning a review of funding of veterinary research and teaching and the stress it places on the importance of improved links with private sector vets in order to ensure that all those who play a part in improving the animal health and welfare of the nation are equipped to do so."
Turning to the report's comments concerning the Competition Commission report on prescription-only veterinary medicines, which he said "represents one of the greatest challenges to veterinary surgeons within living memory", Mr Greet was delighted that the Committee had highlighted the fact that neither Defra nor the Commission appeared to have obtained a clear picture of how veterinary practice income was derived and what the economic impact of the proposals would be on the provision of large animal services and, in turn, the delivery of the Government's strategies. "Clearly we very much welcome the recommendation that Defra assess the implications of the Competition Commission's remedies as a matter of urgency" he said.
"But most of all we welcome the news that the Government has promised to establish a working group with the veterinary profession to consider the EFRACOM report and we very much look forward to working in partnership with Government in taking these issues forward".
Notes for Editors:
- For further information please contact Chrissie Nicholls or Helena Cotton in the BVA Press Office on 020 7636 6541; chrissien@bva.co.uk; helenac@bva.co.uk