Animal welfare ‘priority’ in wake of Isle of Man vet changes – BBC

Report on Veterinary Service Disruption on the Isle of Man and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A potential disruption to veterinary services on the Isle of Man has highlighted significant risks to the island’s agricultural sector and its alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The announced withdrawal of services by a major provider, Milan Veterinary Practice, threatened to create a critical shortage of care for livestock. While an interim solution has been secured, the situation underscores the need for a long-term, sustainable strategy to support the island’s food production systems, economic stability, and animal welfare standards. This report analyses the incident through the lens of the SDGs and outlines the government’s response.

Analysis of Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The potential cessation of veterinary services directly threatens the progress and maintenance of several core SDGs on the island:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The Manx National Farmers’ Union warned of a “catastrophic failure” in the local dairy and meat trade. A lack of veterinary care jeopardises food security and the viability of sustainable local agriculture, which are central to this goal.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The immediate priority, as stated by the government, is animal welfare. A shortage of veterinary services would lead to significant suffering in livestock and a breakdown in disease management and prevention, impacting the health of animal populations.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The agricultural sector is a key component of the island’s economy. The minister noted that without veterinary access, “it would be almost impossible for people to continue farming,” threatening livelihoods and undermining sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The potential loss of “Red Tractor” assurance for farms unable to register with a vet would severely impact sustainable production patterns. This certification is crucial for market access and demonstrates a commitment to responsible farming practices.

Chronology of Events and Stakeholder Responses

1. Milan Veterinary Practice’s parent company, IVC Evidensia, announced its intention to withdraw from the farm services market, citing that the work was “no longer sustainable.”
2. The Manx National Farmers’ Union responded with a letter warning that the short-notice removal of services would place “animal welfare at very high risk” and could collapse the local meat and dairy industries.
3. Following stakeholder concerns, the practice agreed to continue its services on an “interim” basis, allowing time for a long-term solution to be developed.

Government Action and Strategic Planning for Sustainability

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has initiated a multi-faceted response aimed at securing a resilient and sustainable future for farm veterinary services, reflecting a commitment to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

• Immediate Priority: The Chief Veterinary Officer has affirmed that maintaining animal welfare and ensuring farmers have continuous access to veterinary care is the primary focus.
• Collaborative Engagement: A meeting was convened with all veterinary practices on the island to identify barriers and explore collaborative solutions, revealing a “strong desire and commitment” from the veterinary community to find a sustainable path forward.
• Needs Assessment: In partnership with the farmers’ union, DEFA is developing a survey to comprehensively understand the needs and requirements of farmers, ensuring that future solutions are data-driven and fit for purpose.
• Economic Support: Discussions are underway with the Department for Enterprise to explore potential support schemes that could help new or existing practices expand their capacity for farm work, thereby building a more robust and sustainable service infrastructure.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• The article focuses on the potential disruption of veterinary services for livestock, which directly threatens the local food supply chain. The Manx National Farmers’ Union warns that the local dairy and meat trade, as well as island exports, risk “catastrophic failure.” This connects to ensuring a stable and sustainable food production system.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The economic viability of farming on the Isle of Man is at risk. The article states that without access to veterinary services, “it would be almost impossible for people to continue farming.” This highlights the threat to the livelihoods of farmers and the local agricultural economy. The government’s involvement in exploring “potential support schemes” also relates to sustaining local industries and employment.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The article mentions the “Red Tractor assured” standard, a key certification for responsible farming that covers animal welfare and food safety. The inability of farms to register with a vet would cause them to lose this assurance, undermining sustainable production patterns. The focus on maintaining “animal welfare” and preventing disease is central to this goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers… The article highlights a direct threat to this target, as the lack of veterinary care could make it “almost impossible for people to continue farming,” which would devastate their productivity and income.
• Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices… The potential loss of veterinary services and the “Red Tractor assured” status undermines the sustainability and resilience of the island’s farming system. The government’s effort to find “long-term sustainable solutions” is an attempt to meet this target.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation… The government’s discussions with the Enterprise Department about “potential support schemes to help new and existing practices expand into farm work” is a direct example of a policy aimed at supporting a crucial sector of the local economy.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. Livestock is a key natural resource in this context. Ensuring their health and welfare through proper veterinary care is essential for their sustainable management, which the article identifies as being at “very high risk.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of farms with “Red Tractor assured” status: The article explicitly states that farms would “not be able to remain as Red Tractor assured” without a registered vet. Tracking the percentage of farms that maintain this certification is a direct indicator of sustainable and responsible production (SDG 12) and resilient agricultural practices (SDG 2.4).
• Access to veterinary care for livestock: The core issue is a “potential mass shortage of care.” An indicator would be the number of qualified veterinarians available for farm work or the ratio of vets to livestock on the island. Ensuring farmers “continue to have access to veterinary care” is the immediate priority mentioned, making this a key metric for progress (SDG 2, SDG 8).
• Continuity of local dairy, meat, and export trade: The article warns of “catastrophic failure” for the local trade. Therefore, measuring the volume and value of production and exports from the island’s farms would serve as an indicator of the economic health and productivity of the agricultural sector (SDG 2.3, SDG 8).
• Implementation of government support schemes: The discussions about “potential support schemes” can be measured. An indicator would be the creation and uptake of these schemes by veterinary practices, showing government action to support the industry (SDG 8.3).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com