Virginiamycin to be phased out
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has announced that it will be phasing out the importation of Virginiamycin for veterinary use.
The active ingredient in a veterinary medicine used to prevent laminitis, Virginiamycin will be banned completely from 30 September 2014. Its importation will be phased out over the next two years.
Virginiamycin is a streptogramin defined by the World Health Organisation as a class of antibiotics critically important in human medicines. The VMD has decided to phase out its use as there is no robust evidence to suggest that it will not pose a risk in terms of antimicrobial resistance developing.
Laminitis can also be managed through animal husbandry and pasture management, as there is no robust evidence that the medicine prevents the condition. The VMD is encouraging veterinary surgeons and horse owners to explore alternative methods of managing laminitis.
Both the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), have welcomed the decision.
Carl Padgett, BVA President, said: "The threat of resistance in animals and humans is one that the BVA takes seriously and we support measures that promote the responsible use of these vital medicines. In the particular case of virginiamycin and its importance as a critically important antimicrobial in human medicine, its use in horses is no longer justified."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
