BVA Welcomes Scottish Funding For Official Veterinarians
7 years ago 
1715 views
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warmly welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that they plan to fund training for new Official Veterinarians (OVs) covering Essential Skills, Statutory Surveillance, and Tuberculosis Testing. They will also fund revalidation of Essential Skills and continue funding Tuberculosis Testing for existing OVs.
Official Veterinarians carry out essential roles ensuring food safety, safeguarding animal welfare in abattoirs and enabling the UK’s trade in animal products. Official Veterinarians across the UK have their training supplied by a private provider requiring a registration fee and undertake additional paid for training modules, depending on the area that they wish to work.
Today’s announcement represents the second round of financial support for Official Veterinarians from the Scottish Government. The first followed discussions between the Scottish Government, BVA Scottish Branch, Highlands and Islands Veterinary Services Scheme (HIVSS) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), and since then support for OVs has remained high on the agenda.
BVA President, Simon Doherty said:
“We are delighted with today’s announcement that the Scottish Government will be funding revalidation essential skills training as well as offering funding for new Official Veterinarians in Scotland.
“Official Veterinarians’ work in safeguarding animal health and welfare and ensuring food safety is invaluable. This announcement has come at a crucial time, with Brexit and an uncertain future ahead, the role of OVs will be more important than ever in enabling the UK’s trade in animal products.
“Although cost alone is not the main barrier to training, the Scottish Government should be applauded in their efforts to recognise the value of Official Veterinarians.”
More from BVA
- Nominations now open for BVA Awards 2026
- Open letter: UK veterinary associations call for Cambridge University to reject closure of vet school calling the recommendation ‘premature, flawed and short-sighted’
- BVA calls for open-minded approach to AI use but cautions technology must support, not replace, vet expertise
- BVA: Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy ‘positive step towards improving the lives of millions of animals’
- BVA raises serious concerns as Cambridge University vet school faces renewed uncertainty
2 days ago