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.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
