New Medicines Regulations
New Medicines Regulations
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has today published its response to the public consultation on the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, which are updated every year.
This report has received a mixed response, especially from the BVA which welcomes the tightening up of sales of veterinary medicines on the internet but is disappointed that the advertising of antimicrobials to farmers will continue.
The new Regulations, which come into force in April 2011, introduce new controls on internet pharmacies meaning that only approved websites will be legally allowed to dispense and supply veterinary medicines. The controls will come into force in April 2012 and the BVA supports the use of a logo on approved websites to help consumers buy medicines from reputable sources.
The BVA has previously expressed concern that pet owners could inadvertently buy counterfeit veterinary medicines online and urges veterinary clients to seek advice from their vet and only buy from UK-based companies.
Equine charity The Horse Trust has also welcomed this part of the report.
"We are delighted that Defra has taken this vital step to prevent the irresponsible sale of veterinary medicines," said Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust. "Once the regulations come into force next year, we would encourage horse owners to look out for the new logo when making veterinary medicine purchases online."
Last year, The Horse Trust raised the issue of websites dispensing equine wormers without providing veterinary advice.
"We are particularly concerned about websites that sell equine wormers without providing advice due to the growing problem of drug resistant worms," said Jeanette. "Many horses have a natural immunity to worms so may not need regular treatment with worming drugs. We advise horse owners to develop a tailored management programme with their vet to reduce the risk of their horse developing drug resistance."
Commenting, Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: “Without proper regulation online pharmacies could be sourcing drugs from overseas and selling counterfeit medicines that look genuine to unsuspecting pet owners. These medicines are placebos at best and dangerous at worst.
“We therefore welcome the VMD’s decision to clampdown on irresponsible online retailers and provide a clear logo for approved websites that will give pet owners confidence.
“We have also asked the VMD to put a stop to the increasing problem of prescription fraud and we hope the tighter regulation announced today will be a step towards achieving that aim.
“However, we would urge all pet owners to continue talking to their vet about sourcing medicines from the internet to make sure the right drugs are bought and administered correctly.”
In light of increasing concerns about the growth of antimicrobial resistance the VMD’s consultation canvassed views on restricting the advertising of antimicrobials to farmers. The BVA supported this measure as a sensible approach to the responsible use of antimicrobials.
The BVA is therefore disappointed that the VMD has decided not to go ahead with the ban on advertising.
FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.
