Contingency Veterinary Services for Animal Disease Outbreaks in Scotland

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is seeking veterinary practices across Scotland to join a flexible framework providing additional veterinary capacity during exotic animal disease outbreaks, such as Avian Influenza and Bluetongue. Participating vets will conduct field-based disease control activities including farm visits, clinical inspections, examinations, and sampling. APHA will provide comprehensive disease-specific training and ongoing support at no cost to practices, with reimbursement for training time and deployment work. Participation is voluntary and operates on a best endeavours basis—practices can choose which team members participate and are under no obligation to deploy staff during operational pressures. APHA will contact practices in relevant areas to determine availability when support is needed. Pricing models are flexible and open to negotiation, including submission of practice rates, use of OV19(S) hourly rates, or alternative proposals. Travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed according to APHA's published rates. Deployed vets must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle. This initiative aims to strengthen Scotland's disease response capability by leveraging local veterinary expertise and knowledge to protect livestock health, rural livelihoods, and farming communities. Expected annual expenditure is approximately £25,000, with a £1 million contract value available for large-scale outbreaks.