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SAC Statement on Kinnaird Review of Scottish Government Veterinary Surveillance

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N136
Published: 08 Nov 2011

In response to the publication of the Review of the Scottish Government’s Veterinary Surveillance, SAC Chief Executive and Principal Professor Bill McKelvey said:

“The Scottish Government’s Disease Surveillance network is vital in protecting both animal and human health. We therefore welcome the publication of the Kinnaird Review’s findings because it is essential that the mechanisms for veterinary surveillance remain effective and efficient in meeting service users’ needs now and in the future.

“The report acknowledges the significant contribution SAC and our partners have made to the Scottish Government’s Veterinary Surveillance system over the years. I am pleased that the report highlights the ‘professionalism and dedicated attitude’ of the staff at SAC’s eight Scottish Disease Surveillance Centres (DSCs). It also recognises their good working relationship with veterinary practices and how this contributes to the effectiveness of the system.

“I believe the Kinnaird Report accurately reflects the current performance of the Veterinary Surveillance System. A survey carried out as part of the review identified high overall satisfaction levels amongst service users. Given those high satisfaction levels, we acknowledge that any potential changes raise concerns for staff, service users and the public.

“The Review has recommended rationalisation of the service while still maintaining the current levels of diagnostic service and a new Strategic Management Group will be formed to advise how this rationalisation might take place.

“The Group will first consult DSC staff and stakeholders to establish their needs. This is to be welcomed and it will be business as usual for the DSCs and our staff while the Group is established and considers how Veterinary Surveillance should evolve. I believe that this approach builds on the partnership SAC has forged with Government, the veterinary profession and animal keepers over many years.

“I am concerned, however, that while the report recommends rationalisation, including a reduction in the number of DSCs and centralisation of laboratory testing, it does not propose in detail how this can be implemented. SAC will be seeking to contribute its ideas to the Strategic Management Group about how veterinary surveillance should evolve. I believe any rationalisation and further development ought to include wider aspects of strategic disease surveillance in Scotland, such as future relationships with the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Scotland.

“In addition, while I am pleased that the Scottish Government’s budget for veterinary surveillance is being maintained at constant levels for the next three years, for which the Cabinet Secretary is to be warmly congratulated, it is essential that any recommendations for rationalisation take into account the available budget.”

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News Release Issued By

Ms Jane Smernicki
Head of Communications
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4331

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