October 3rd 2019

Vets and Brexit

With Brexit dominating the headlines and discussions across the UK over the last two and a half years, it is important for veterinary professionals to be prepared ahead of whatever deal and date the UK leaves the European Union (EU). In today’s news entry, we collate the latest updates from both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) into an easy to use resource.

It may come as no surprise given the ever-shifting narrative of Brexit that accurate updates are hard to come by. From both a governmental standpoint and a professional one, it is difficult for practices to know what to do when faced with the multitude of unclear outcomes at present. The RCVS maintains that it is ‘working to ensure the best possible outcome for animal health and welfare, public health and the veterinary professions post-Brexit’ and regularly updates a dedicated page on its website with news items found on the RCVS website

Likewise, for European vets practicing in the UK, the RCVS has published a useful FAQ section which can help to answer some commonly asked questions around the matter. What’s more, their handy PDF leaflet gives a useful overview for those who wish to understand the impact of Brexit on the profession as well as the work that the RCVS is undertaking to ensure a smooth transition that limits the impact on care. 

The BVA has also been active in updating members as to the repercussions of Brexit. The BVA Brexit report ‘Brexit and the veterinary profession’ guides the work of BVA in securing the best possible outcome for the veterinary profession and can be downloaded from the BVA website

To assist members in preparing for a no deal Brexit, the BVA has also produced an eight-point plan for surviving a no deal Brexit. 

With the changing nature of Brexit, the VCMS advises practices to keep as up to date as possible with the latest developments and to try and plan as much as possible given the circumstances and information available. 

For more information, we advise practices to regularly stay in contact with detailed reports and guidance which are regularly published by both the RCVS and the BVA.

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