BVA seeks clarification from Welsh Government on last minute changes to animal health scheme, requesting urgent meeting

On behalf of members in Wales, we have written to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd MS, to request an urgent meeting for clarification on the last-minute changes to the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) - a key veterinary-led element of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) - and details of the impact assessment on vet practices undertaken when making this decision. 

In our letter to the Minister, we’ve shared concerns that the changes not only risk seriously undermining the SFS’s animal health and welfare objectives, but that they will also undermine the trust and professional credibility that vets have built with local farmers.

We’ve also underlined that the new transition arrangements risk undermining the very goal of the AHIC in the long term and have sought reassurances from the Government that moving the goalposts on AHIC won’t come at the expense of animal health and welfare in Wales.

Thank you to all members who have already shared details of how these changes will impact their practice. We will use the information provided to illustrate the unintended consequences already being felt by veterinary businesses across the country.

As we press the Minister’s office for a meeting, members can continue to share views and experiences with us alongside any data you have on how these changes will impact their practice. You can email your response BVA Welsh Branch at [email protected].

Read our letter to Llyr Gruffydd MS.