The British Veterinary Association (BVA) urged the UK Government to take action to protect the UK from devastating livestock diseases, in respondse to the ‘deeply concerning’ report on the rising volume of illegal meat imports by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee.
The BVA called on the government to urgently develop a coherent, risk-based national strategy to close the gaps in border biosecurity, after the EFRA report blamed weak enforcement and data for the significant volumes of illegal meat imports, some of which are entering the food chain.
The organisation, which represents more than 19,000 vets, expressed ‘serious concerns’ over the report’s findings.
The report revealed a lack of adequate border control enforcement when it comes to personal imports of meat and other products of animal origin, including dairy; weak intelligence networks; poor Government interdepartmental working; as well as the absence of a national strategy to manage the significant animal disease and public health risks posed by potentially contaminated products.
The BVA noted that it also raises particular concerns about funding cuts for Official Vets at Dover, alongside ministerial comments that appear to dismiss the vital role of vets in protecting biosecurity.
Serious gaps
BVA Junior Vice President Rob Williams said: “This report is deeply concerning, exposing serious gaps in border enforcement and warning that large amounts of illegal and potentially contaminated meat continue to enter the UK and make their way on to our plates.
“We cannot know where this meat has come from or if it meets the UK’s high animal welfare and biosecurity standards, and without appropriate checks, we can’t stop illegal meat imports at the border. This could have catastrophic and costly impacts on the UK’s food security, public health, and animal health and welfare through the import of exotic animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease.
The findings from this report, coupled with the recent National Audit Office report on animal disease resilience, should act as a wake-up call to Government to urgently deliver a coherent and properly resourced national strategy to tackle illegal meat imports and safeguard the UK’s biosecurity.
“Government vets play a critical role in protecting the nation’s biosecurity but can only do their jobs effectively if they are supported by effective systems. Currently, veterinary capacity required to perform checks remains a concern. As part of a national action plan, we would like to see better support for vets through a data-driven and risk-based system that is fit for purpose.
“This should also include adequate resources for Official Vets and the agencies tasked with keeping borders secure, which is why we want to see the proposed 70% cuts to Dover Port’s budget for spot checks on animal products reversed.”
- BVA’s written evidence to the EFRA Committee can be viewed HERE