On the same day as you describe apparent manoeuvrings by the supermarkets to try to avoid the proper exposure of the extent of campylobacter infections in chickens (Tesco director may face scrutiny over lobbying about chicken report, 26 November), you also report that ministers are considering the supposed “elimination of the burden” on farms by reducing health inspections (Coalition plans reducing avian flu farm checks). Does no one in government believe in joined-up thinking, or is it totally in hock to the food industry?
Dr Richard Carter
London
• BVA understands the pressures on public spending and the need for efficiencies and appropriate lessening of the regulatory burden on business, including the agriculture sector. However, we cannot overstate the importance of any cuts or changes being carefully considered from a fully informed perspective and with an eye to long-term consequences, not simply short-term expediency. Cuts cannot come at the expense of animal welfare and health, which if compromised can have serious consequences for human health and for food production.
Defra works closely with vets and is aware of the critical role vets play in disease surveillance – Defra’s own survey highlights that local vets are a trusted source of key information to their clients and this is fundamental to ensuring robust disease control and eradication strategies. Our message to Defra is: don’t downgrade the role of vets in food safety and animal health and welfare. It is important to stress that any attempt to reduce regulation by the government should not increase risk by reducing the pivotal role that vets carry out in public health and food safety, alongside animal health and welfare.
John Blackwell BVSc MRCVS
President, British Veterinary Association
