People who are considering buying dogs and cats for Christmas are asked to check before buying if they can get a vet before buying Brexit And coronavirus.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) urges caution after increased demand for veterinarians due to the increase in pet ownership during the lock-up period and the new legal requirements for health checks on food exported to the European Union by Brexit.
A few days ago, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned meat and poultry producers that a shortage of veterinarians may affect meat supply during the Christmas period.
James Russell, senior vice president of BVA, said the shortage of veterinarians may also affect domestic animals. “If you’re thinking, we should have a puppy or kitten or something, then part of the due diligence, really, thinking,’How will I take care of this animal for the rest of my life?’ I’m thinking, where can I get it from Veterinary care of this animal?
“We encourage people to consult their local veterinarian to find out: are they currently receiving customers? What will happen after get off work?” he said. “Questions like this to ensure that they can actually fulfill their obligations and can find veterinary care for these animals when needed.”
At a time when a warning is issued against unprecedented demands from veterinarians after Brexit.All meat and fish exporters to the EU must have the food certified by the veterinarian or veterinary officer before entering Europe.
Earlier this year Export some fish from Scotland The reason for the suspension is that the Brexit regulations require that every box of seafood must be inspected and signed by a veterinarian to prove that it is healthy before being sent to a truck in Dover. Russell said the new certification process consumes a lot of veterinarians’ time. “From January 1st to the end of September, it took our professionals 210 years to complete the export health certificate,” he said.
According to the latest report from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA), a trade organization that represents the pet food industry, more than 3.2 million British households have brought home pets since the pandemic began.
Russell said that part of the problem is that many veterinarians working in the UK are from the European Union, especially those working in slaughterhouses. “We see far fewer people entering the country. The combination of Brexit and Covid,” he added.
On Wednesday, a senior government official told the Public Accounts Committee that the UK has established a sufficient number of veterinarians and veterinary officials to inspect food and animals by providing free training to those interested in this work.
However, the chairman of the committee and Labour MP Meg Hillier questioned whether cooperation with exporters is shifting veterinarians’ “working with cats, dogs or sheep” and “all their private practice”.
