Government to probe Israeli Veterinarian Service

The government is expected to form a new committee of parliamentary inquiry this coming Sunday, and task it with examining the ways in which the Israeli health establishment, and especially the Israeli Veterinarian Service (IVS), is monitoring disease control.

Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon explained the need for a parliamentary inquiry – a somewhat extreme investigative measure – derived from "unusual findings indicating concerns of unprofessional conduct, both administratively and personally, by elements in that Israeli Veterinarian Service."

The IVS is a sub-division of the Agriculture Ministry. The division is responsible for "a variety of pivotal interests pertaining to public heath, such as animal control, supervising the import and export of animals, animal products and animal-derived biological products; supervising veterinarian products and drugs, slaughterhouses etc.," said the ministry in its request for the parliamentary inquiry.

The ways in which the animal-related issues are met bears a direct link to public heath and carries significant financial implications, added the request.

"The diseases the IVS in entrusted with containing include the Bird Flu, Mad Cow disease, Foot and Mouth disease, Rabies and many more. Any irregularities in the veterinary service increase the risk to pubic health.

"The Agriculture Ministry has learned of gross administrative and personal misconduct, from both external and internal elements in the IVS," said the ministry.

Forming committee of parliamentary inquiry, explained Minister Simhon, will also provide legal protection to anyone who wishes to come forward with new information.