Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress his Department has made on discussions with the British Veterinary Association to address concerns on veterinary capacity to complete and issue Animal Health Certificates.

The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) format is mandated by the EU, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has taken steps to help Official Veterinarians (OVs) complete them including by developing a model AHC together with accompanying printable guidance and associated training. APHA has publicised the availability of the training relating to completing AHCs. The model AHC is easily available online and can be accessed by all qualified OVs at any time.

We are continuing to engage with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to develop additional guidance to support vets in completing and issuing AHCs. This includes the development of a 'checklist', which can be used in addition to the comprehensive guidance already available to vets, and an explainer video that will guide vets through a worked-up AHC example.

Defra is taking steps, working with the BVA and other stakeholders, to increase veterinary capacity across all sectors. We have secured the place of veterinary surgeons on the Home Office Shortage Occupation List, making it easier for UK employers to recruit vets from overseas. In addition, we are looking at ways to further enable the use of allied professionals where appropriate to help reduce the workload of the vet professional, including giving careful consideration to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ proposals for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

The number of OVs (working in private practice) who are able to issue AHCs is currently 7,896. Defra does not hold information on the related number of veterinary practices that are able to issue AHCs.