Vets can submit data directly via the web portal but the I-Pig app for Real Welfare is not quite ready yet as there are still some bugs that are in the process of being ironed out.

It has therefore been decided that, in the short term, BPEX will offer a bureau service to vets. This will enable vets to send in results on paper and the bureau will input them on the vets behalf to save vets time and cost should they not with to use the web portal themselves.

The bureau service will be operated by MLCSL who also operate the eAML2 bureau, and the operational details are being finalised over the next few days.

The service will be available for QVVs carried out from 1 July and is scheduled to run for six months.

Research Projects Manager Katja Stoddart said: “The app is still under development and is being tested but there are still some issues with it.

“We will be working extremely hard over the next few months to debug it before we release it to vets.

“However it is still extremely important to collect data so there two options are being offered, the web portal or the bureau service which BPEX will fund.”

From 1 July, vets wishing to use the bureau service will be able to post, fax or scan and email the forms. BPEX will provide all practices with return envelopes for them.

Katja said: “A number of vets have already volunteered to be involved in the smartphone application testing process but if there are any more who would be interested please get in touch.”

Interested vets should email [email protected].