The organisation representing vets across Europe has issued a plea to the Government to secure the working rights of EU and UK vets during Brexit negotiations.
The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) represents veterinary organisations from 38 EU and non-EU countries, including the UK. It also counts the BVA and RCVS – which helped develop the plea – among its members.
Issued ahead of the next round of deliberations in Brussels, the FVE document said Brexit negotiators must not jeopardise the high levels of animal health and welfare, public health and environmental protection enjoyed across Europe. It also highlighted the “vital” role the profession plays in animal health and welfare, antimicrobial resistance and food safety.
BVA senior vice-president Gudrun Ravetz said: “We are united with colleagues across Europe in our call to secure working rights for UK and EU vets in the Brexit negotiations. The varied and diverse roles in the veterinary profession provide the foundation for high animal health and welfare, and make essential contributions to the economy and wider society.
“Vets are absolutely vital in facilitating trade – by certifying meat through to gelatine in sweets, and ensuring standards – so consumers have confidence in the welfare and food safety of the products they choose to buy at times like this, when it is most needed.”
The document contained a list of five key points of action and high on the list is a request for continued mutual recognition of veterinary degrees, given the mobility of the profession across Europe.
As such, securing the existing living and working rights of all EU and UK vets is, the FVE said, crucial to ensure standards of animal health and welfare, and public health are maintained post-Brexit.