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: 6th March 2024
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

New legislation to modernise VMR
The changes follow the government's response to a public consultation.
The government says it will make the UK a better place to develop medicines.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced new legislation for the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (VMR), which it says will modernise and maintain the UK as a place to develop veterinary medicine.

The changes made to the VMR follow plans set out in the government’s response to last year’s public consultation.

Defra says that these changes will introduce new measures which will help to tackle antimicrobial resistance. The measures will increase the restrictions on antibiotic use, as well as antibiotics administered via feed.

This forms part of the government’s wider work to combat antimicrobial resistance, as the UK aims to contain and control antimicrobial resistance by 2040. The vision delivered through the UK’s five-year National Action Plan for AMR.

Defra has stated that its recent UK-Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales Surveillance (VARRS) report revealed that the sales of antibiotics for use in food-producing animals fell by almost 10 per cent last year. Antibiotics sales for this purpose have also dropped by 59 per cent since 2014.

Other changes will attempt to reduce regulatory burdens on marketing veterinary medicine, by facilitating the submission of one marketing authorisation application dossier to enable common packaging to be used across the UK.

The VMR sets out the controls for the marketing, manufacturing, distribution, possession, and administration of veterinary medicines and medicated feed. The rules are established to protect animal health, public health, and the environment.

Abi Seager, the Veterinary Medicine Directorate’s chief executive officer, said: “I am delighted that this much-anticipated legislation has been brought to Parliament.

“I would like to thank Lord Douglas-Miller for his input, and our stakeholders for helping to shape our thinking, both in responses to our consultation and through other contributions. We eagerly await parliamentarians discussing our proposals, and we hope they support these much-needed changes.”

Image © Shutterstock

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

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.