Vet groups warn CMA remedies could cause welfare issues
The vet groups raised concerns over remedies including longer prescription periods and the use of generic medicines.
A coalition of veterinary groups has warned that unintended consequences from the ongoing review into the veterinary sector by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) could lead to animal welfare issues.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and the Veterinary Management Group (VMG) set out their concerns in their response to the CMA's consultation on its issues statement.
The CMA's issues statement listed the Inquiry Group's initial theories about issues surrounding competition in the veterinary sector and potential remedies.
In their joint response, which they have made public, the veterinary groups set out a number of areas where they believe the CMA's proposed remedies could have unintended negative impacts.
The groups state that they have significant concerns about the idea of mandating longer prescriptions periods. They warn it could cause a serious threat to animal welfare issues by possibly leading to antimicrobial resistance, side effects going unmonitored, and conditions worsening without being seen.
They also argue that the proposal that veterinary practices should send annual 'wake-up' letters to clients to prompt them to reconsider their choice of practice could undermine the vet-client-patient relationship and continuity of care. This could increase the risks posed by miscommunication, lack of comprehensive medical records, and fragmented care.
On the topic of generic medicines, the groups have reminded the CMA that veterinary surgeons must follow the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and prescribe according to the Cascade. Suggesting that unlicensed generic medication is equivalent to licensed veterinary products would be irresponsible, the groups say.
Anna Judson, BVA president, said: “Cleary these are unintended consequences, but they do highlight the importance of continued engagement between the CMA and the profession as the investigation progresses to ensure the veterinary voice is heard and unintended consequences are avoided.”
The full response can be read here.
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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. 
