BVA responds to criticism
Criticisms have been voiced over the British Veterinary Association's (BVA) call to reclassify all anthelmintics as POM-V – a decision that would prevent suitably qualified persons (SQPs) from prescribing them.
Two organisations that represent SQPs – Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) and Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) – immediately questioned the BVA's view.
Sheep and cattle are increasingly resisting anthelmintic products, which are used to destroy parasitic worms. A situation that is causing significant concern among those in the veterinary and farming industry.
As such, the BVA suggests that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) should reclassify anthelmintics to allow only vets to prescribe such products.
Following criticism, the association has further justified its view with a statement.
"The BVA''s position on the classification of anthelmintic products has been several years in the making. The situation is [now] so severe that we believe we must act now or face the consequences of newer classes of anthelmintics becoming ineffective.
"At BVA Congress in 2009, Professor Neil Sargison of the Royal (Dick) University made the case for all anthelmintics to be made POM-V… and, in consultation with our specialist species divisions and members, we developed our current policy position.
"Of course we do understand that this position will be difficult for those that represent and train SQPs to support. We are not seeking to place blame and the BVA does acknowledge the efforts of AHDA and AMTRA to improve the training of SQPs and introduce compulsory CPD.
"But all of us working within the current system should take responsibility for the current situation and consider how best to change the way we operate in future.
"Unfortunately, in our opinion, the existence of a VPS category has allowed the distribution of anthelmintics on a far wider scale that has put pressure on these products, and ultimately increased the likelihood of resistance."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
