Warning over illegal veterinary medicines
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) have both warned of the potentially grave consequences involved in the use of illegal veterinary medicines after the prosecution of a farmer for the possession of unauthorised veterinary medical products procured from a Europe-wide smuggling ring. Jeremiah Hagar, 62, of Barthorpe Farm, Yorkshire, was convicted on three charges at Scarborough Magistrates Court and was given a 12-month community order, instructed to undertake 120 hours unpaid work, and was ordered to pay £3,250 in costs. A number of other charges were dismissed.
Commenting on the case, a spokesperson for the VMD said that “By buying prescription-only medicines of unknown origin and of dubious quality, this individual placed the health and welfare of his animals at risk as well as potentially putting harmful residues into the food chain.” The spokesperson also recommended that anyone concerned about the source or quality of veterinary medicines get in contact the VMD.
Also commenting, President of the BVA Carl Padgett noted that “The threat of illegally imported and counterfeit medicines is a real one and veterinary surgeons must be wary of where they purchase medicines and should also be advising their farmer clients of such risks as well...To do otherwise is to risk compromising the health and welfare of animals being treated, and in the case of food animals to potentially lead to violative drug residues in food thus posing an added threat to consumer safety.”
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. 
