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ARCHIVE: Animal health & welfare strategy: Veterinary Services
In July 2010 an informal consultation on proposed amendments to the Veterinary Surgeons Act exemption orders relating to artificial insemination, epidural anaesthesia and rectal ultrasound scanning of bovines was held. This consultation closed on Wednesday 28 July 2010.
Documents relating to the consultation, including the post-consultation response, can be accessed below.
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Consultation letter on proposed amendments to the Veterinary Surgeons Act exemption order regime (PDF 24 KB)
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Consultation paper on proposed amendments to the Veterinary Surgeons Act Exemption Order regime (PDF 43 KB)
- Consultation response on proposed amendments to the Veterinary Surgeons Act Exemption Order regime (PDF 28 KB)
To accompany the amended exemption orders, which came into force on 14 September 2010, interim guidance notes have been made available to accompany the new Orders. These will provide a step-by-step guide to the legal requirements and set out the roles and responsibilities of both technicians and animal owners. The notes will also highlight biosecurity best practice and provide signposts to related legislation.
Interim Guidance
- Artificial Insemination of cattle by non veterinarians (PDF 32 KB)
- Artificial Insemination of mares by non veterinarians (PDF 37 KB)
- Rectal ultrasound scanning of bovines by non veterinarians (PDF 33 KB)
- Epidural anaesthesia of bovines by non veterinarians (PDF 33 KB)
Over the past few years, Defra, the Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, British Veterinary Association and the National Farmers Union have held an on-going discussion on the challenges that face farm animal veterinary practices. A key concern has been whether there is sufficient food animal veterinary expertise in Great Britain.
In July 2007, to bring external challenge to its work, Professor Philip Lowe was appointed as Chairman of the Vets and Veterinary Services Working Group. This personal report from Professor Lowe draws on the deliberations of the working group.
Defra is currently considering Professor Lowe’s report and will publish its response before the end of the year.
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Unlocking Potential - A report on veterinary expertise in food animal production by Professor Philip Lowe (397 KB PDF)
Links
Contact
Vets and Vet Services Working Group
The Secretariat
Defra
5D Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR
Telephone: 020 7238 5413
Page last modified: 30 November, 2010