Government needs to prioritise issues raised by FMD exercise

27 May 2011

Commenting on the Animal Health report evaluating Exercise Silver Birch – the national Foot and Mouth Disease exercise carried out in November 2010 – Harvey Locke, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said:

“Overall this is a very good and comprehensive report into what was an incredibly useful exercise.

“The importance of the role of the veterinary profession is picked up throughout the report and we are delighted that Animal Health and Defra have recognised the role of vets at all levels, including the need for input from the profession at a strategic and policy level and the importance of veterinary surgeons in operational delivery.

“With that in mind we would like to stress the lessons learned regarding the need for Animal Health to create a framework for recruiting vets including details of terms of engagement. This is something that the BVA has already raised with Animal Health.”

On some of the specific issues raised, Mr Locke said:

“Many of the issues picked up in the report were raised by BVA members and divisions during and after the exercise.

“In particular the BVA was concerned by problems associated with communications, especially the need for joined-up communication across the devolved administrations and better systems for data sharing.

“The BVA also raised serious concerns regarding the accuracy of existing tracing systems and the major problem of vaccinating animals and subsequently marketing the produce from these animals. Work to address these issues during 'peacetime' is of paramount importance.

“The report raises the difficulties that arise when there is competition for veterinary resource between Animal Health and the vaccination contractor. But the report fails to recognise that these veterinarians are already engaged in private practice and there will be continuing, and often increasing, demand for their services.

“The Government will now need to prioritise actions to implement the many recommendations arising from the lessons learned and we would like to see a timeframe put in place to ensure this happens.

“Finally, on a practical level we would like to see the language simplified in all communications surrounding the exercise, the evaluation and all work on future contingency plans. During an outbreak situation it is vital that Animal Health and Defra communicate at a level that everyone can understand.”

Notes:

The report 'Exercise Silver Birch 2010 - National Foot and Mouth Disease Exercise, Evaluation and Lessons Identified Report' and press release are available on the Animal Health website

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