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Keep vets central to NI future farming strategy – BVA
"Agriculture faces unprecedented, but we should all be seizing the chance ti help shape a positive future" - Mark Little, BVA NI branch president.  

Association voices concern over new Agricultural Policy.

The BVA has called on the Government of Northern Ireland to ensure that vets and the vet-farmer relationship remain central to its future farming policy.

The Association is urging the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to keep vets at the heart of discussions to meet the key outcomes outlined in the Future Agricultural Policy Framework Portfolio.

The portfolio announced on Tuesday (24 August) lays out a vision for the future of farming support in Northern Ireland. It explores how a future farming regime can meet key outcomes around productivity, sustainability, resilience and supply chain functionality. 

But the BVA has expressed concern that the portfolio fails to mention the role of veterinary professionals in helping to achieve these aims. In its contribution to the original future farming consultation, the Association recommended that vets should be referenced because of their significant role in securing positive health and welfare outcomes for animals and public health.

Mark Little, BVA NI branch president, said: “We’re pleased that the Minister recognises that our future agricultural regime must promote animal health and welfare and public health, but it’s disappointing that this week’s portfolio makes no mention of the role of the veterinary profession in achieving this. 

“An opportunity has been missed to capture from the outset the central role of veterinary expertise in achieving the stated aims of increasing productivity, enhancing environmental protection, and improving resilience.

He continued: Agriculture faces unprecedented challenges, but we should all be seizing the chance to help shape a positive future, and it’s essential that vets and the vet-farmer relationship are at the heart of it. We have fed back our initial views to DAERA, and will ensure that the valuable part that vets have to play in making this vision a reality comes through strongly when we respond to the forthcoming public consultation.”

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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.