Online controls for veterinary medicines wanted

The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) has recommended a ban on Internet antimicrobial sales, amongst other measures, in a new report.

Making its position clear on the ongoing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) issue, the federation has published its report, titled Internet sales: a growing threat for the safe and responsible use of veterinary medicines.

Among the recommendations, FVE proposes a ban on selling antimicrobials over the Internet, control of veterinary prescriptions and strict regulation and control of Internet pharmacies Europe-wide.

The report reads: "…when discussion comes to AMR and ways to prevent it, there is one major question to answer: while we try to diminish the use of antimicrobials in both animals and humans and strictly monitor this, how do we ensure that antimicrobials are not accessible by the end users via other channels, like Internet?"

FVE also states that it is "inconsistent" to discuss restraining veterinarians from selling antimicrobials, while leaving the window open for anyone to easily access the medication they need online – without veterinary examination, diagnosis, prescription or any other control.

Dr Buhot, president of the federation, said: "It is very worrying that no one has a good overview of what exactly goes over the internet, because a large amount of these medicines seem to go around all official procedures and controls."

In a further statement, the FVE said that it wishes to make sure that Internet sales of all veterinary medicines does not compromise, at any case, animal and/or human health.

Click here to read the full report.

Related News
One Health approach strengthened
Antibiotics a key issue at G8