Views sought on veterinary medicines containing zinc oxide
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Interested parties are being invited to provide written comment on proposals to withdraw veterinary medicines containing zinc oxide.
EU Member States are being invited to provide written comment on proposals to withdraw veterinary medicines containing zinc oxide.
In December 2016, the EMA’s Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) concluded that the benefit/risk ratio for veterinary medicines containing zinc oxide is negative and that this class of products should be withdrawn.
But following numerous appeals from across the EU, the CVMP has been requested to re-examine this conclusion, with a final announcement expected in March.
In light of this review, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate - which represents the CVMP in the UK - is now calling on interested parties to submit relevant evidence via their proforma.
Specifically, the VMD is looking for comments relating to:
• the impact of product withdrawal on pig health and welfare and/or pig productivity
• husbandry and/or production system changes that will be necessary to mitigate this impact, and the economic cost of these changes
• effective alternatives to zinc oxide, either currently available or in development
The deadline for submission of responses is 11.59pm on 21 February. Submissions should be concise, written in English and limited to 2000 words, excluding references.
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. 
