Farm vet services to continue on 'interim' basis

Farm services offered by Milan Veterinary Practice had been due to end on 30 November

The provision of vet services to some farms on the Isle of Man will continue on an "interim" basis despite a provider's previous decision to stop them at the end of the month.

Milan Veterinary Practice, which had five branches on the island, last week said it was "no longer sustainable" to offer agricultural services.

The announcement was met with concern by members of the farming community, amid fears of a shortage of available alternative vets.

But in a statement, parent company IVC Evidensia said it would continue to "support to our existing registered clients" beyond 1 December, with a review "early in the new year".

The firm previously wrote to its customers to notify them of the decision to cease services, which it said was based on "a long-term decline in our number of farm clients, and the wider decline of pastoral farming on the island".

'Interim commitment'

In an update issued to affected farm businesses, the organisation said animal welfare remained its "top priority" and ensuring no client was left without appropriate care was "paramount".

The letter said: "We have listened to your feedback and understand your concerns about ongoing care for your animals and capacity restrictions from other providers on the island."

The firm was "committed to finding suitable, alternative, sustainable solutions", it said, adding: "We hope this interim commitment offers reassurance while arrangements progress."

Small animal and equine services at practices in Douglas, Onchan, Ramsey, Peel and Castletown had not been affected.

The island's agriculture minister was set to face an urgent question on the issue in Tynwald on Tuesday.