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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.