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SAVSNET and GDPR

The Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) complies with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation and has been approved by the University of Liverpool Ethics Committee.

What data does SAVSNET collect?

Data collected by SAVSNET is covered by GDPR. Data comes from two sources, veterinary practices and diagnostic laboratories.

Veterinary practices

Data collected from veterinary practitioners will include postcodes. Occasionally the free text data we collect may include names, phone numbers or addresses. We are also aware that rare breeds may effectively constitute personal identifiers especially when linked to data such as age.

Software tools are used to efficiently remove most of the inadvertent identifiers in the free text (we call this deidentification). All data is anonymised before sharing and any publications are entirely anonymised. Consent for receiving data from veterinary practitioners is a two-step process. We will only receive data from veterinary practices that have agreed to participate in SAVSNET.

Diagnostic laboratories

Data collected from diagnostic laboratories will include no data about individual owners, only the postcode of the submitting veterinary practice. Laboratories give consent for us to access this data.   

Why is collecting or processing this data necessary?

The collection and analyses of these data from vets and laboratories is necessary in order to understand the burdens, distribution and risk of disease to individual animals. This is known as “processing” in the language of GDPR.

  • Postcode is needed to look for hotspots of disease in different parts of the country such as outbreaks
  • Breed information allows us to explore which breeds are more disposed to which diseases
  • Free text is needed as it can be mined to identify what was wrong with the animal and how it was treated. This allows us to research all the important reasons why owners take their pets to see veterinary surgeons and nurses. Without this data, there is no other reasonable way to research animal health, especially at these large population levels, with the explicit aim of improving it.

Who might we share data with?

In addition to being used for research by the SAVSNET team, SAVSNET-approved researchers will be able to apply for access to anonymised data for their own research purposes in the future. This can generate income, which is used for the sustainability of SAVSNET.  

What is the lawful basis for processing these data form vets and laboratories?

Under GDPR, it is necessary to define which of six “legal bases” justify data processing. The lawful basis for processing data in SAVSNET’s case is primarily that of legitimate interest. Data is largely anonymised when collected and absolutely anonymised when shared or published. Processing this data allows us to improve the evidence base for diagnosis and treatment of disease in companion animals. It can also be used to provide early warning of outbreaks of disease, thereby mitigating their impact.

Who can I contact?

If you have any questions about how your personal information is used, or wish to exercise any of your rights, please contact SAVSNET on savsnet@liverpool.ac.uk.

Can I remove my data?

Veterinary practices and owners can request their data be removed from the SAVSNET database. Just email us at savsnet@liverpool.ac.uk or complete our opt-out form.

How do I complain?

If you are unhappy with any aspect of this project, please contact us by phone, email or post and we will try to help. 

If you remain unhappy, or have a complaint which you feel you cannot come to us with, then you should contact the Research Governance Office directly on 0151 794 8290 (ethics@liv.ac.uk) stating the name of the project (SAVSNET) and the details of the complaint you wish to make.

If you are not happy with the way your information is being handled, or with the response received from us, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office. You can do this online at ico.org.uk or in writing to the Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.