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Call for tighter anthelmintic regulations
BVA requests classification change to limit dispensing

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has written to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) requesting a change to regulations, so that anthelmintics can only be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Veterinarians in Europe is currently lobbying for tighter rules regarding the accessibility of anthelmintics across Europe – with the support of the BVA.

In order to ensure the power to prescribe anthelmintics lies with the veterinary surgeon alone, all anthelmintics must be classified as POM-V. This change to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations means that both vets and Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) will lose their power to do so.

The BVA said it believes it is important that all anthelmintics be classified as POM-V so that their use is conditional on appropriate veterinary advice for all species, at a time when expert opinion is increasingly alarmed at the growth in resistance to anthelmintics in grazing animals.

The association backs up its statement by concluding that SQPs do not have the level of expertise that a veterinary surgeon has in veterinary parasitology.

"We know that resistance to anthelmintics is a major problem that must be addressed vigorously if the livestock industry is to avoid a potentially disastrous situation of being unable to tackle parasites in grazing animals," commented Peter Jones, the BVA president.

"The UK must be brought in line with the rest of Europe and we need Europe-wide legislation to better control access to anthelmintics in order to safeguard the efficacy of these products in the future."

The BVA is a member of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Alliance, and is actively working on a CPD programme to reinforce the responsible use of anthelmintics.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.