Manx farmers face loss of major livestock vet

Livestock farmers on the Isle of Man have been left in crisis with the island’s largest veterinary provider planning to stop its large animal services.

Milan Veterinary Practice, part of vet group IVC, plans to cease its farm veterinary services on the Isle of Man, citing reduced demand over the past two years.

Services were initially due to stop from 30 November, but following major concerns from across the industry, it will now continue to provide support for existing clients before being reviewed again in the new year.

See also: NI farmers face mounting threat to vet med supplies

Manx NFU warned that the company’s decision to withdraw its services at short notice would leave the majority of farms on the Isle of Man without veterinary cover, putting animal welfare at risk, and potentially preventing farm businesses from being able to trade under Red Tractor.

An IVC spokesman told Farmers Weekly that the extension was made to allow time to find “suitable, alternative, sustainable solutions” for its clients.

“The decision to close services was not taken lightly and we understand the impact the closure will have on the farming community.

“Ensuring that no client is left without access to veterinary care is paramount and we hope this interim commitment offers reassurance while arrangements progress.

“We have regularly engaged with the Manx government as part of our efforts to support our farm clients over the past two years and thank them for their support.

“Unfortunately, we have still seen a decline in demand for our farm veterinary services, and it is no longer sustainable for Milan Vets to offer a farm veterinary service,” the spokesman said.

Ongoing risk 

While the decision to extend the timeline has offered some short-term respite for farmers, the industry remains at risk.

Industry representatives and government officials are now working urgently to find long-term solutions.

Manx NFU has carried out a survey, which has already received responses from roughly two-thirds of holdings on the Island.

Preliminary results found that 77% had tried to register with another practice and 90% of those said this had not been successful due to the practices being at capacity.

More than half of respondents had routine veterinary work performed one to five times in the past year, with 27% reporting six to 10 instances and 21% reporting more than 10.

A  Manx NFU spokesman said: “Our primary concern is the welfare and ongoing needs of livestock on the island.

“The impact that removal of services from Milan at short notice is not to be underestimated.

“All our island vets and practice staff provide an exceptional and vital service, prioritising animal needs, and providing the necessary compliance and business support which is essential to Manx farming.”