Fur flies over lack of vet input on health focus group

THE first meeting of a focus group charged with looking at responsibility and cost- sharing of animal health in Scotland took place yesterday, but without any representation from the veterinary profession.

This exclusion was regretted by the British Veterinary Association, which pointed out that only last month Cabinet secretary Richard Lochhead had stated at the BVA annual dinner in Edinburgh that vets had an important role to play in this issue.

BVA president Bill Reilly described the exclusion of the veterinary profession as "extremely disappointing".

Reilly added: "Just last month Richard Lochhead praised the veterinary profession for its key role as a partner of the government and now he does not see a role for vets in deciding the future of animal health and welfare delivery."

Reilly said that a similar body set up to investigate responsibility and cost-sharing in England did include a veterinary representative.

It also includes a consumer representative to work alongside the industry and government representatives.

Responding to the comments, the Scottish Government said that the focus group in Scotland had a narrower remit than was the case south of the Border.

Under the chairmanship of John Ross, the chair of the Moredun Foundation, the Animal Health Focus Group will be expected to engage with other stakeholders, including vets during the course of its work.