Vet Surveillance Report Leaves Many Questions Unanswered

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the publication of the Kinnaird Review of Scottish Government Veterinary Surveillance but expressed concern that it still leaves many questions unanswered about the future provision of services. The review recommends:

• the rationalisation of the service, including scope for the reduction in the number of Disease Surveillance Centres (DSCs), whilst still maintaining current levels of diagnostic services
• a programme of centralisation of laboratory services at one location
• the establishment of a strategic management board to oversee Scottish Government’s veterinary disease surveillance activities and advise on how the rationalisation should take place. It will be chaired by the Chief Veterinary Officer

Commenting, Carl Padgett, President of the BVA, said: “We know that those in the veterinary profession and in industry have been anxious to find out the results of the Kinnaird review and so we welcome the publication of this report. In particular we welcome the recommendation that the current levels of diagnostic services should be retained. “However, we are concerned that a degree of uncertainty remains over the long-term future of the SAC’s eight Disease Surveillance Centres. “The BVA will engage with the new strategic management board as they begin to discuss with stakeholders and staff how the rationalisation should take place. We are keen to see a level of veterinary representation on the board that recognises the depth of expertise within the profession. “Any decisions on closure must be based on good surveillance and diagnostic outcomes, not on pure financial savings. “The proposed centralisation of the laboratory services should only be carried out if it improves efficiency and maintains or enhances the current performance.” Robert Anderson, President of BVA Scottish Branch, added: “We are pleased to see the recognition of the high quality of service provided by the SAC Disease Surveillance Centres, which is valued by vets in practice. “There is a good working relationship between veterinary practices and DSCs and any changes to this would be of concern to us. “We are somewhat surprised that the report leaves us with questions about how the rationalisation will take shape and how long the process will take.” On the proposed centralisation of laboratory services, he added: “Whilst the proposal to centralise laboratory services and expertise would se

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