The government has been warned by MPs that a shortage of vets with livestock experience could hamper the response to any future disease outbreak amongst farm animals.

The warning came as ministers unveiled a new Veterinary Surveillance Strategy (VSS) aimed at spotting disease outbreaks much earlier to prevent them escalating out of control.

A spokeswoman for DEFRA told ePolitix.com: "We welcome this report which is particularly timely given the government's developing animal health and veterinary strategy.

"We need to consider the recommendations in detail. The pressure on large animal practices and their important role in delivering animal health and welfare policy are covered in our outline strategy which is currently out for consultation.

"That is what we have said we will set up a working party with the veterinary profession to consider this report."

Forum Response: National Farmers' Union

NFU animal health and welfare spokesman Neil Cutler said: "The NFU has been closely involved with the development of VSS and we welcome its implementation. It is now up to the government to put sufficient resources into the scheme to guarantee its effective delivery.

"However, the NFU does hold some reservations regarding the new IT system, RADAR (Rapid Analysis and Detection of Animal-related Risk).

"The creation of this database is not an answer in itself and will only be as good as the data fed into it. DEFRA must ensure that the quality of the data collected on the ground is high for RADAR to be fully effective."