§ Lord Hoyleasked Her Majesty's Government:
In respect of foreign veterinary surgeons who assisted in the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom, (a) which countries they came from; (b) how many came from each country; and (c) what qualifications they were required to have. [HL117]
§ The parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Foreign veterinary assistance has been provided in two ways. Governments have loaned state veterinarians to the department. Other foreign veterinary surgeons have also been appointed as Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs).
As of 5 July, 476 state veterinarians from the following countries have provided assistance during the foot and mouth disease outbreak:
- Australia: 76
- Bulgaria: 10
- Canada: 52
- Cuba: 2
- Denmark: 8
- Finland: 3
- France: 21
- Germany: 2
- Hungary: 19
- Iceland: 1
- Ireland: 18
- Israel: 1
- Italy: 1
- Netherlands: 2
- New Zealand: 25
- Norway: 1
- Sweden: 15
- Switzerland: 5
- USA: 214.
As of 5 July, 378 foreign veterinary surgeons have been appointed as TVIs from abroad and they come from the following countries:
- Australia: 108
- Austria: 7
- Belgium: 3
- Canada: 16
- Czech Republic: 1
- Denmark: 4
- Egypt: 1
- France: 7
WA 94 - Germany: 15
- Greece: 3
- Ireland: 33
- Israel: 1
- Italy: 10
- Namibia: 1
- Netherlands: 6
- New Zealand: 49
- Norway: 1
- Portugal: 1
- South Africa: 57
- Spain: 37
- Sweden: 1
- Zimbabwe: 11
- USA: 5.
These figures do not include those foreign veterinary surgeons supplied by veterinary practices in Great Britain. Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs) must be Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS).
Foreign Government Vets may be given temporary registration with the RCVS allowing them to carry out foot and mouth work under the supervision of an MRCVS. These veterinarians may not have a qualification normally recognised by the RCVS but would possess relevant experience in connection with state veterinary medicine.