The Future of AHVLA Services in Wales
18 November 2011
First Evidence session on the Future of AHVLA veterinary laboratories in Wales.
On Wednesday 23 November the Welsh Affairs Committee will hold the first of two evidence sessions in connection with its inquiry into the future of Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) regional laboratories in Wales, following the announcement by AHVLA regarding the proposed discontinuation of laboratory services in Aberystwyth and Carmarthen.
The Welsh rural economy is heavily dependent on livestock farming. Major outbreaks of livestock disease such as the Foot and Mouth outbreak of 2001 have left concerns about access to veterinary science facilities. The Committee will be examining plans to relocate some of these services, what impact the proposals will have and what measures are being put in place to ensure that safe and adequate services remain.
Wednesday 23 November, Committee Room 16, 10.15 a.m.
Farmers’ Union Wales, and the National Farmers Union Wales
Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, David T. C. Davies MP said,
“The cessation of veterinary laboratory testing in Carmarthen and Aberystwyth would result in job losses and potentially have a significant impact on the rural community in Wales. The Committee has therefore decided to hold an inquiry into this matter, looking into the process by which this decision was made and the impact that this decision might have on the monitoring and detection of animal disease in Wales”.