Vets roped into schemes

The rollout of Targeted Veterinary Advisory Services next year will be a positive step for vets and farmers alike, said Animal Health Ireland CEO, Joe O’Flaherty.

Vets have already been roped into the animal health and welfare planning part of the Knowledge Transfer discussion group scheme.

These plans must be overseen by a vet — and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has had to defend the cost burden this places on farmers, saying the payment to participating farmers of €160 reduces the veterinary fee they have to pay.