EMERGENCY SLAUGHTER – Information and FAQS
From the 1 September 2024 all vets carrying out ante-mortem inspection on farm will have to undergo further online training.
CERTIFYING ON FARM EMERGENCY SLAUGHTERS
Vets must be appointed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to carry out ante-mortem certification of cattle eligible for on farm emergency slaughter. To be appointed by the FSA, vets carrying out this certification must hold the Essential Skills OCQ AND be registered with the FSA. To register you need to email the FSA approvals and registration team at [email protected] with evidence of your RCVS membership and OCQ-ES qualification.
It is worth noting that vets who are appointed by the FSA as an Official Veterinarian at Holdings of Provenance (OV-HoP) can also certify emergency slaughter. The registration process for these vets is as above but with the addition of completing a test.
FAQs
What is the current situation?
Currently vets certifying emergency slaughters on farm should be appointed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) or be appointed an Official Veterinarian at Holdings of Provenance (OV-HoP) by the FSA.
How do I register for emergency slaughter only?
- Email [email protected] with evidence of your OCQ(V)-ES and MRCVS
- Once appointed you will receive a certificate authorising you for emergency slaughter only:
- You must renew your application for authorisation with the FSA when your OCQ(V) - ES qualification is due for revalidation.
How do I become appointed an OV-HoP?
- You must take and pass the FSA online multiple choice exam which can be found at the link below.
- You must also hold the OCQ(V)-ES and be an MRCVS.
- Once appointed you will receive a certificate authorising you as follows:
- You must resit and pass the test every 4 years to maintain your authorisation .
- You must renew your application for authorisation with the FSA when your OCQ(V) - ES qualification is due for revalidation.
What do I require for on farm slaughter of fractious animals or farmed game?
You must hold the full OV-HoP by registering with the FSA as set out above.
Does this apply in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
- The FSA is the competent authority responsible for the delivery of official controls in England, Wales, and NI and FSS for Scotland. They are working on this project together so any training and qualification for emergency slaughter is mutually recognized across the UK.
What is changing?
- From the 1st of September ALL vets carrying out ante-mortem inspection on farm will have to undergo further online training. This includes those vets holding the OV-HoP appointment.
- Further details will be communicated to members when they are available.
Do vets certifying emergency slaughter need to put their appointment numbers on the certificates?
Yes. Please note the model health certificate attached. Part 1 of the certificate requires the OV to note the name and the appointment number. This is provided by the FSA at the point of the veterinarians becoming appointed OVs to perform this official control task.
Do we have any further details of when the additional training will be available?
Formal communications will be shared as soon as it is available. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) are attending a number of conferences to explain future changes to the veterinary training and OV appointment process; this information will be available on the FSA and FSS websites.
