Government in talks with veterinary practices and industry representatives to ensure animal welfare and access to care
Milan Vets has announced it will end its farm veterinary services on 30 November, citing a long-term decline in the number of farm clients and what it describes as the wider decline of pastoral farming on the Isle of Man.
In a letter to clients, the company said it had made significant investments in staff, equipment, and software over the past 18 months to improve its farm services, but that continuing was "no longer sustainable".
It claims the decision has not been taken lightly and that it would help farmers transfer records to other providers.
A spokesperson for the practice said:
"Due to a long-term decline in our number of farm clients, and the wider decline of pastoral farming on the Island, it is no longer sustainable for Milan Vets to offer a farm veterinary service.
"Animal welfare is our top priority. We have written to our existing clients to give them notice that our farm services will end and will work with them to find solutions to ensure no client is left without veterinary support.
"This does not affect our small animal and equine services in Douglas, Onchan, Ramsey, Peel or Castletown."
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says it became aware of the announcement on Monday (10 November), and is now engaging with practices and industry representatives to assess the situation.
In a statement, DEFA said:
"We understand this will be of concern to farmers and the wider agricultural community.
"DEFA is actively engaging with veterinary practices and industry representatives to assess the situation. Our immediate priority is maintaining animal welfare and ensuring farmers continue to have access to care for their livestock."
Farmer Paul Costain describes the development as a "sad day" for agriculturalists, estimating that Milan serviced around 90 percent of the Island's farming animals.
He believes the decision has "dropped farmers in it", with only three weeks' notice, and has called on Milan Vets to reconsider.
He added that farmers have been "very loyal" to the practice over many years, saying "this is how that loyalty is repaid".
Mr Costain spoke to Christian Jones:
DEFA says it will provide a further update once discussions with stakeholders are complete.
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