BVA President Outlines Impact Of Changing World In Annual Scottish Dinner Speech

The need to adapt to changing circumstances was the key theme of the Presidential speech at the British Veterinary Association’s Annual Scottish Dinner hosted at the Scottish Parliament by John Scott MSP. At the dinner, attended by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead MSP, parliamentarians, key representatives of animal health and welfare organisations and the agri-food industry, and senior members of the veterinary profession, BVA President Harvey Locke outlined the impact of changes in disease risk, in scientific knowledge and understanding, in consumer attitudes and in the veterinary profession itself. Mr Locke welcomed initiatives led by the Scottish Government and Scotland’s academic and research institutions, but challenged parliamentarians and industry on issues such as disease preparedness and the future of pet travel. On the veterinary surveillance review “I understand that the results will soon be published and, as you’re considering the report, Cabinet Secretary, I hope these two key messages will resonate: the future of veterinary surveillance must be practitioner-based, and once data is collected it must be put to good use.” On responsibility and cost sharing “Although the BVA was disappointed that the Expert Forum did not include veterinary expertise, we were pleased to be consulted by the Chairman John Ross… “The final recommendation of the report is particularly important: ‘Contributions made by animal keepers … should be adjusted to reflect and reward actions they may have taken to reduce the likelihood of disease incursion.’ “We all have a responsibility to protect our animal and human populations from disease so it is right that a higher cost is borne by those who allow others to take that responsibility more seriously.” On disease preparedness “The role of vaccination in an FMD outbreak proved to be one of the key issues and the BVA was delighted to be invited to the excellent seminar held at the Moredun in partnership with the NFUS and Scottish Government. “Summing up the day Julie Fitzpatrick said ‘We have the tools and technologies to deal with FMDV if we wish to do so – what is missing are the policies and strategies that we would require.’ “We all agree that the protocols and strategies for decision-making need to be put in place in peacetime so let’s get on and do it.” On changes to pet travel rules “The veterinary profession, in its role as guardian of public health, has a particular concern that the removal of tapeworm controls could see the introduction of echinococcus multilocularis (EM) to the UK and Ireland. “Unfortunately, although the science clearly supports the need for the UK and Ireland to maintain the additional controls the decision is in danger of becoming a political football for those groups in Europe concerned with the technicalities of the new legislative regime under the Lisbon Treaty. “We recognise that, in an ideal world, there would be uniformity of regulations throughout the EU, allowing unhindered movement of citizens and trade. However, when it comes to disease control, surely it is sensible to do what we can to prevent spread of disease between regions and Member States rather than waiting until it has spread and then attempting to eliminate it.”

More from

• IVC Evidensia assembles expert team to run new £10m referral hospital
• Home delivery service can increase pet health plan sign-ups by 25%
• Research reveals vital clues to help fight anthelmintic resistance
• Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Harrogate vet’s dedication to improving the health and welfare of rabbits
• Bake sale at Leicestershire vet practice for good cause