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.
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

AMTRA speaks of growing support for RAMA title
Stephen Dawson, AMTRA secretary-general.
Organisation says increasing numbers of industry bodies are supporting the move.

The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) has spoken of the growing support for the title of ‘Registered Animal Medicines Advisors’ (RAMAs), ahead of what could be an official change when the UK Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) are updated in 2023. 

The not-for-profit organisation, which is appointed by Defra to keep a register of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), says that increasing numbers of industry bodies are supporting the move and introducing the term, including the AHDA, NADIS, SCOPS, COWS and Zoetis. 

SQPs are legally are entitled to prescribe and/or supply certain veterinary medicines (POM-VPS and NFA-VPS) under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. However, AMTRA believes that formally changing the title to RAMA would better reflect and recognise the crucial role of registered professionals qualified.
 
Stephen Dawson, AMTRA secretary-general explains: “We are delighted to see so many other industry organisations, bodies and animal health companies now adopting the title RAMA and wanting to help the push for an official name change.

“This is a subject that has been on our radar for some time, as we do not feel the name SQP reflects the abilities of those that have passed through the training and qualification, and also maintain their CPD and ongoing learning. Animal owners do not understand the initials ‘SQP’ but nor do they understand ‘Suitably Qualified Person’, which is very vague.

He continued: “Registered Animal Medicines Advisor, or RAMA, more accurately qualifies the important role these individuals play in part of a wider animal health plan, and we are pleased to see the enthusiasm across the sector to support the move.”

AMTRA is currently engaging with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate on future regulatory changes and how the title change can be achieved.

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

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.