EMERGENCY SLAUGHTER – Information and FAQS
Updated 6th February 2025
1. Do I need to undertake further training to certify on farm emergency slaughters?
a. Yes, please see below for details.
2. Can I still use the BCVA Emergency Slaughter pads?
a. No, these certificates should no longer be used.
b. The model certificate that can be found at the address below should be used:
3. What other paperwork do I require?
a. Food chain information must also accompany the body of the animal. This does not form part of the veterinary certificate and should be completed and signed by the Owner/Agent at the time of slaughter. An example of this can be found below.
4. What number should I use on the model certificate?
a. Until the 31st of March 2025 you can use EITHER your Ov-HoP number OR your OV-EMSL number
b. From the 1st of April 2025 you MUST use your OV-EMSL number (Example number: FSA/XXXXXXX/XXXXXXXX)
5. What stamp do I use on the model certificate?
a. This is your practice stamp NOT your OV Stamp.
6. What do I require for on farm slaughter of fractious animals or farmed game?
a. You must hold the full OV-HoP by registering with the FSA
7. Does this apply in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
a. Yes it applies in all areas of the United Kingdom.
b. 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.
Emergency Slaughter Information Updated January 2025
What is the current situation?
- We are currently in a transition period (1st of September 2024 to 31st of March 2025) where all vets carrying out certification of on farm emergency slaughter must be appointed by the FSA and undertake further training provided by the FSA.
- This new training for vets is now live on the FSA website (see below for further details)
- This training and accompanying MSQ exam must be completed by 1st of April 2025.
What do I need to certify emergency slaughters on farm up to the 31st of March 2025?
- Up to the 31st of March vets there are 3 routes to certifying emergency slaughters on farm:
- 1. Be appointed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for emergency slaughter only:
- 2. Be appointed an Official Veterinarian at Holdings of Provenance (OV-HoP) by the FSA:
- 3. Have completed the new training course now live on the FSA website (see below) and be appointed an OV-EMSL:
When do I have to complete the training course and MCQ exam by?
- It MUST be completed by the 1st of April 2025 even if you hold the appointments above.
- We would recommend completing the training in advance of the deadline to allow time for your OV-EMSL number to be issued.
Will I have to pay for this training?
- No, the training course will be provided free of charge by the FSA
What will the training course cover?
- The training course will consist of reading a PDF (available here: https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/Training%20for%20the%20Appointment%20as%20OV-EMSL%20Module%201%20to%206%20%28November%202024%29.pdf)
- It consists of six modules:
- Module 1 – Introduction and Legislative Status/Framework
- Module 2 – Definition of Emergency Slaughter and Fitness of Animal for Transport and Slaughter
- Module 3 – Ante Mortem Inspection outside the slaughterhouse
- Module 4 – Slaughter and Transport to the slaughterhouse
- Module 5 – Documentation
- Module 6 – What Happens at the Abattoir?
- Once you have finished the training you must complete and pass the online MCQ, (OV Emergency Slaughter Appointment Test)
- You will receive an OV-EMSL number which should be used on the model health certificate.
How often do I need to complete the training?
- We are required to revalidate every 4 years -
Do I need any further qualifications?
Yes you must also hold the Essential skills Official controls qualification- OCQ(V)-ES
Can I still register with the FSA after the 1st of September 2024?
- Yes, but we would recommend completing the OV-EMSL training (see above) as this must be completed by the 31st of March 2025
- How do I register:
- During the transition period up to the 1st of April 2025 vets can still register as below:
- You must renew your application for authorisation with the FSA when your OCQ(V) - ES qualification is due for revalidation.
How do I register with the FSA 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.
