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Written question asked by Lord Roborough (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 March 2025. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Thursday, 20 March 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Veterinary Service: Staff

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of qualified and practising vets in the UK required to ensure that biosecurity regulations can be fully enforced.

Answer

Biosecurity can be deployed in multiple settings, it could be by Government vets in a field/lab setting, farm animal vets, or even an expectation for risk mitigation via biosecurity for all vets.

Defra appreciates the incredibly valuable work completed by veterinarians and recognise their essential role in achieving our ambitious goals of upholding high standards of animal welfare, supporting trade, and safeguarding public health and food security. The Government acknowledges the high demand for veterinary services and is working collaboratively across departments and with the profession to explore additional measures that will ensure sufficient staffing levels to support and sustain the sector effectively.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5749
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Staff Enforcement Disease control Regulation Veterinary services
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk