Vets fear UK unprepared for major animal disease outbreak

Fewer than a third of vets believe the UK profession is prepared for a major animal disease outbreak, despite strong willingness to support a national emergency response.

The British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) latest Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found that eight in 10 vets would be willing to support a national response, for example through Temporary Veterinary Inspector work.

See also: Bluetongue vaccine stocks were diverted from UK to Europe

However, just 28% felt the profession was prepared to tackle a significant notifiable disease outbreak, such as foot-and-mouth disease or African swine fever. A similar proportion were confident in their own preparedness.

Lack of training was the biggest barrier, cited by 63% of respondents, followed by lack of time (48%), unclear processes (46%), difficulties securing employer release (44%) and lack of confidence working with unfamiliar species or diseases (40%).

The findings will be discussed at BVA Congress at the London Vet Show later this month, during a session examining the veterinary profession’s role in a national emergency and how practitioners can prepare.

Chaired by vet and MP Danny Chambers, the panel will include former Wales chief veterinary officer Christianne Glossop, David Black, senior director at Paragon Veterinary Group and senior vice-president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, and Ian Battersby, chair of trustees for Mission Rabies UK.

Learning from the past

The discussion will draw on experience of disease emergencies, including rabies and foot-and-mouth disease, and consider how responsibilities are shared between government, local authorities and vets.

It will also explore the ethical and emotional demands of emergency work.

BVA president Gwen Rees said the discussion was particularly timely following the UK’s worst-ever bluetongue outbreak this year.

“A profession prepared and united behind national disease resilience is the top priority for me this year”, she said.