The three major issues of discussion at the reception will be bovine TB, dangerous dogs and dog control, and antibiotic resistance. To what degree are parliamentarians aware of these different subjects?
These are all high-profile issues in the media, so parliamentarians will certainly be aware of them. However, the detail and the science sometimes gets lost behind the headlines, so the British Veterinary Association (BVA) wants to ensure that MPs and peers are aware of the facts, away from some of the emotional or kneejerk responses that we all read about.
We hope to present the facts in order to enable a clearer decision-making process by each individual parliamentarian when they prepare to debate these issues.
The reception seeks to 'debunk' certain myths about bovine TB. What are these myths and how can they be addressed?
The main myth that we're trying to address is that culling badgers does not make a difference to cattle TB.
That is simply not the case, and the current science does actually show that culling badgers in the way that was undertaken in the Randomised Badger Culling Trials (RBCTs) can actually improve the situation in those areas where a proactive cull is undertaken.
The whole question then rests on how it can best be delivered in terms of humaneness and cost-effectiveness.
Expert veterinary scientists provide the facts according to veterinary epidemiology, but aren't necessarily always presenting an argument from a strong position when they start discussing economics.
It is for politicians to take into account those economic assessments before it can be determined how useful the measures to control bovine TB can be.
Could you tell us about the collaborative approach that the BVA is taking to urge government to pursue changes to dangerous dogs' legislation?
A short briefing on this subject will be given by the BVA's Past President, Harvey Locke, who has practised as a small animal vet for the last 40 years.
Through Harvey, the BVA has been working very closely with a number of organisations, including animal welfare organisations, trade unions and even the Police Federation, to look at the changes required in the law.
The BVA believes strongly in the principle of 'deed not breed' with regards to dangerous dogs, and that the current breed-specific legislation (the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991) does not provide the solutions to the current problems.
Under the DDA there is a requirement for police to seize certain types of dogs (including the pit bull type), regardless of their behaviour. That means we've got the wrong dogs being taken away from their owners, and dogs being kept in kennels for a long time while the legal process takes place, compromising their welfare.
Other elements of the law that need changing include the need for it to apply on private property as well as in public places, and the need for a more preventive approach to reduce the incidence of attacks.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the veterinary medicines/antibiotic resistance section of the reception?
Peter Harlech Jones, BVA's President Elect, has a background in veterinary medicines and used to head up the Veterinary Division of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and he will be giving a short briefing on antibiotic – or antimicrobial – resistance. This is a subject that hit the headlines recently because it is such a huge public health and animal health issue.
There is a lot of pressure coming from Europe to restrict the use of these medicines in animals. Antibiotics are vital for animal health and welfare and the BVA is very concerned that these calls are not based on a scientific assessment of the risk, but are a heavy-handed use of the precautionary principle.
We want to inform parliamentarians of the importance of these medicines for veterinary use and try to reduce the likelihood of kneejerk legislation.
Are UK parliamentarians sufficiently supportive of issues affecting the veterinary profession? What more can be done to raise awareness of issues affecting veterinary professionals and the animals in their care?
When parliamentarians are faced with a particular animal health or welfare issue or public health issue relating to veterinary expertise they do look to the opinion and expertise of the veterinary profession.
Ultimately, we are the individuals with the knowledge and expertise in those areas, and we are very pleased to be able to offer our views – gathered from our members who have a range of expertise and experience.
Historically we may have had better relationships with MPs in rural constituencies because of the very clear link between vets and farmers. But increasingly we are building very strong relationships with parliamentarians in urban areas.
Every MP will have pet owners, animal lovers, consumers (or animal products) and veterinary practices in their constituencies and many will have farmers, riders, and other animal keepers. Vets are small businesses and employers and a key part of the local community they serve.
The issues we deal with should be of interest to all politicians. Events like this briefing are an excellent opportunity to remind them of the wide range of issues we cover.
The British Veterinary Association afternoon tea reception will take place on Tuesday December 13th.