Vets call for better BSE watch
15 February 2001
Vets call for better BSE watch
By FWi staff
VETS have criticised the Government for failing to mention any plans to increase on-farm BSE surveillance in its response to the Phillips inquiry.
Ministers promised greater openness and a better approach to scientific evidence in an interim response published last Friday (9 February).
But British Veterinary Association president David Tyson believes that it is vital to increase surveillance for BSE on British farms.
“The governments response appears somewhat heavy on communication but light on future action,” he said.
“There is no mention of watching for the disease, no mention of acting quickly, and decisively and last, but no means least, no mention of resources.
“If we are to try to avoid future occurrences along the lines of the BSE crisis, then on-farm inspection by veterinarians is the starting point.”
Mr Tysons comments came as MPs prepared to debate the Governments response to the BSE report in the House of Commons on Thursday (15 February).
He conceded that getting access to ill animals on farms and conducting post-mortems would mean more money being invested.
But he said that a central veterinary surveillance unit should be set up and paid for by the Government.
Meanwhile, the EU Commission is drawing up contingency plans in the event that BSE is found in sheep and goats.
Scientific advisors say the situation is the same as their last assessment in 1998.
However, BSE may have spread to some sheep and goats but there are no tests available to confirm that, they say.
The commission says rapid tests to detect this should be developed.