EPA 16

Undertake activities which contribute to the application or development of policy, in relation to animal health and welfare, public health and one health

Description

Undertake activities which contribute to the application or development of policy related to animal health and welfare, public health and one health. This can involve, but is not limited to, activities involving the application of relevant current legislation, disease and risk surveillance in both clinical and non-clinical roles, but also contributing to the development of new approaches to policy through research, risk assessment and stakeholder consultation/engagement.

The development and / or application of policy for animal health and welfare, one health or public health is a cornerstone of all veterinary roles, whether in practice, charities, industry, or official controls. All veterinary surgeons can therefore make an active contribution to the effective delivery and support the introduction of new policies at the vet-patient-client level.

The development and / or application of policy for animal health and welfare, one health and public health are essential for maintaining and advancing standards of practise for a range of stakeholders, including farmers, pet owners, food business operators, consumers, government departments, human healthcare professionals and trading partners.

Maintaining and advancing standards is important in protecting health and welfare not only at an individual animal, person or business level, but also to protect the disease status of the national herd, preserving the country position with regards to food security and trade.

Contributing to developing new policy helps ensure that emerging risks and challenges are anticipated and that standards reflect current evidence-based thinking – creating a platform for One Health thinking and helping work towards ever better practise at local, national and international level.

Aiming for... (Success criteria)

To have effectively contributed to the development and / or application of policy related to animal health and welfare, public health and one health.

This could be realised through relevant professional contributions of any veterinary surgeon during daily activities, as well as in in civil service roles, delivering statutory obligations, or through involvement of any vet in working groups, government stakeholder engagement processes or initiatives.

• Application of legislation in relation to animal identification, animal health and welfare, and disease control e.g. TB or Avian Influenza controls, pet microchipping, husbandry procedures of farmed animals
• Involvement in the annual vet visit for the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway or its continued development
• Official controls in abattoirs, on farm and in transport.
• case complexities relevant to their role. Including a logical and systematic approach to dental examination including imaging and knowledge of preventative treatments.
• Farm vet visit attestations to support exports.

Required competences

There is the potential for all domains within the 2020 RCVS Day One Competences to be relevant to this EPA, however the key areas involved in performance of this activity/area of practice are as follows;

Veterinary capability

• Individual animal
• Animal population care & management
• One health / public health

Reflective relationships

• Communication and collaboration

Professional commitment

• Leadership in thoughts and actions

Personal leadership

• Adaptability
• Professionalism