Farmer says losing vet services is 'catastrophic'

Kirree Kermode works at her family farm in Ballasalla

A farmer said a decision by their vet to stop working with farms will be "catastrophic" for their animals' welfare.

Kirree Kermode, from Orrisdale Farm in Ballasalla, raised concerns after Milan Veterinary Practice said it would cease its farming services on 30 November.

The vets said the decision was made because of a "long-term decline" in the number of farm clients, and "the wider decline of pastoral farming on the island".

Ms Kermode, whose family farm has almost 2,000 animals, said the service was "critical to the function of our business" and they were unlikely to find another vets to take on their "vast" farming enterprise.

Orrisdale Farm has 1,500 commercial sheep, 200 pedigree sheep, and 300 beef cattle.

Ms Kermode said while they could try other vets, many were already at capacity and they did not know their stock.

They were also not the only farm to be affected by the move, she added.

There are 300 beef cattle at Orrisdale Farm

Ms Kermode said the farm dealt with the vets not just for emergency care but for vaccination and health programmes, as well as preparation for meat export.

"We need the vet, we need a set up we can rely on," she said.

"If we have an emergency in the middle of the night in three weeks' time, what are we going to do?

'Find solutions'

"The animal is absolutely paramount in the whole of this. It's very nerve-racking," she said.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said it was "actively engaging with veterinary practices and industry representatives to assess the situation and explore potential solutions".

It said in a statement: "Our immediate priority is maintaining animal welfare and ensuring farmers continue to have access to veterinary care for their livestock."

It added that the situation was "a priority for the department".

Milan Veterinary Practice said animal welfare was their top priority, adding it would work with farmers "to find solutions to ensure no client is left without veterinary support".

It also confirmed the change would not affect the small animal and equine services in Douglas, Onchan, Ramsey, Peel or Castletown.