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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th April 2011
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Fighting for vets’ right to dispense medicines
The BVA and Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) have successfully fought against an attempt by MEPs to restrict the ability of vets to sell veterinary medicines directly to farmers and other animal owners.

Ahead of the debate in the Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) committee on the European Parliament (EP) Resolution regarding Antimicrobial Resistance (held on the 12th of April), a cross-party amendment was tabled which “Invites the Member States to consider restricting veterinarians from, in nonacute cases, selling veterinary medicines directly to farmers and other animal owners, thus reducing the incentive to prescribe more antimicrobials than needed”.
 
Last week the BVA coordinated with the FVE to lobby members of the AGRI committee. The BVA contacted all UK members of the committee setting out the key arguments against the amendment. In particular the BVA highlighted the following:
 
  • The available evidence shows that restricting vets from selling medicines would not lead to a decrease in the use or sale of antimicrobials
  • The ability of vets to prescribe and dispense medicines is already well regulated in the UK
  • Herd health planning would be hugely restricted if the veterinary surgeon cannot dispense antimicrobials
  • Health and welfare could be compromised as vets need to be able to continually monitor the successful outcome of treatment for animals under their care
  • Food animal practice in the UK could be at risk as food animal practices, particularly those in rural areas, are only financially viable as a result of the income from medicine sales

The amendment was rejected by the AGRI committee thanks to the lobbying efforts of the BVA and FVE.
 
Commenting, Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: “Restricting the ability of vets to supply medicines would have little benefit but would cause significant harm to animal health and welfare.
 
“We are therefore delighted that members of the AGRI committee listened to our significant concerns and did not support this amendment.
 
“However, it is another stark wake-up call for members of our profession across the EU and beyond that we must not only take action on antimicrobial resistance, but we must be seen to be taking action.
 
“The BVA is committed to the responsible use of antimicrobials and we would remind vets to follow our useful guidance on antimicrobial use.”
 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.