Latest news
On this page you will find the latest news articles for official veterinarians:
Responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of employees rests firmly with employer and for work performed in the capacity of an Official Veterinarian that means the employing practice.
Release of Official Veterinarian instructions for tuberculosis testing
AHVLA has been working with a group of OVs, including representatives from the RCVS, BCVA and BVA, to produce a set of instructions for OVs on tuberculosis testing in cattle. Following a review cycle and a number of workshops the final set of instructions have now been signed off.
Field audits planned of tuberculin testing in Wales
For a five to six week period from early March, veterinary staff from AHVLA will be carrying out field audits of tuberculin testing conducted by Official Veterinarians (OVs) in Wales.
Update on TB testing and procurement options
Feedback from AHVLA’s engagement with stakeholders in autumn 2011 has been used to help shape the further development of procurement options for TB testing services in England.
Official Veterinarian newsletter published
The December 2011 edition of the Official Veterinarian newsletter is available
Between September and October the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) sought views from private veterinary practitioners and the farming industry on proposals for competitive tendering for TB testing services in England and the development of veterinary partnerships.
AHVLA is due to roll out a new part of its Sam IT system that will enable OVs to submit TB test results electronically, replacing the current VeBus system and paper-based processes.
Using the Sam IT system to manage TB testing
AHVLA is currently testing new functionality in its Sam IT system that will enable OVs to submit TB test results electronically, replacing the current VeBus system and paper-based processes.
Risk based routine skin testing for Bovine Tuberculosis in Scotland
Adjustments are being made to routine herd testing for bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Scotland as the second anniversary of official TB freedom (OTF) is reached.
AHVLA proposed approach to competitive tendering for TB testing services in England and developing veterinary partnerships
Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency’s (AHVLA) proposed approach to competitive tendering for TB testing services in England is now available in the form of presentation material on the OV section of the AHVLA website.
DNA capture eartagging for TB reactor cattle
DNA eartagging for TB reactor cattle came into force on the 1st August 2011.
Working in partnership with private veterinary practitioners
Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency has begun to develop a more collaborative and strategic approach to working with private veterinary practitioners.
The Brucellosis sample submission page has been updated
VeBus will soon no longer be used for Brucellosis work
New Pet Travel Scheme Rules from 1 January 2012
From 1 January 2012 the rules for pets entering the country under the Pet Travel Scheme will change as the UK aligns its
Scheme with the EU-wide pet movement system (EU Regulation 998/2003).
Bluetongue Restrictions to be Lifted
Great Britain’s bluetongue disease status will change from its current Bluetongue 8 Low Risk Zone to that of Free from Bluetongue (without vaccination) with effect from 5 July 2011.
Merger of Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency
On 1 April 2011, Animal Health and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) merged to form a new executive agency, to be known as the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA)
Tagging for TB Positive Cattle
Instructions have been issued to OVs in respect of the permanent marking of bovine TB reactors using DNA tags. These
instructions will need to be followed by all OVs who undertake tuberculosis testing of bovine animals on premises in England
and Wales.
Tail Docking of Dairy Cattle in the UK
Official Veterinarians are being asked to report any incidences of dairy cattle with docked tails, after a number of cases
involving this practice were brought to the attention of AHVLA.
Avoiding Infections During Farm Visits
Revised guidance has been published to help those visiting farms avoid infections
New Strain of MRSA Identified in Cattle and Humans
AHVLA was part of a study, led by Cambridge University, which has identified a new strain of meticillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
