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AMTRA moves all written and viva exams online
The move will help to reduce the time candidates spend away from home and work.
Move reflects the increasing demand for qualified animal medicines advisors.

The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) has announced that all written and verbal assessments have been moved online for the remainder of 2020-2021 academic year.

Driven by the coronavirus pandemic, the organisation hopes the move will help to reduce the time candidates spend away from home and work, as well as the associated travel costs, and provide more flexibility. 

The Body also said the move will help to meet the increasing demand for qualified animal medicines advisors withing registered premises - the need for which has also been exacerbated by COVID-19.

AMTRA secretary-general Stephen Dawson explains: “We have seen significant increases in companion animal ownership through 2020, and this, in turn, increases demands on the provision of qualified advice on treatments and the supply of veterinary medicines.

“Similarly, the UK livestock farming industry has perhaps never received such high priority within the public conscience, and this is rightly focused on our high standards of animal health and welfare, just as it is with our love and passion for the equine industry.

He adds: “We have a unique and valuable resource for all of these species in the UK, through our network of RAMAs, and it is essential we can maintain and build this essential distribution channel for veterinary medicines.”

AMTRA introduced online viva (oral) examinations in November. The first online written AMTRA exams will be available to sit from Monday, 18 January following approval secured from the organisation’s training partner, Harper Adams University.

To help candidates prepare for the assessments, AMTRA and Harper Adams have prepared a ‘Candidate and Employer Guide to the Online AMTRA Assessments’. The assessment will follow the same rigorous procedures and require the same academic effort as a conventional exam, AMTRA said.

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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. 

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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.