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Government cuts could have serious impact on animal and human health

British Veterinary Association | British Veterinary Association

2 min read Partner content

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is one of four government departments that have provisionally agreed to cut their spending by an average of 30% over the next four years, Chancellor George Osborne has announced.

The departments will be expected to cut day-to-day spending over the next four years through a combination of efficiency savings and closing low value programmes.

BVA President Sean Wensley responded, "In recent years we have already seen the impact of significant cuts to Defra's budget on veterinary fees for TB testing and other OV services and on disease surveillance. 

“Our major concern is that more cuts in these areas could further erode the UK's preparedness for a disease outbreak, which could have massive implications for animal and human health, animal welfare and the reputation of UK agriculture. 
 
"The Defra Secretary of State has repeatedly said that animal health and welfare is a priority so we would urge Defra to protect animal health and welfare budgets relative to other areas of spend and ensure that short-term savings do not lead to serious adverse consequences in the longer term."  

The Chancellor has asked most parts of the government to come up with savings of between 25% and 40% by the end of the current parliament.

Alongside Defra, the Treasury and transport and local government departments have all agreed deals ahead of the spending review on 25 November. While a number of departments, including health and overseas aid, have had their budgets protected.

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