Livestock farmers are going to see more changes at their local vet. The big UK veterinary chain CVS continues to purchase practices in Northern Ireland and the Republic. It recently acquired the mixed animal practice Campsie Veterinary Centre, outside Omagh. It also bought Spires Veterinary Clinic in Omagh and St Elmo Veterinary Clinic in Derry.

It has now acquired a second practice in the Republic: the large Gilabbey Veterinary Hospital in Cork, a small-animal business. This is on top of the well-known Troytown Greyabbey equine business in Co Kildare, in which CVS invested last August.

The Dealer is told that CVS and the other major UK chain, IVC, are in negotiations with 20 vet practices in the Republic, including some large-animal practices, and have approached or been approached by another 60. It is offering seven or eight times profits for the right business.

Meanwhile, there is no sign of white smoke from the Veterinary Council of Ireland on the legalities of who can own a practice.