[Professional secrecy and the divulgence of information in the veterinary profession]

Aspects of professional secrecy as applied to the veterinary profession are examined. The origin and the modern basis of this precept are referred to. Consideration is given to its application in the Veterinary and Paraveterinary Professions Act, the common law liability of the veterinarian employed in industry, the veterinarian negotiating the purchase of a practice, and its application to moral, ethical and contractual obligations. The need to dispense with professional secrecy in emergency situations is examined, as well as an approach for the discussion of clinical cases amongst colleagues, publication of such cases in scientific journals and the application in a situation where a veterinarian is being sued by a client. Professional secrecy is also examined where the veterinarian is employed in the Public Service and where an obligation arises to give evidence in civil and criminal court proceedings.