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AMTRA launches survey into SQP role
AMTRA manages the registrations of over 6,000 SQPs.
It aims to raise more awareness of an SQP’s roles and responsibilities.

The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) has launched an industry survey into the role and impact of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) in the veterinary sector.

The survey will seek responses from SQPs, animal owners, retailers and veterinary teams as AMTRA works to champion the important role that SQPs play in protecting animal health and wellbeing.

SQPs, also known as Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs), are qualified to supply veterinary medicines from a practice’s pharmacy. They are responsible for providing advice on medicine supply, use and disposal.

AMTRA is the regulatory body for SQPs, managing the registration of over 6,000 qualified individuals. It also works to champion the role and its contribution to animal health and wellbeing.

It hopes that the survey will raise awareness for the regulated profession, as well as developing a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities for SQPs.

AMTRA will also use the responses to inform the support that it offers to its registered members. This will include strategies for SQPs in achieving outcomes in the companion animal, equine and livestock sectors.

Hillary Cowley, deputy CEO of AMTRA, said: “At AMTRA we would like to see greater recognition of the valued role SQPs play in contributing to animal wellbeing, including as an integral part of the vet-lead team, supporting responsible animal ownership, and providing advice on prudent medicines supply, use, disposal, and general animal care.

“We hope the survey helps us build a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for our profession so that we can help shape future support and continue delivering excellence.”

The findings will be published at a summer stakeholder event on 11 June at Harper Adams University.

The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and closes on Friday, 28 March. Those who complete the survey can be entered into a prize draw for a Fortnum & Mason hamper to the value of £75.

The survey can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
More bird housing measures introduced in England

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) is to enforce mandatory housing measures in five more regions, as it tackles the spread of avian influenza in kept and wild birds across England.

From 16 February the measures will apply to Cheshire, Herefordshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and Worcestershire. The regions join eight other locations which are already following the measures.

Bird keepers in these areas must house their birds, as well as following strict biosecurity measures. Any locations within a Protection Zone outside these areas must also keep birds housed.

An Avian Influenza Protection Zone, mandating enhanced biosecurity measures, remains in place across Great Britain. On 10 February, APHA also banned the gatherings of poultry, galliforme and anseriforme birds in England, Scotland and Wales

All disease control zones can be checked on APHA's interactive map. Further guidance on additional housing measures can be found here.