Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th July 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

AHVLA invites tenders for suppliers
cow
A quality assurance system will ensure TB testing is carried out to the required standard.
Delivery partners to supply a package of veterinary services

The AHVLA is inviting tenders for delivery partners to supply a flexible package of veterinary services, funded by the taxpayer, across seven lots covering England and Wales.

In July last year, the agency revealed plans to change its relationship with the suppliers of veterinary services to improve efficiency.

“The new contractually-based model will better assure the quality of tuberculin testing and other veterinary services, enhancing their value as disease control tools, whilst continuing to reorganise and support the partnership that exists between livestock farmers and vets in controlling and eradicating animal disease,” says AHVLA's veterinary director Simon Hall.

The tender period will run under September 9 and contracts will be awarded to suppliers, known as delivery partners, towards the end of the year. Partners will begin delivering services from April 2015.

Selected delivery partners will be required to sub-contract work to local businesses, assuming these businesses meet the required quality assurance standards and offer a competitive price.

Where possible, animal keepers will also be able to choose their preferred vet from this list of sub-contractors.

Delivery partners will have to work with animal keepers to make sure a suitable vet is available when needed and customer satisfaction will be monitored by the partners and AHVLA.

A rigorous quality assurance system will be implemented to ensure TB testing is done to the required standard.

Partners will have to follow a health and safety policy which includes cattle handling.

Tender clarification days will be held on July 30 in Weybridge and August 7 un Builth Wells to allow potential bidders to clarify aspects of the tender.

Initially, contracts will be awarded for a period of three years with the option to extend for a further two years.

For further information see the AHVLA website.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.