BVA says no-deal should be taken off negotiating table
This new position, agreed at a BVA Council meeting on 19 September following a detailed analysis of the potential impact on animal health and welfare, builds on the association’s ongoing role in informing members and stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit.
Commenting, BVA president, Daniella Dos Santos, said: “Our analysis of a no-deal Brexit found that there could be very serious consequences for animal health and welfare, trade, and our veterinary workforce. Although much work has been done by Defra and a range of regulatory bodies to prepare, we are not convinced that enough has been done to mitigate the potential negative impacts.
“We remain deeply concerned that:
- we will not have the necessary workforce for veterinary export certification
- the loss of markets for trade could lead to overstocking and significant welfare problems or a cull of healthy animals
- border problems may hold up the supply of veterinary medicines
- millions of pet owners still don’t know if they will be able to travel with their animals.
Dr Dos Santos continued: “We have also raised concerns that new trade deals could compromise the UK’s high animal health and welfare standards, and that the Government has still not enshrined animal sentience into UK law. A no-deal Brexit would leave the UK with no time to transition and adjust with worrying outcomes for our colleagues, our clients, and the animals under our care.”
The BVA emphasises that it is not adopting a political position on leave or remain; but rather a pragmatic approach based on the available evidence. It urges the Government to take the prospect of no-deal off the table.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
