Welsh Affairs Select Committee joins BVA in concerns over laboratory closures

MPs seek assurances that the closure of vetertinary surveillance labs in Wales are necessary. AHVLA’s proposals to ‘rationalise’ veterinary laboratory services have been met with caution.

Reports have been submitted to Defra that will suggest diagnosis delays, deterioration of samples and other issues that may arise as a result of the closures. Practicality, rather than economic hysteria, should be the driving force behind the closures or the animal health sector will suffer a significant decline.

With diseases such as Schmallenberg virus emerging throughout the country now may not be the most prudent time to cutback on veterinary laboratories.