APHA have now confirmed new changes to the testing of cattle under 180 days of age, in short interval and check tests. BCVA welcomes this practical, temporary amendment, which is in place to further protect vets and farmers when the youngstock cannot safely be tested with social distancing in place, in herds that are OTFS and OTFW.
BCVA members will be aware that all Red Tractor physical assessments were halted in March. The scheme is now preparing to roll-out live streamed farm audits to enable new applicants to be assessed and current members to retain their status throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) has written to members as a result of enquiries relating to how its Professional Indemnity Policy operates under the restrictions and new working practices in place because of COVID-19. The letter signposts resources and suggests that those who fall into the group defined by the government as being at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus and unable to work due to having to follow stringent self-distancing measures, to call the service for specific advice.
Any veterinary surgeons who have worked as Red or White Meat Official Veterinarians within the last five years and who have let their designation status lapse are being urged to contact the relevant agency for food standards in their UK country, as their skills are needed now to support efforts to keep the foodchain running during the Covid-19 outbreak.
