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Fighting for vets’ right to dispense medicines
The BVA and Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) have successfully fought against an attempt by MEPs to restrict the ability of vets to sell veterinary medicines directly to farmers and other animal owners.

Ahead of the debate in the Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) committee on the European Parliament (EP) Resolution regarding Antimicrobial Resistance (held on the 12th of April), a cross-party amendment was tabled which “Invites the Member States to consider restricting veterinarians from, in nonacute cases, selling veterinary medicines directly to farmers and other animal owners, thus reducing the incentive to prescribe more antimicrobials than needed”.
 
Last week the BVA coordinated with the FVE to lobby members of the AGRI committee. The BVA contacted all UK members of the committee setting out the key arguments against the amendment. In particular the BVA highlighted the following:
 
  • The available evidence shows that restricting vets from selling medicines would not lead to a decrease in the use or sale of antimicrobials
  • The ability of vets to prescribe and dispense medicines is already well regulated in the UK
  • Herd health planning would be hugely restricted if the veterinary surgeon cannot dispense antimicrobials
  • Health and welfare could be compromised as vets need to be able to continually monitor the successful outcome of treatment for animals under their care
  • Food animal practice in the UK could be at risk as food animal practices, particularly those in rural areas, are only financially viable as a result of the income from medicine sales

The amendment was rejected by the AGRI committee thanks to the lobbying efforts of the BVA and FVE.
 
Commenting, Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: “Restricting the ability of vets to supply medicines would have little benefit but would cause significant harm to animal health and welfare.
 
“We are therefore delighted that members of the AGRI committee listened to our significant concerns and did not support this amendment.
 
“However, it is another stark wake-up call for members of our profession across the EU and beyond that we must not only take action on antimicrobial resistance, but we must be seen to be taking action.
 
“The BVA is committed to the responsible use of antimicrobials and we would remind vets to follow our useful guidance on antimicrobial use.”
 

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."