These were among the findings of yesterday’s publication, “Unlocking Potential: a report on veterinary expertise in food animal production” by Professor Philip Lowe aiming to tackle some of the concerns raised by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Select Committee inquiry into vets and veterinary services in 2003.

Among a string of recommendations, it calls for the “renewal” of the relationship between farmers and vets.

The report addresses some of the issues raised by the Efra Select Committee into veterinary services in 2003, and during the 2001 foot-and- mouth inquiries. It looks at the numbers and the role of farm vets working in livestock and food production.

Worryingly, it found only 10% of practices now had farm clients and suggested that decline would continue, falling another 27% by 2016.

There was, said Lowe, an urgent need to overcome the “increasing marginalisation” of farm vets within the profession and a need to rethink relationships with farmers and with the government.

Welcoming the report, Nicky Paul, president of the British Veterinary Association, said: “With the recent Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs consultation on responsibility and cost sharing and a proposed new structure for animal health in the UK, now is the right time for vets to take stock of where we are going.

“Professor Lowe’s report sets out a number of challenges and we welcome the opportunity to consult widely with our members and take forward ideas and proposals to ensure a healthy future for the veterinary profession. Over the years vets have adapted to many changes and the profession has never shied away from these challenges.

“Although the primary focus of the report is veterinary surgeons working in farm and food animal practice, many of the issues raised cut across the whole of the profession. We will be seeking the views of all our members and divisions to ensure we are at the centre of shaping how the recommendations are taken forward.”