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EMA issues call to suspend Velactis in the EU
Dairy cows
Users of Velactis are advised to stop using the medicine in dairy cows and find an alternative method.

VMD suspends marketing and use in the UK

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a call to suspend the marketing authorisation of Velactis following reports of serious adverse events in cows.

The EMA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) say that 319 dairy cows have been affected by the medicine. Of these, 207 cows suffered recumbency and 71 cows died.

Although the Committee is yet to determine the exact cause of these events, there is strong evidence to suggest they are linked to Velactis.

A statement read: 'Given the number and severity of adverse events following use of the medicine in otherwise healthy dairy cows, the Committee concluded that, at present, the risks outweigh the benefits of the product.'

Velactis is used to reduce milk production in dairy cows at the time of drying off. It works by blocking the release of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production.

As a result of the serious cases, the CVMP has suspended the authorisation of Velactis in some EU member states. On Wednesday, the VMD suspended the marketing and use of Velactis in the UK.

Users of Velactis are urged to stop using the medicine in dairy cows and find an alternative method.

Recommendations from the CVMP will be sent to the European Commission for a legally binding decision applicable in all EU member states.














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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.