26th March 2020 – Covid-19 Protocol
FARM ANIMAL
We would like to thank our clients for their ongoing support and understanding during these exceptionally challenging times for us all.
The situation is evolving rapidly, and we will continue to alter our policies in line with the current government, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons & British Cattle Veterinary Association recommendations.
Opening Hours:
Our phone lines are open 24/7 and we are still providing emergency care.
Changes to our office:
We are still operating 8 am – 5pm office hours however our practice doors are remaining locked for the time being.
We ask that ALL drugs orders are phoned through to the office so that they can be put ready for your collection. If you turn up without ordering you will be asked to wait outside. Drugs can still be collected from the Blackford black box but will now be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, after 5.30pm.
We are happy to put drugs up but these will be left for collection outside the practice and we kindly ask you follow our hand sanitising protocol. This applies for any drugs to be collected at Cheddar or Blackford. We ask that you use the hand sanitiser before and after opening the box.
Account Payment:
Where possible please may we ask for account payments to be made by card payment over the phone or BACS. Please contact us on 01934 315970 if you require the details.
Social Isolating on Farm:
We ask that if yourself or any family members or farm workers are in self isolation that you please let us know before we arrive on farm. This will allow for us to plan should we need extra assistance to protect our clients and staff.
Visits:
As per current government guidelines we ask that you help us in respecting social distancing at all times on farm. A cows length should be sufficient! Where possible we will aim to adhere to this.
As we are all working within food production we are currently recommended to continue with all fertility, emergency care and any conditions which would cause a compromise in animal welfare. If you are unsure of if you need a visit we are always happy to discuss this over the phone before you book a visit.
We have been advised to delay procedures which are not, at this time, critical. We ask that you respect the above in order to keep yourself, our clients, their families and our own safe.
TB Testing:
At the publishing of this statement, the APHA is still advising we continue with TB Testing on farm to safeguard animal health and welfare. This situation is constantly under review by the Government.
It is important to protect everyone on farm during the test that we maintain correct social distancing (2m) during the test. You may be asked to wear disposable gloves for the duration of the test.
Where social distancing is not possible, between staff members on farm and farm staff who do not live together, then the test should be postponed as per APHA guidelines.
If anyone on farm is self-isolating we would ask that they are not involved in any part of the test. We ask that either alternative staff are found or that you contact APHA to rearrange the test. They have announced that there is flexibility with the testing window to allow for this. Please use the TB Hub as a source of advice regarding the Covid-19 outbreak and implications for TB Testing https://tbhub.co.uk/statutory-tb-testing-of-cattle-in-gb-d…/.
Where the APHA have been informed of the situation there will currently be a hold on RPA penalties on a case by case basis. We ask that you keep the APHA informed should your situation change. It is your own (registered keeper) responsibility to ensure that the APHA are informed of your testing situation.
Red Tractor Updates
As of the 20th March, Red Tractor have cancelled all physical inspections of farms. They are attempting to use remote assessments to support ongoing brand confidence.
EQUINE
Visits:
At this time, we are reducing our care to emergency work only as per guidance from the RCVS. We will continue to provide 24/7 emergency care.
Vaccinations:
Currently we are ceasing vaccination through the practice. We have been strongly advised by our governing bodies that we discontinue any work which puts our clients at an increased risk via increasing their contact with other persons or non-essential travel.
Social Isolating at home/private or livery yard:
We ask that if yourself or any family members or yard workers are self-isolating that you please declare this before we arrive. This will enable us to plan to safeguard health for all involved.
We have a duty as a profession to be part of solving the problem and not causing it.
Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time for us all.
Please keep yourselves and your families safe,
From the AVLA Team