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

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.

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.