Vets urge farmers to book TB tests early to avoid no-deal Brexit disruption

Dr Doherty said: “Our advice [to farmers] would be to plan as far ahead as possible. Emergency call outs are unavoidable, but getting routine herd health and fertility visits and bTB tests booked in early is a good idea.

“Where you are using vaccines as part of your preventative herd or flock health plan, talk to your vet about when you are likely to need them to avoid any gaps due to potential medicine supply issues.”

The BVA also encouraged farmers who are exporting animals or animal products to give vets as much time as possible to get together the right paperwork, undertake sampling and laboratory testing and carry out inspections.

Traded

The call came as the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) announced plans to offer free training for vets to sign off Export Health Certificates (EHCs), which allow animal products to be traded.

BVA bosses had previously warned the number of OVs in the UK would have to ‘increase significantly’ after Brexit to cope with a growing demand for food import and export certification.

A survey carried out by the group found OVs already carrying out the work were planning to quit because the cost of renewing their qualifications was too high.

To read Dr Doherty’s article in full, click HERE.