UK Equid Lab services threatened by Brexit

A no deal Brexit could lead to a surge in demand for vets and laboratories carrying out tests on horses before they will be permitted to travel from the UK to the EU the BVA warns.
For the horse to be cleared for travel, the UK would need to apply to be a listed country, and the horse would have to undertake an extensive range of disease testing which would need to be carried out by vets who holds an equine exports qualification, in addition to their veterinary degree.

BVA president Simon Doherty said ‘If this situation comes to pass, we could see a huge amount of pressure in a specialist section that is already experiencing uncertainty and shortages. Two thirds of vets who hold the required exports qualification plan not to renew, and those studying it, plan to drop it. We have been working with the APHA to make the necessary improvements but it’s very worrying.”
He added “It’s critical that laboratories have the capacity and support to deal with the increase in demand for their services. We are working with the government to ensure that if a no Brexit deal arises, we are prepared.”