The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a statement in response to the news that the implementation of the UK Government’s Border Target Operating Model, which will have a significant impact on UK biosecurity, may be further delayed.

BVA president Malcolm Morley said: “News that the Government may be once again delaying the introduction of crucial border checks on goods entering the UK is extremely frustrating and is putting the UK’s biosecurity at serious risk of imported diseases like African swine fever.

“Government vets are doing an unwavering job to mitigate these threats but without proper border controls from the EU in place, they are effectively doing the job with one hand tied behind their backs. The British Veterinary Association urges the Government to urgently press ahead with introducing the checks or risk the safety and security of our agricultural industry, food security and UK public health.”