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The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) held a consultation on telemedicine earlier this year.
The consultation included a survey of relevant stakeholders carried out by Amárach Research, the VCI told Agriland.
A spokesman for the VCI confirmed that the consultation took place between January and February.
The results of the consultation will be used by the VCI to enable a review of its current code of conduct.
Telemedicine Survey
Although it is not a public survey, the groups surveyed were of different nature, according to the VCI.
The consultation included veterinarians, veterinary nurses, agricultural representatives, welfare groups, Bord Bia, the Irish Food Safety Authority and others.
The VCI’s review of the Code of Conduct is still ongoing and it is expected that the review will be completed by the end of the year following a public consultation.
Veterinary telemedicine is the provision of veterinary health services and information through the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies, including video communications.
Veterinary issues
In 2019, the VCI, which regulates and administers the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary care in the public interest, clarified its position on telemedicine at the request of veterinarians.
It was then determined that veterinarians could not diagnose or treat an animal without a physical examination.
While it can be used to investigate a case or provide general advice or knowledge to a customer, the VCI confirmed that it could not replace a farm call-out
The VCI was not able to give Agriland a further statement on a change in this position.
It said:
“As the [review] A process is currently taking place. The Veterinary Council of Ireland is unable to provide any further comments on this matter. ”
