Speech By Lord Davies Of Oldham Given At The British Veterinary Association Dinner On 16th February 2010
14 years ago
2837 views
Thank you very much for inviting me here tonight, I very much welcome the opportunity to reply on behalf of the Government on the points you have raised.
Please do not confuse the need to carefully manage reducing resources by making increasingly tough decisions with a lack of regard for the work that vets do in so many vital areas.
Defra does value the role that the contribution that private vets make to society; not only in their capacity as Official Veterinarians but also in the day to day contribution they make to ensuring we have safe and wholesome food; through the protection of public health and animal welfare; and helping to prevent disease outbreaks through encouraging good biosecurity and carrying out surveillance.
We are very aware that the food animal component of the veterinary profession is facing real challenges. That is why we commissioned the ‘Unlocking Potential Report’ by Professor Philip Lowe which considered these problems in some detail.
Inevitably, Professor Lowe focussed on the changing role of the veterinary surgeon – and he was very clear about how important this role is. He recognised that food animal vets are central to the promotion of animal health and welfare as well as to the safeguarding of public health from zoonotic disease.
Professor Lowe drew some important conclusions about the profession’s need to work closely with its customers in the food and farming sectors and in Government to better understand the future demands for veterinary services and to ensure the considerable potential value that veterinary expertise can deliver, is fully realised.
The report identified the broad value that vets bring to all these public good functions and we endorse this central message. And we want to help the profession continue to demonstrate and realise its full potential.
The Lowe Report posed challenges for the veterinary profession and its customers – including Government. I am very pleased that the BVA has responded positively to the report – even though not everyone necessarily agrees with everything the report has to say. But the commitment is there within the profession and Government to continue to work closely together to ensure we have sustainable and profitable veterinary practices continuing to support our farmers and our food industry.
Food and food production over the last year has risen sharply up the agenda both within Government and with the public. This I believe should be a cause for optimism and maintaining animal health will be a crucial part of this.
We recognise that bovine TB is a serious problem, particularly in the South West of England and the Midlands. For those most seriously affected, the economic and human consequences can be devastating. Although the science suggests that culling would be effective, it might also not work. It could end up making the disease worse if it was not sustained over time or delivered effectively.
The Jenkins report was drawn from a Defra-funded project by Imperial College to analyse cattle herd breakdowns in proactive and survey-only Randomised Badger Culling Trial areas following the cessation of culling in 2005. It is not new evidence. It simply updates earlier results from the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISG) report which was one of a number of considerations taken into account when Hilary Benn reached his decision on culling. This decision has not changed.
Bovine TB is a devolved matter. The Welsh announcement for an Intensive Action Pilot Area to include badger culling and additional cattle measures does not change the position in England. We will watch the implementation of the Welsh plan closely and we will be watching the Welsh trials with interest.
I’m glad you share the view that the Responsibility and Cost Sharing Bill is a positive step forward.
The proposals we have put forward are about fundamental change to the relationship between Government and industry, and they represent a real opportunity to reshape the way animal health is managed and funded in this country. Many representative bodies, not least the NFU, have been calling for such a change for a number of years.
The Secretary of State decided that the Non Departmental Public Body model struck the right balance between an entirely independent body and the need to maintain close links to manage the animal welfare and animal health relationship.
Animal health policy and delivery decisions will be the responsibility of an independent Board comprising people with relevant knowledge, skills and experience, including from across the spectrum of interests in animal health.
Defra will retain an overarching perspective on funding and regulatory matters to ensure consistency and alignment across the animal health delivery landscape.
The aims of the new body, as set out in the draft Bill, are:2837 views
Posted
17th February, 2010 00h00
- to prevent disease and its spread in animals
- to prevent the transmission of disease organisms from animals to humans; and
- to protect the public, economy and environment from harm from animal disease.
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