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European Medicines Agency updates antibiotics advice
The EMA has updated its scientific advice on the risk categorisation of antibiotics for use in animals.
Four new classes of antibiotics have been identified

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has updated its scientific advice on the risk categorisation of antibiotics for use in animals.

The updated advice from EMA’s Antimicrobial Advice Ad-Hoc Experts Group (AMEG) includes new classes of antibiotics and takes into account the need to use antibiotics in animals versus the risk of antimicrobial resistance to public health.

The main change in the new advice is that the four new classes of antibiotics A to D have been identified, replacing the previous three categories. They are:
  • category A ('Avoid') includes antibiotics currently not authorised for veterinary use. These medicines cannot be used in food-producing animals and should only be given to pets under exceptional circumstances;
  • category B ('Restrict') refers to quinolones, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and polymyxins. These are critically important in human medicine and their use in animals should be restricted;
  • category C ('Caution') covers antibiotics for which alternatives for human use generally exist, but only few alternatives are available in certain veterinary indications. They should only be used when there are no suitable antibiotics in category D;
  • category D ('Prudence') covers antibiotics that may be used in animals in a prudent manner. Group treatment should be restricted to situations where individual treatment is not feasible.
Welcoming the guidance, Chris Lloyd, secretary-general of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) said the advice identifies where a lack of alternative products challenges the treatment of disease in some species. As such, he notes that the updated advice will be particularly helpful in guiding future targets and policy in UK farm animal health and welfare.

“The EMA’s AMEG constantly reassesses the impact on human health of using different antibiotics in animals, alongside the need to treat disease in animals for health and welfare reasons. This is a unique approach globally,” explains Mr Lloyd.

“The advice also focuses on specific resistance issues within the geographical region of Europe, which is why it is used by the government’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate, RUMA, and most professional veterinary organisations within the UK as the key source of expert guidance.”

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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
VMD issues guidance on AVM-GSL packaging

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has shared advice on its requirements for medicines considered AVM-GSL.

The guidance explains the information that should be on the outer package, and sets out the typical maximum pack size for an AVM-GSL product. It also describes the user-friendly language, structure and phrases required on packaging and product leaflets.

AVM-GSL products do not require discussion between the purchaser and a veterinary professional. This means that clear product information is needed to support sales choices.

The information will be useful for submitting new products to the AVM-GSL category and lowering the distribution category of products from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL.

The VMD's guidance can be accessed here.