EPA 16

Summary

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, and 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.

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 the 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, for example:

• TB or avian influenza controls
• Pet microchipping
• Farmed animals husbandry
• Involvement in the annual vet visit for the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway or its continued development
• Official controls in abattoirs, farms and transport
• Case complexities relevant to your role, for example: a logical and systematic approach to dental examination which includes imaging and knowledge of preventative treatments
• Farm vet visit attestations to support exports

Required competencies

The 2022 RCVS Day One Competences encompass a range of domains that may be relevant to this EPA. However, the key areas involved in performing this activity/practice are as follows:

Veterinary capability

• Individual animal
• Animal population care and management
• One Health/public health

Reflective relationships

• Communication
• Collaboration

Professional commitment 

• Leadership in thoughts and actions 

Personal leadership

• Adaptability
• Professionalism  

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