Essential medicines list for food producing animals launched
The list is free to access, and will be updated regularly.
World Veterinary Association (WVA) and Brooke have collaborated to produce the world’s first essential veterinary medicines list (EVML) for food producing animals.
The groups say that the list will respond to the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as well as supporting pandemic prevention preparedness plans that are being developed.
The list, designed to improve veterinary access to safe medicines and vaccines, covers the core medicines and vaccines veterinary surgeons need to access to treat food producing animals. These were selected for their relevance, efficacy, and cost effectiveness by expert working groups.
This first phase of the project explores the medicinal needs of equids, large ruminants, pigs, goats and sheep.
Work has begun on the second phase of the project, considering the needs of poultry and rabbits. A third phase will include aquaculture and bees.
The production of the EVML is linked to the One Health approach that animal, human and environmental health issues are interconnected. The groups say that animal health is dependent on access to safe and effective veterinary medicine, which is not readily available in many regions of the world.
A survey conducted by WVA and Brooke found that 80 per cent of veterinary surgeons felt the challenges accessing veterinary medicines would restrict veterinary teams’ ability to address animal health and welfare.
The groups say that their EVML list will support regulatory authorities and governments with producing their own tailored lists for the specific pathogens and diseases in their countries and regions.
The EVML for food producing animals will be free to access, and will be regularly updated on a calendared basis. The groups will continue seeking global contributions to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
Dr Shereene Williams, senior manager of global animal health at Brooke, said: “We are incredibly proud to have led the development of the EVML alongside the WVA.
“This list is the product of global veterinary expertise and collaboration and is a critical first step in ensuring all animals around the globe have access to medicines and vaccines to keep them healthy and minimise their pain and suffering.”
WVA and Brooke will host a public launch of the EVML in a dedicated webinar on 26 March at 1pm.
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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. 
