To help increase exports, Defra should prioritise animal health and disease surveillance as it handles the latest round of Government cuts, the National Sheep Association (NSA) has said in a joint statement with the Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS).

NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker.

NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker.

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive commented: “In these times of austerity Defra will have to prioritise, and we feel it is essential the continuing development and support of export markets is very high up that list.“The boost to the national economy that increasing exports can bring is reliant on us being able to give confidence to those markets through high animal health status within our borders. Animal health, disease and surveillance are essential to protect the efficiency of the livestock sector, to protect our export markets, and to protect public health from zoonoses."NSA would also like to see efforts continue to cut red tape for farmers, as this in an area where Defra could actually free up money for areas of high priority,” Stocker added.

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