| Ahead to Per rectum pregnancy detection using a doppler transducer |
11. We strongly recommend that non-veterinarians should only be allowed to carry out pregnancy detection in cattle by per rectum scanning after undergoing training in the technique and having reached a recognised standard.
12. We recommend that if the procedure, when carried out by a non-veterinarian, is to be controlled under the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 it should be subject to specific controls which should include a period of theoretical and practical training which should result in a certificate of competence which would allow the operator to apply for a licence. There should also be a requirement for the operator to be re-examined at suitable intervals to ensure standards and levels of competence are maintained.
13. In addition, the regulations should require the lay operator to complete a record of the animal(s) examined, a copy of which should be retained by the owner. This information may be of use to a veterinary surgeon should subsequent treatment be required.
14. Non-veterinarians should be provided with a code of practice during training. This could be prepared by MAFF in consultation with the industry and veterinary profession. One of the statements in this code of practice should be that scanning should be carried out without damaging any organ or causing excessive stretching in any tissue. The code should also state that it is unnecessary to palpate the ovaries.