Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd July 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.














Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.