CONTINUED cooperation to ensure the unique relationships, structures and movements that straddle the Irish border are maintained was the key message from the recent BVA (British Veterinary Association) annual Northern Ireland dinner.
The dinner, held at Stormont, on Thursday past, was hosted by UUP leader Robin Swann and attended by key representatives of animal health and welfare organisations and the agri-food industry and senior members of the veterinary profession.
Simon Doherty, BVA junior vice president (JVP) , delivered the BVA President’s speech and highlighted the Association's special consideration for Northern Ireland in its Brexit lobbying. He further stated that the organisation is doing everything it can to achieve the best possible results for animal health and welfare, public health and the veterinary profession.
In the speech, delivered to the dinner’s 70 guests, Mr Doherty outlined the impact of Brexit on individual vets and vet nurses as well as on the veterinary profession as a whole: from the myriad pieces of animal health and welfare legislation, to the ongoing availability and efficacy of veterinary medicines.
Emphasising that approximately 50 per cent of new vets registering with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS) each year come from the EU, he said the impact of the loss of even a small percentage of this workforce could have "serious repercussions".
"We will be looking to the Northern Ireland, UK and Irish governments to consult on how best to ensure that the provision of professional services and trade across the Irish border is not disrupted.”
On the prospect of forging future trade deals post Brexit, Mr Doherty added:
“The vital role that veterinary surgeons currently fulfil to enable trade in animals and animal products – from abattoirs to certification and controls - must also be recognised and preserved in order to protect animal health, safeguard animal welfare and ensure consumer confidence moving forwards.”
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs permanent secretary Noel Lavery responded to the BVA's speech.
