The Committee's report raises concerns about the numbers of large animal practitioners, since the economics of farming is leading to less use of veterinary services and further reducing the attractiveness of large animal practice. At the same time the Government's animal health and welfare and veterinary surveillance strategies appear to require a greater on-farm presence of veterinary surgeons. DEFRA needs to be aware of the impact its strategies and changes to food safety rules will have on current and future demand for vets and should review its funding of veterinary research which underpins teaching. The State Veterinary Service has a key role to play in delivering animal health and welfare and veterinary surveillance strategies, and needs to improve its links with private sector vets to ensure that all those who play a part in improving the animal health and welfare of the nation are equipped to do so.