Emergency Slaughter

Information and FAQS

EMERGENCY SLAUGHTER – Information and FAQS

Updated 5th December 2024

 

From the 1 September 2024 all vets carrying out ante-mortem inspection on farm will have to undergo further online training.

 

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. (Veterinarians interested in becoming part time an OV-HoP must be members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and pass a test set by the FSA about ante-mortem inspection).
  • Vets appointed in this way will be able to certify emergency slaughters on farm until the 1st of April 2025

What is changing?

  •  From the 1st of September 2024 ALL vets carrying out ante-mortem inspection on farm are required to undergo further online training - https://www.food.gov.uk/cy/node/5121
  • This includes those vets holding the OV-HoP appointment.
  • It must be completed by the 1st of April 2025

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 document covering the following areas, and complete an online exam.
    • Animal welfare
    • Veterinary Certification
    • Disease control
    • Food safety
    • Regulatory compliance
    • Diagnostic skills

 Can I still register with the FSA after the 1st of September 2024?

  • Yes, during the transition period up to the 1st of April 2025 vets can still register as below, or they can complete the training course on the FSA website when it becomes available at the end of October 2024.

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:

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  • 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.

https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/official-veterinary-appointment#appointment-by-the-fsa-as-an-official-veterinarian-at-holdings-of-provenance-ov-hop

  • You must also hold the OCQ(V)-ES and be an MRCVS.
  • Once appointed you will receive a certificate authorising you as follows:

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  • 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.

When would an OV-HoP be needed?

  • Ante-mortem inspection at the holding of provenance of animals intended for slaughter at an abattoir.
  • Ante-mortem inspection of poultry where the holding is authorised for on-farm slaughter.
  • Ante-mortem inspection of farmed game where the holding is authorised for on-farm slaughter.

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.

Can I still use the BCVA emergency slaughter certificates?

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