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AMTRA launches survey into SQP role
AMTRA manages the registrations of over 6,000 SQPs.
It aims to raise more awareness of an SQP’s roles and responsibilities.

The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) has launched an industry survey into the role and impact of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) in the veterinary sector.

The survey will seek responses from SQPs, animal owners, retailers and veterinary teams as AMTRA works to champion the important role that SQPs play in protecting animal health and wellbeing.

SQPs, also known as Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs), are qualified to supply veterinary medicines from a practice’s pharmacy. They are responsible for providing advice on medicine supply, use and disposal.

AMTRA is the regulatory body for SQPs, managing the registration of over 6,000 qualified individuals. It also works to champion the role and its contribution to animal health and wellbeing.

It hopes that the survey will raise awareness for the regulated profession, as well as developing a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities for SQPs.

AMTRA will also use the responses to inform the support that it offers to its registered members. This will include strategies for SQPs in achieving outcomes in the companion animal, equine and livestock sectors.

Hillary Cowley, deputy CEO of AMTRA, said: “At AMTRA we would like to see greater recognition of the valued role SQPs play in contributing to animal wellbeing, including as an integral part of the vet-lead team, supporting responsible animal ownership, and providing advice on prudent medicines supply, use, disposal, and general animal care.

“We hope the survey helps us build a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for our profession so that we can help shape future support and continue delivering excellence.”

The findings will be published at a summer stakeholder event on 11 June at Harper Adams University.

The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and closes on Friday, 28 March. Those who complete the survey can be entered into a prize draw for a Fortnum & Mason hamper to the value of £75.

The survey can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."